Who Inspires You? Why It Is Asked & How To Answer [With Sample Answers]

It never fails. We walk into an interview, whether for a job or opportunity, and we come up against a question we don’t expect. At times, this comes in the form of “Who Inspires You?”

While many people do, in fact, inspire us every day, we struggle to come up with a professional and authentic response.

To help in this endeavor, we have compiled an array of helpful and valuable material, along with sample answers. Keep reading to figure out the perfect approach to this million-dollar question.

Why Do Interviewers Ask, “Who Inspires You?”

You wouldn’t think so, but the “Who Inspires You?” question bears a lot of weight when trying to learn more about a person’s character.

There are several opportunities during the interview process to find out the various elements of a candidate, but this question provides different insight to their character.

Because those who are serious about the prospect often spend time practicing their answers to possible interview questions, it’s not always easy to get an authentic answer to dig under the surface.

However, questions about who inspires them can sometimes catch them off guard.

When a candidate is presented with an inquiry they aren’t expecting; they must respond on the fly. Whereas they might have a perfectly manicured answer for other questions, this one requires them to speak more casually and honestly.

What Is the Interviewer Looking For?

When the interviewer lobs the question “Who Inspires You?” to the interviewee, they seek an emotional response.

Moreover, they are curious whether they will receive a standard and generic answer or uncover a piece of your true self when you provide your source of inspiration.

How To Answer “Who Inspires You?”

When you find yourself confronted with this particular interview question, the last thing you should do is panic.

If you haven’t prepped for this type of inquiry ahead of time, you can still come out positively on the other side. Below we highlight some tips and suggestions to consider for this instance.

What To Focus on When Answering This Question

When you get ready to answer this question, don’t rush. You want the interview panel to see that you are taking the inquiry seriously and want to provide a quality answer.

It’s best to speak confidently and authentically to display your response in the best possible light.

Other points of consideration to keep in mind during this time include the following:

• Keep Your Posture – Moments of panic can lead to slumped shoulders, stiff limbs, and more.
• Be Aware of Non-Verbals – Ensure your facial expressions don’t resemble anxiety or stress if caught off-guard.
• Speak Eloquently – Even if you weren’t planning to answer this type of question, act as you would with any other inquiry with clear and concise words and tone.
• Be Genuine – It’s important to be honest when answering this question, although you don’t need to be overly detailed as to why.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

While some may anticipate the question “Who Inspires You?” not all will. Whether you are ready for this inquisition or not, there are various things you should avoid when answering this telling question.

As we covered above, appearing confident, answering genuinely, and watching your posture and non-verbal actions are critical. However, there are a few things to add to that list, which include:

• Don’t Joke – The interview panel is asking this question to unearth serious responses; responding appropriately is vital.
• Don’t Fly By the Seat of Your Pants – Those on the other side of the table will be able to see if you aren’t putting effort into your answer and giving a generic response. Therefore, it’s critical to pause to reflect before answering.
• Don’t Get Emotional – Although the question can trigger such a response, keep any emotion inside as you give your answer.
• Don’t Get Overly Personal – While the inquiry calls for some level of detail, you don’t need to provide too much information when giving your answer.

Examples: How To Answer “Who Inspires You?”

When you find yourself presented with this highly important question, your mind can escape to various places and subjects.

Below we provide three top examples of how to answer this question that is both authentic and telling.

Family Member

Throughout my life, there has been one member of my family to whom I have routinely gone for advice and direction. Ever since I was young, I knew that this individual would be honest and direct with me when I had questions and that they would provide me guidance if needed. However, I also knew their background, which is why I found their opinion so valuable.

Even today, I find myself picking up the phone to call and ask for input or feedback. Seeing how this person has navigated their life despite hardship has inspired me to work my hardest. When they came up against opposition, they found a way to pivot and continue forging on to their goal. I have always aspired to adopt that same mentality and be the problem solver with the innovative spirit that they have always been.

