How to Answer 'What Inspires You?' with 10+ Winning Examples

Ever been caught off guard by the question, “What inspires you?”

It’s one of those deceptively simple interview questions that can make or break your first impression.

With 33% of hiring decisions based on first impressions, you want to get this one right.

Hiring managers ask it to understand your motivation, work ethic, and values—so a well-prepared answer can set you apart from the competition.

This guide will help you craft a compelling response, packed with sample answers and expert tips to ensure you walk into your interview with confidence.

Read on to learn:

Why recruiters ask this question
How to craft a strong, authentic response
10+ powerful sample answers tailored to different careers

Let’s get started!

Why Do Recruiters Ask 'What Inspires You?'

As mentioned, recruiters use this question to understand your work ethic, values, and intrinsic motivation.

Candidates who are inspired tend to be more ambitious, engaged, and productive.

By answering this question effectively, you provide insight into:

What drives you professionally
How your values align with the company culture
Your ability to stay motivated and contribute to success

Also Read: What are the most common interview questions in 2023?

How to Answer 'What Inspires You?'

Tie Your Inspiration to the Job Role

Instead of a generic answer, directly connect what inspires you to the responsibilities and goals of the position.

For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, talk about how the psychology behind consumer behavior excites you and how you've used that inspiration to craft impactful campaigns.

Use a Personal but Professional Example

Recruiters want authenticity!

Instead of a textbook response, share a real-life moment that shaped your passion. Example: “I was inspired to pursue healthcare when I saw how a nurse’s kindness transformed my grandfather’s experience in the hospital. That’s why I prioritize patient empathy in my work.”

Demonstrate How It Fuels Your Work Ethic

Hiring managers are looking for self-driven candidates. Make it clear that your inspiration pushes you to perform better, overcome challenges, and grow in your field.

Example: “I’m inspired by finding innovative solutions. When I saw inefficiencies in my team’s workflow, I created a system that cut processing time by 30%.”

Show Long-Term Growth Potential

Employers want employees who stay motivated. Frame your inspiration as a driving force that keeps you evolving.

Example: “I thrive on continuous learning. The dynamic nature of AI excites me, and I regularly take advanced courses to stay ahead of industry trends.”

Use Metrics & Achievements

Stand out by backing up your inspiration with quantifiable results.

Example: “I’m inspired by creative storytelling. My passion for brand messaging helped me increase engagement by 45% in my last role.”

Align with the Company’s Mission & Values

If possible, link your inspiration to the company’s core values.

Example: “What excites me is making education accessible, which is why I admire [Company Name]’s mission to bridge learning gaps through technology.”

These approaches ensure your answer is memorable, authentic, and job-relevant—not just another cliché response.

Also Read: How to answer behavioral interview questions in 2023?

10+ Sample Answers for 'What Inspires You?'

1. Achievement & Goal-Setting

"Setting and achieving goals within deadlines motivates me. I take pride in my ability to push projects forward and see tangible results. For example, leading my team to complete a high-impact project ahead of schedule instilled a sense of accomplishment and inspired me to take on bigger challenges."

2. Constant Learning & Growth

"I am inspired by the pursuit of knowledge and skill-building. As a software developer, I constantly seek opportunities to improve—whether it's learning a new programming language or optimizing code for better efficiency. This drive has helped me contribute significantly to past projects, like streamlining a system that reduced load times by 30%."

"Helping others is what truly inspires me. My previous role involved working with underprivileged communities, where I saw firsthand how small actions can create meaningful change. Knowing that my work directly contributes to improving lives motivates me to push harder every day."

4. Innovation & Problem-Solving (For Engineers, Scientists, or Product Managers)

"I am driven by problem-solving and innovation. The challenge of designing sustainable solutions excites me. In my last role, I led a project focused on energy efficiency, reducing operational costs by 20%, which reaffirmed my passion for making an impact through innovative thinking."

5. Overcoming Challenges & Resilience

"Stories of resilience inspire me. For instance, I admire leaders like Oprah Winfrey, who turned hardships into opportunities. Their perseverance motivates me to approach challenges with optimism and persistence, whether in my personal life or in my professional career."

6. Creativity & Expression (For Designers, Writers, or Artists)

"Creative expression inspires me. As a graphic designer, I find inspiration in everyday visuals, turning simple ideas into compelling visuals that tell a story. My ability to create designs that connect with audiences keeps me motivated and excited about my work."

7. Leadership & Mentorship (For Management Roles)

"I’m inspired by great leadership. Seeing how a strong leader can uplift and motivate a team drives me to hone my own leadership skills. My past managers have played a significant role in my growth, and I aim to replicate that impact in my future leadership roles."

8. Collaboration & Teamwork

"Working in a collaborative environment inspires me. I thrive in settings where ideas are shared freely and teamwork leads to innovative solutions. In my last role, brainstorming sessions with my colleagues resulted in a breakthrough strategy that increased client engagement by 40%."

9. Technology & Future Trends (For Tech Roles)

"The ever-evolving world of technology excites me. Keeping up with advancements in AI and automation inspires me to continue learning and applying new knowledge to solve complex problems. This curiosity has led me to develop automated solutions that significantly improved workflow efficiency."

10. Work-Life Impact & Personal Fulfillment

"I find inspiration in maintaining a balance between personal growth and professional success. A well-rounded life fuels my creativity and productivity at work. Whether it's traveling to gain new perspectives or engaging in hobbies, these experiences enrich my ability to think outside the box."

Also Read: How to answer the interview question - Walk me through your resume?

FAQs on 'What Inspires You?'

1. What kind of inspiration should I talk about in a job interview?

Focus on professional motivations, such as goal-setting, leadership, creativity, or problem-solving, rather than purely personal interests.

2. Can I talk about personal experiences as inspiration?

Yes, but ensure your answer is relevant to the job. For example, discussing how a mentor shaped your career path is acceptable, while sharing unrelated childhood experiences may not be impactful.

3. How do I effectively express my inspiration?

Use specific examples of how your inspiration has influenced your work and contributed to success. Keep your response positive and engaging.

Also Read: What are the best questions to ask interviewers in 2023?

Final Thoughts

Answering "What inspires you?" effectively can set you apart in an interview. Focus on:

Being specific and concise
Providing real-life examples
Connecting your inspiration with the job role
Aligning with the company's culture and values

Need more interview prep?Hiration’s AI-powered career services can help you craft job-winning resumes, cover letters, and interview answers.