This seemingly simple question early in an interview might catch you off guard, but it’s more than just casual conversation. Understanding why recruiters ask this can help you turn your answer into a powerful tool to highlight your interest and qualifications for the job.
Why do interviewers ask about how you heard about the job?
Recruiters are always fine-tuning their strategies to attract the best candidates efficiently and cost-effectively. Knowing how you found out about the job helps them assess the effectiveness of their hiring channels.
If you were referred by someone or have a connection to the company, mentioning this can immediately give your application more weight. It shows you’re not just throwing applications out randomly but are genuinely interested in this particular company.
Plus, this question opens the door to discuss your motivations and how you engage with potential employers, giving insights into what you prioritize in your job search.
What interviewers are looking for
When interviewers ask how you found out about the role, they’re interested in your journey to applying. They want to know what specifically drew you to the position and how well you know the company. This helps them gauge your enthusiasm for the role and whether you seem like a good fit culturally and professionally.
How to answer “How did you hear about this position?”
State your source
Start with the easy part: where you found the job listing. Whether it was on a job board, a company website, or through a referral, be clear and concise about your source.
If you know someone in the company who referred you or even just talked about what a great place it is to work, you definitely want to mention it. Hiring managers tend to give greater preference to candidates who came from their internal network.
Explain your interest
This is your chance to add depth to your answer. Discuss why the job caught your attention and what about the company or position aligns with your career goals. This shows you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job.
Highlight your suitability
Connect your skills and experiences to the job description. Discuss why you felt compelled to apply based on how the role matches your qualifications. This turns your answer into a mini-pitch, showcasing why you’re a standout candidate.
How not to answer
- Too brief: Simply stating where you heard about the job and stopping there misses a chance to sell yourself. Use every question as an opportunity to reinforce your candidacy.
- Irrelevant details: While it’s great to mention a referral, don’t wander off-topic or give unnecessary personal anecdotes that don’t support your application.
Sample answers to “How did you hear about this position?”
Example #1
“I found the job listed on Glassdoor. The role immediately stood out because it calls for someone skilled in graphic design and digital marketing, which is exactly where my expertise and passions lie. I’ve followed your company’s growth in the eco-friendly products market, and I admire your commitment to sustainability. Joining your team would not only allow me to bring my background in visually-driven marketing to your campaigns but also engage with a mission I’m passionate about.”
Example #2
“My former coworker, Jane Doe, who now works in your finance department, told me about the opening. She has always spoken highly of the company’s supportive culture and innovative approach to finance, which piqued my interest. After reading the job description, I was excited to see that it requires both financial acumen and strategic thinking, which are the core strengths I’ve developed in my current role. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and robust analytical skills to your team.”
This question may be nuanced, but it’s easy to nail by mentioning where you heard about the job, why you’re enthusiastic about it, and what makes you a strong fit.