How To Answer “How Did You Hear About This Job”

“How did you hear about this job?” is a question posed by every interviewer shortly after “Tell me about yourself” and long before “What are your salary expectations?”

Alternatively, “How did you learn about us?”

They only want to hear one answer to this question in order to determine how well prepared you are to identify the source of your information.

If you are not prepared to answer this HR interview question about how you learned about the job position, it will jeopardize the rest of your interview. In the worst-case scenario, your badly expressed response could lose you the much-anticipated job offer. After all, first impressions are crucial, and employers often ask this question.

Interviews are used by employers to learn about your motivations for applying to their company. They may ask you questions to determine your familiarity with the company and how you learned about this job opening.

In your response, you can demonstrate that you are actively looking for work and that this company is aligned with your wants, needs, and values.

In this article, we explain how to respond to the question, “How did you hear about the position?” and provide examples for you to use when tailoring your response.

Why does the Interviewer ask, “How did you hear about this job?

Companies will frequently ask this question to determine which of their candidate attraction strategies is producing the best results.

They also inquire because they want to know if an employee referral is involved.

If you learned about this position from a company employee, you will have an advantage. Your character, qualities, and professional experience will most likely be questioned by your employer.

Having this reference on your resume can help you stand out from the crowd.

Employee referrals are statistically more successful because they result in happier employees who stay longer.

Your response can be brief and to the point.

How to respond to the interview question, “How did you hear about this job?

You must note that each answer is more than just a quiz question; it is an opportunity for you to demonstrate how and why you are the right person for the job. A broad question such as this one is no exception. When responding, follow these steps:

1. Show your zeal

Your future employer expects you to be enthusiastic about the work you will be doing. Every day, you are expected to be self-motivated and invested in your job. So, regardless of where or how you learned about this job opening, try to be specific about what piqued your interest in the position. Describe yourself and your intention in detail.

Also, discuss why you’re interviewing for the position, what prompted you to apply, and why they should hire you.

This would demonstrate to a potential employer that you actively sought out this position as a viable career opportunity and that you have given careful consideration to why you want this job.

So make a list of your main points and respond accordingly.

2. If possible, drop a name.

If you learned about this position from a company employee, now is the time to tell them. Explain why this person believes you are a good fit for the job. Drop a name as your connection’s name demonstrates that you already have solid professional associations.

It also demonstrates that you made an effort to network within the company prior to joining.

3. Don’t be ambiguous.

When you’re asked these questions, act as if you’re ecstatic because the opportunity to respond is exactly what you need. Explain why this particular job description piqued your interest.

If you can’t remember how you came across the job, tell the truth!

It’s all right! Make up a story because even a smidgeon of dishonesty while answering this interview question can backfire at any time as the employer will know where it was posted. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you don’t remember, but then explain why you’re excited about this opportunity.

Sample Answers for this question

Here are some good examples of how to respond to the question, “How did you hear about this position?”

Sample 1: From a coworker

“Cerci Lyons, who works in retailing, informed me about this opportunity.

Throughout college, Cerci and I were in the same cohort and took many of the same classes.

She encouraged me to apply for the position because she thought I had the right personality to work closely with clients and would fit in with the team.”

“I knew she was correct when she sent me the job application.

Looking at all of the job requirements, I was able to check off every box. I am a go-getter who is detail-oriented and always looking for new ways to solve problems.

I believe that if I were a member of this team, I could accomplish a great deal. I’d love to work with your clients and lead some exciting projects.”

Sample 2: From Online Job portals

“I discovered this job opening while browsing Indeed.”

I was searching for the term “content specialist” and came across your company right away.

While the job page was somewhat crowded, your job posting stood out right away. The job description’s wording immediately painted a clear picture of what it’s like to work here. I’d love to be a part of such a close-knit and creative group.

As someone who enjoys collaborating with others, I am all about collaboration and teamwork.

Those are two words that stood out to me as I read through your post.

I could also tell that my background and experience were directly aligned with the requirements of this role, particularly my background in writing fitness and wellness blogs.”

Sample 3: From the Company Website

“I have been paying attention to your website’s career page for over a year now”. I applied right away when I saw an opening for which I was finally qualified.

Your company has been on my radar for a few years because you sent a representative to speak to my student organization. Her name, I believe, was Lilac. She was a member of your public relations team. Her presentation made your company appear to be a fantastic place to work, and it inspired me to work for you one day.

I’m confident that if I get this job, I’ll fit right in. I can tell your team is made up of a lot of hardworking, fun-loving people who are passionate about their work.

As someone who enjoys working in public relations, I am confident that I could contribute significantly to your outstanding team.

I have the credentials and experience to assist your clients in improving their public image.”

Sample 4: From a recruitment agency:

“I’ve been working with Lawrence Michaels at Recruiters, Inc. to find a job.

He introduced me to your hiring manager because he thought I would be an excellent fit for this position.

When I first met Lawrence two months ago, we had an initial interview during which I told him about my experience working with Fortune 500 companies.

Following this conversation, he sent me the job application for this position, which I filled out as quickly as possible.

I was ecstatic when I received the email about this interview opportunity. I’ve always wanted to work for a start-up because I know I have a lot to offer a company like yours.

I already have some great contacts we could use, and I know that within my first ninety days here, I could help you complete your advertising campaign and get ready to launch your first product.”

Avoid these mistakes when answering the interview question, “How did you hear about us or this job?”

Avoid claiming that you are unsure or that you cannot recall the source.

When it comes to job hunting, this will make you appear disorganized.

This may make it more difficult for you to obtain employment.

Avoid saying anything that may give the impression that you are applying for every job that comes your way.

This will only demonstrate your desperation as a job seeker who lacks passion and is simply looking for an offer letter.

You should not lie because you may get caught.

Please do not say you saw this opening on a job board if you did not.

Keep your word.

Final Takeaways

• Clearly state the job source from which you learned about the position.
• There is no need to go into great detail.
• Simply state the individual’s, company’s, or resource’s name.
• Discuss the factors that drew you to the position.
• Explain why you believe you are qualified for the job.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the company.