How to Find Motivated Job Applicants

We all have to admit that some job applicants aren’t properly motivated. Perhaps they’re unemployed and they just want any job. Maybe they’re dilettantes who just like to do the job because they’re bored with their life. Sometimes it’s all about the money.

Companies want properly motivated applicants because those are the ones who generally do their best. What’s more, they tend to stay on and they don’t leave the company in a lurch.

So if you’re sifting through job candidates, here are some tips that can help you find the applicants with the proper motivation:

Ask the Right Questions

You can ask a question that shed light on why the applicants are interested in the job. So you can ask for reasons why they love the job, or about when they realized that they wanted a job like the one you’re offering. Ask about what accomplishments they’ve achieved that gave them the best feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Let them tell you about times they’ve worked beyond their job description just to help out. All these questions can give you a clearer idea of what motivates the applicant.

Focus on the Body Language (Not Just on the Spoken Words)

Sometimes a person’s body language and facial expressions can tell you more about what they’re really feeling instead of the words they use. Those who are interested in the job and the industry often lean in towards you. They smile and exhibit obvious signs of interest. In some cases, you may even notice a definite sparkle in their eyes that demonstrates their undeniable motivation and interest.

Signs of disinterest include closed arms over the chest. You may even find some applicants with their eyes glazing over.

You should also pay attention to the tone of the voice as well. It’s easy enough to notice when a person is bored or is passionate about the industry. The tone of the voice can demonstrate clearly the applicant’s level of excitement for the job and the industry.

“What Will You Do on the First Day?”

This is a key question to ask in an interview for 2 reasons. If they have a ready answer, then they may have already imagined themselves working at your company. That shows they want the job. In addition, if they have plans for what to do then it shows that they have initiative and can act without being told what to do.

A person who doesn’t have a ready answer to this question may have questionable motivations. It’s better for the applicant if they already have an inkling of what the first day will be like.

In the end, it’s true that an applicant’s qualifications, skills, and knowledge do affect their eligibility for the job. But it’s also true that their motivations matter. Their motivations ensure that they will work hard to do the job even if no one’s looking over their shoulder. If they’re not motivated, then their skills and knowledge won’t really matter. After all, it’s not as if they care!

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