**Passionate About? Craft Your Answer**

Crafting a Compelling Response to "What Drives You?"

When preparing for a job interview, it's essential to anticipate questions that may seem unrelated to the position. One such question is "What drives you?" or "What are you passionate about?" While it may appear straightforward, answering this question effectively requires some thought and strategy.

Interviewers ask about your passions for several reasons. Firstly, they want to understand who you are as a person, beyond your professional persona. They're interested in knowing how you spend your free time and what brings you joy. Additionally, this question helps them assess your fit for the company culture and values.

To respond effectively, remember the following tips:

1. Be authentic: Share a genuine passion or interest that you're enthusiastic about. Avoid making assumptions about what the interviewer wants to hear or fabricating a hobby.
2. Choose a relevant passion: Select a passion that you're actively engaged in and knowledgeable about. This will enable you to provide specific examples and demonstrate your expertise.
3. Connect it to the job: Try to relate your passion to the position or industry. Highlight the skills or values you've developed through your passion that can be applied to the job.
4. Provide context and details: Don't simply state your passion; explain why it's important to you and how it has impacted your life. Share a personal anecdote or example that illustrates your passion in action.
5. Practice your response: Prepare your answer in advance and practice it out loud. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable discussing your passion.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Lying or exaggerating about your passions
• Failing to prepare a response
• Overemphasizing your hobbies, which may give the impression that you're not committed to your work
• Not connecting your passion to the job or industry
• Discussing controversial or polarizing topics

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to craft a compelling response to "What drives you?" that showcases your personality, skills, and values. Remember, this question is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your unique fit for the position.