During an interview, you want to make a great first impression and show why you’re the best fit for the role. And this one job interview question often comes up is “How did you hear about this position?”
Your answer to this question can give you an edge by showing your genuine interest in the company.
This question is a chance for you to highlight your proactive job search approach and industry connections. A strong response can set a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
Key Takeaways
- Your response showcases your interest in the company and proactive job search
- Be honest and specific about how you learned of the position
- Use this question as an opportunity to highlight relevant connections or research
Why Do Employers Ask “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
Employers ask this to learn about effective recruiting channels and gauge your enthusiasm. They want to know if you’re actively seeking opportunities or if you stumbled upon the job by chance. Your answer can reveal valuable insights about your motivations and research skills.
The question helps employers understand your network. If you heard about the job through a current employee, it could be a good sign. It might mean you’d fit well with the company culture. It also help them answer questions such as:
- Did you actively seek out this opportunity?
- Did you stumble upon it by chance?
Your answer can show how motivated you are to join their team, your research skills on how you found the job.
Is it through industry publications or professional associations? Your Answer will show you’re engaged in your field.
Employers might use this question to start a conversation about your job search. It’s a chance for them to learn more about your career goals and what you’re looking for in a new role.
Common Variations of “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
Interviewers often ask about how you found their job opening in different ways. Here are some common variations:
- “What made you apply for this role?”
- “How did you learn about our company?”
- “What attracted you to this position?”
These questions aim to understand your job search process and interest in the company. Be ready to explain your motivations clearly.
Some other ways they might phrase it:
- “What led you to us?”
- “Why did you choose to apply here?”
- “How did this opportunity come to your attention?”
Your answer can showcase your research and initiative. Mention specific aspects of the job or company that drew you in.
There’s no wrong answer as long as you’re honest. Whether you found the job through:
- A job board
- The company website
- A referral
- Social media
Your response gives insight into your job search approach. It also opens up a chance to express your enthusiasm for the role.
How To Answer “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
Preparing for this common interview question can help you make a great first impression. The right answer shows your initiative and genuine interest in the role. Let’s explore a step-by-step approach to crafting your response.
Step 1: Be Honest
Be honest about how you found the job posting. Did you see it on a job board? Or did a friend tell you about it? Maybe you follow the company on social media. Whatever the case, tell the truth.
Honesty builds trust with your interviewer. It also helps the company understand which of their recruiting methods work best. If you can’t remember exactly, it’s okay to say so. Just share what you do recall about discovering the opportunity.
Step 2: Show Your Enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm for the position. Explain why the job caught your eye. Was it the company’s reputation? The exciting job duties? Or maybe the chance to use your skills in a new way?
Your answer should reflect genuine interest. For example, you might say: “I saw the posting on LinkedIn and was thrilled. I’ve admired your company’s innovative projects for years.” This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but this specific one.
Step 3: Connect To Your Career Goals
Connect your job search to your career goals. Explain how this position fits into your professional path. This shows you’ve thought carefully about your future and see this role as a meaningful step.
You might say: “I’ve been looking for opportunities to grow my leadership skills. When I saw this team lead position, I knew it was perfect for my next career move.” This response demonstrates your long-term thinking and ambition.
Step 4: Show Your Research
Highlight any research you’ve done about the company. Did you read recent news articles? Check out their website? Look up their mission statement? Share what you learned and why it impressed you.
This step shows you’re proactive and truly interested in the company. It can set you apart from other candidates who may not have done their homework. For instance: “After seeing the job post, I read about your recent sustainability initiative. It aligns perfectly with my values.”
Step 5: Use it To Ask Questions
Use this question as a chance to start a conversation. After answering, you could ask a follow-up question of your own. This shows engagement and can lead to a more natural discussion about the role.
You might ask: “I’m curious, what qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?”
This question demonstrates your interest in being the right fit. It also gives you valuable information about what the company values most.
Your answer should be brief but informative and your goal is to show that you’re a thoughtful candidate who’s excited about this specific opportunity.
Best Example Answers To “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
Crafting a strong response to this common interview question can set you up for success. Your answer gives you a chance to show your enthusiasm and highlight your connections or research skills. Let’s look at some effective examples for different situations.
Example Answer For A Recent Graduate
“I learned about this position through my university’s career center. They shared the job posting on their online portal, and it caught my eye immediately. Your company’s innovative work in sustainable technology aligns perfectly with my studies in environmental engineering. I was excited to see an opportunity that matches my skills and passion so well right after graduation.”
This answer shows you’re proactive in your job search and have a genuine interest in the company. It also ties your education directly to the role.
Example Answer For An Experienced Candidate
Example Answer For Applying For A Leadership Position
“A former colleague who now works in your marketing department told me about this opening. They spoke highly of the company culture and mentorship opportunities. As I’ve been looking to take on more leadership responsibilities, this role seemed ideal. I’m particularly drawn to your commitment to developing talent from within.”
Your answer here showcases your professional network and ambition. It also hints at your potential for long-term growth within the company.
Example Answer For An Industry Change
“I discovered this opportunity while researching companies at the forefront of renewable energy. Your recent press release about innovative solar technology caught my attention. Although I’m coming from a different industry, I’m excited about the chance to apply my project management skills to such meaningful work.”
This response shows your initiative in exploring a new field. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in the company’s mission.
Example Answer For A Career Change
“I learned about this position through a coding bootcamp I recently completed. One of our instructors used your company’s software as an example in class. I was impressed by its user-friendly design and powerful features. This inspired me to explore career opportunities with your team. I’m eager to apply my newly acquired skills and my previous experience in customer service to this role.”
Your answer here explains your career shift positively. It shows how you’re combining new skills with past experience in a way that could benefit the company.
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