Why This Answer Works

By providing this answer, you are giving the interview panel a look into what drives you to be the person that you are today. The inclusion of being a problem solver and innovative lets them know what to expect from your behavior and commitment.

While this answer references a family member with a challenging aspect of their past, it doesn’t get overly detailed and personal.

The panel can see the impact this individual had on you and what you learned without knowing too much about a person they don’t know.

Teacher

Throughout a person’s life, they have many teachers. Therefore, it takes a lot for one to shine through and stand out above the rest. However, I was fortunate enough to have a professor in college who rose above his job in such a tremendous way that he has served as a source of inspiration for me ever since.

My time with that teacher always sits in the back of my mind. I often find myself returning to my notes from his lectures to read some of the quotes that came during the lessons. While he didn’t intend them to be, his natural speaking always encouraged you to work to your full potential and never take no for an answer.

Why This Answer Works

It’s typical for an interviewee to reference a family member when they get the question of who inspires them. Therefore, including a teacher in the response will often set you apart from the crowd right off the bat.

This answer gives detail about how you construct your work in how you reference your notes to read the quotes. Additionally, this type of response shows that you can engage in strong professional relationships with others.

Colleague

In my last job, I was frequently paired with a colleague that was very different than me. Where I liked blue, he liked orange. My habit of listening to music while working didn’t settle well with him. Even situations such as what office supplies were necessary would bring conflict.

However, we both had a common goal of performing to the best of our ability. As we put in the work daily, I came to have a great deal of respect for this person. Moreover, I started to see the wisdom and reason behind many of his decisions. Knowing why he performed in the way he did helped me see outside the box.

I credit that person with teaching me to be a better colleague, person, and worker. Opening my eyes to new ways of life has tremendously impacted me. He is now the inspiration behind many of my decisions, and I frequently call him for insight now to see how he would approach things.

Why This Answer Works

Interviewers often hear about conflicts that people resolve and what they learn, but it isn’t always framed in the context of inspiration.

This answer shows that you can overcome adversity and achieve a higher level of learning by fully understanding the depths of what you were presented with.

Showing vulnerability can be a powerful tool and helps the panel see you as a growing individual open to feedback and advice.

Additional Tips for Impressing an Interviewer Asking Who Inspires You?

You may think answering the question is all you need to do when an interviewer asks who inspires you. However, you can include a few extra elements to impress them even more and help to stand out among your peers.

Tie Your Answer to the Job

Bringing the response full circle and tying your answer to critical elements of the job shows the interviewer that you have the valuable skills needed to perform the role.

Express Vulnerability

As mentioned above, vulnerability is a powerful tool. However, many people don’t utilize it because they believe it makes them appear weak during the interview.

When used correctly, this trait can make you more personable to the panel while displaying an emotional connection.

Think Outside the Box

While the question may catch you off-guard, don’t respond to the inquiry by referencing the first individual you think of at the moment.

Before answering, take a breath to reflect on a person in your life that aligns with the job you want and the traits you aspire to have. This individual may be a business mentor, tutor, or neighbor.

Additional Questions To Be Aware Of

While it would be nice, the question of who inspires you isn’t the only one you will face during an interview. Below we list others you should prepare for in the event that you are asked:

• What Areas Need Improvement? – This question can feel like you’re talking bad about yourself, but it can actually be quite positive.
• If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be? This lighthearted question can reveal a lot about a person and their work ethic.
• What is Your Greatest Achievement? When this question comes your way, you must be ready with a high-quality response.
• What Is Your Dream Job? While you may think so, the correct answer isn’t to respond with the one you’re currently interviewing for.
• Which One Would You Choose? This question confuses a lot of people, so be prepared!

Wrapping Up

In general, interviewing for something comes with a lot of stress. Whether it’s for employment, a volunteer opportunity, or even a scholarship, knowing what’s at stake can cause undue anxiety.

To help alleviate some of these feelings, we have brought forward this guide to help you appropriately answer the popular question, “Who Inspires You?”

Let us know if these suggestions were helpful in the comments below.