“What makes you excited to come to work?” This is a common question that often trips people up, however, this question gives you a chance to show your passion and enthusiasm. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that you’d be a motivated, engaged employee.
Your answer should highlight your genuine interest in the role and company while aligning with their values and needs.
Preparing a thoughtful response can help you ace this question.
- Is it solving problems?
- Working with others?
- Learning new things?
Be honest and specific in your answer, but not too much that you answer “it is because of the money”. We know people come to work to make a living, what the interviewer want to know is what truly energizes you at work.
Key Takeaways
- Showcase your enthusiasm for the role and company
- Highlight aspects of work that genuinely motivate you
- Prepare examples that demonstrate your passion and alignment with the job
Why Do Employers Ask “What Makes You Excited to Come to Work?” During an Interview
Employers ask this question to learn about your motivation and passion. They want to see if you’ll fit well with their work culture. Your answer shows what drives you and if you’ll be engaged in the role.
Companies seek employees who are enthusiastic and committed. When you’re excited about your job, you’re more likely to be productive and stay with the company longer. Your passion can inspire others and contribute to a positive workplace.
This question helps reveal your values and priorities.
- Are you excited by teamwork?
- Do you love solving problems?
- Are you driven by the mission and the vision?
Your response gives insight into what matters most to you at work. Interviewers also use this question to gauge your knowledge of the company.
- Have you researched their mission and values?
- Can you connect your interests to what they do?
Your answer helps employers picture how you’ll fit into their team. They want the answer to:
Will your energy and excitement align with their goals?
They want to know if you’ll thrive in their environment and add value to their organization.
Common Variations of “What Makes You Excited to Come to Work?”
Interviewers often ask about your work excitement in different ways. Here are some common variations:
- What motivates you at work?
- What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?
- What gets you out of bed in the morning?
- Why do you love coming to work each day?
- What makes this role appealing to you?
These questions aim to understand your passion and enthusiasm. They want to see if you’re a good fit for the company culture.
Be ready to discuss specific tasks or responsibilities that energize you. Think about the parts of your job that make you feel accomplished.
You could mention:
- Collaborating with teammates
- Solving challenging problems
- Learning new skills
- Making a positive impact
- Achieving goals
Always tie your answer to the company’s mission or values to show you’ve done your research and are truly interested in the role.
How to Answer “What Makes You Excited to Come to Work?”
Preparing a thoughtful answer to this question can help you stand out in interviews. It shows your passion and motivation for the job. Here’s a step-by-step approach to craft your response.
Step 1: Think About Your Past Experience
Reflect on your past work experiences. Think about times when you felt most engaged and energized. What tasks or projects made you eager to start your day? List these moments and look for common themes.
Consider your strengths and how they align with the job. What drives you to do your best? Is it problem-solving, helping others, or learning new skills? Identify aspects of work that truly excite you.
Step 2: Research The Company
Research the company and position thoroughly. Review the job description and company values. Find areas where your passions align with their goals and culture.
Look for what inspires you about this specific role. Is it the chance to innovate? The opportunity to make a difference? Pinpoint elements that genuinely excite you.
Step 3: Give an Example
Craft your answer using specific examples. Start with a brief overview of what motivates you. Then, provide a concrete instance from your past that illustrates this motivation in action.
For example: “I get excited about solving complex problems. In my last role, I led a project to streamline our inventory system. The challenge of finding an efficient solution kept me energized throughout the process.”
Step 4: Connect Your Experience With The Role
Connect your motivations to the job at hand. Explain how your passions align with the role’s responsibilities and the company’s mission. Show how your excitement will benefit the team and organization.
You might say: “Your company’s focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with my passion for environmental conservation. I’m excited about the prospect of developing eco-friendly products that make a real impact.”
Step 5: Practice With Confidence
Practice your response out loud. Time yourself to ensure your answer is concise, typically around 60-90 seconds. Pay attention to your tone and body language. Aim to convey genuine enthusiasm.
Ask a friend or family member to listen and provide feedback. Are you coming across as authentic and passionate? Refine your answer based on their input. Remember, your excitement should be palpable in your delivery.
Best Example Answers to “What Makes You Excited to Come to Work?”
Your answer to this question can show your passion and motivation. It gives insight into what drives you professionally. Here are some example responses for different career stages and situations.
Example Answer for a Recent Graduate
“As a recent graduate, I’m excited to put my education into practice. Learning new skills and applying them to real-world challenges energizes me. I love the idea of contributing fresh ideas to a team. The chance to grow alongside experienced professionals is thrilling.
I’m passionate about [specific field] and can’t wait to dive deeper. The prospect of making a meaningful impact, even in small ways, gets me out of bed each morning. I’m eager to prove myself and take on new responsibilities.
Your company’s innovative projects in [specific area] particularly interest me. The opportunity to be part of that would be incredibly motivating.”
Example Answer for an Experienced Candidate
“After years in this field, I still find joy in solving complex problems. Each day brings new challenges that keep me on my toes. I’m excited by the chance to [use specific skills] to make processes more efficient.
Mentoring younger team members has become a rewarding part of my career. Seeing their growth and success is truly fulfilling. I’m also passionate about staying current with industry trends and technologies.
The collaborative atmosphere at your company is appealing. I thrive when working with diverse teams to achieve common goals. Your company’s commitment to [specific value or initiative] aligns perfectly with what motivates me professionally.”
Example Answer for Applying for a Leadership Position
“Leading teams to success is what drives me. I’m energized by the challenge of bringing out the best in others. Seeing team members grow and achieve their potential is incredibly rewarding.
I’m excited by the strategic aspects of leadership. Analyzing market trends, setting goals, and developing strategies to achieve them keeps me engaged. I love the process of turning vision into reality through teamwork.
Your company’s commitment to innovation and employee development resonates with me. The opportunity to lead projects that have a real impact on the industry is thrilling. I’m also motivated by the chance to foster a positive and productive work culture.”
Example Answer for an Industry Change
“The prospect of applying my skills in a new industry excites me. I’m energized by the challenge of learning about [specific industry]. Adapting my experience to a fresh context keeps me on my toes.
I’m passionate about [transferable skill] and am excited to use it in innovative ways. The chance to bring a different perspective to your team is motivating. I thrive on the learning curve that comes with a new industry.
Your company’s focus on [specific aspect of the industry] particularly interests me. I’m eager to contribute to projects that [achieve specific goal]. The opportunity to grow in a new field while making a meaningful impact gets me excited to come to work.”
Example Answer for a Career Change
“Embarking on a new career path fills me with enthusiasm. I’m excited by the chance to apply my diverse background to this role. Learning new skills and facing fresh challenges energizes me daily.
I’m passionate about [aspect of new career] and can’t wait to immerse myself in it. The opportunity to build on my transferable skills while developing expertise in [specific area] is thrilling. I’m motivated by the growth potential in this field.
Your company’s supportive environment for career changers appeals to me. The chance to bring a unique perspective to your team excites me. I’m eager to contribute my [relevant skills] while learning from experienced colleagues in this new industry.”
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