How To Answer “How Did You Hear About The Position?”

Among the most common interview questions, this is one of the simplest yet most significant ones to answer correctly.

In this article, we’ll explore what hiring managers are truly looking for, how to impress them with your response, and provide several sample answers to consolidate our advice.

Key Takeaways:

• When addressing this question, specify the source, highlight your qualifications, and express enthusiasm for what attracted you to the position.

• This question typically appears early in the interview, serving as an icebreaker rather than a trick question.

• The interviewer seeks candidates who have specifically targeted this position.

• Avoid fabricating where you heard about the job.

How to Answer “How Did You Hear About the Position?”

Follow these four steps to craft a compelling answer to “How did you hear about the position?”

1. State the source. This provides your interviewer insight into how much research you conducted about the company before applying. Be specific about how you found the job posting. If you heard about it from a current employee, mentioning their name can be beneficial. This demonstrates your proactive approach to networking during your job search.

2. Mention what caught your eye. Share what intrigued you about the job and motivated you to apply. This reflects your active job search and genuine interest.

   Focus on the responsibilities of the role or the company’s values rather than just the potential salary.

3. Discuss your qualifications. Explain why you believe you are well-suited for the role and express excitement for the opportunity. Relate how the position aligns with your skill set and long-term career aspirations.

   However, save the detailed discussion of your qualifications for other parts of the interview.

4. Exude enthusiasm. Employers appreciate candidates who are passionate and engaged in their work. You can mention positive aspects of the company culture or emphasize the job responsibilities.

   This question typically arises at the beginning of the interview, so start strong with energy and enthusiasm.

Example Answers to “How Did You Hear About the Position?”

Your response to this interview question reveals your enthusiasm for the position and signals how you may perform if offered the job.

Although this question may seem straightforward, there’s no need to stress. Taking time to prepare a thoughtful response can create a positive impression and help you stand out among candidates.

Here’s an example of what not to do:

This response fails because it is vague and lacks enthusiasm. It suggests that the interviewee is a passive job seeker who cares more about benefits than the role itself. Don’t emulate this approach.

Here’s a more polished response:

This response works well because it is specific, showing that the candidate is engaged and has conducted research on the company while expressing their qualifications.

Let’s look at a few more strong example answers:

1. Example Answer From a Recruiter

   I’ve been collaborating with Jane Rodgers at XYZ Recruiting. When she informed me about the open data analyst position, she connected me with the hiring manager right away. During our initial conversation, I expressed my desire to grow professionally and contribute to innovative projects.

   After conducting my research, I agreed with Jane that ABC Firm would be a perfect fit for me. I was thrilled about the chance to interview at a start-up where I can truly be a part of something exciting.

2. Example Answer From the Company Website

   I’ve been checking your company’s career page weekly for six months. As soon as I saw a position in my field that I was qualified for, I applied. I’ve followed your journey since you were a start-up, and your progress in web development is truly inspiring.

   My background in programming and my passion for the field align well with your company. I believe that innovation is key, so joining a company that embraces new trends would be an exciting opportunity for me.

3. Example Answer From an Online Job Posting

   I discovered this job listing while browsing Zippia. I was specifically looking for a marketing manager position, and your description immediately resonated with me. The focus on a collaborative, tight-knit team of both remote and on-site workers really motivated me to apply.

   I also noted that creativity and Google Analytics are crucial components of the role, and with my extensive experience working with marketing teams, I believe my skills would be a valuable asset.

Why Interviewers Ask “How Did You Hear About the Position?”

Hiring managers and recruiters inquire about how you discovered the position to understand how job seekers find them. Recruiting can be challenging and costly, so they want to identify the most effective channels.

• Interviewers may gauge if you’re an active or passive job seeker. Active job seekers are proactively searching for opportunities, while passive job seekers rely on listings presented to them without actively searching.

• Employers prefer candidates who have specifically targeted this position, as it indicates genuine interest. Such candidates are more likely to bring energy and enthusiasm compared to those who are merely exploring options.

This question is similar to others like “tell me about yourself,” “where do you see yourself in five years,” and “what do you know about our company?”

These questions are designed to assess your passion for the position — is it your dream job or simply a temporary opportunity?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering

Compared to many other interview questions, this one is relatively straightforward. However, keep these common mistakes in mind:

• Avoid vague, one-word responses. Such answers may suggest to interviewers that you lack interest in the position. It’s better to convey excitement about discovering the opportunity.

• Don’t fabricate details. If you can’t recall which job board you found the position on, it’s best to be honest rather than inventing a response. Lying can lead to complications later in the interview process.

• Be cautious when mentioning names. If you learned about the job from someone who may have a negative reputation within the company, consider omitting their name to avoid potential bias against you.

• Avoid sounding desperate. This applies throughout the interview. It’s crucial not to come across as an unfocused job seeker applying indiscriminately, as interviewers can sense desperation.

“How Did You Hear About This Position?” FAQs

1. Should I tell an interviewer if I heard about a job from a current employee?

   Yes, you should inform the interviewer if you heard about a job from a current employee. Employers typically expect this information, and honesty is always the best policy.

2. Is it acceptable to say that I learned about a position from an online job listing?

   Yes, mentioning that you found the position through an online job listing is perfectly fine. This indicates that you are an active job seeker and that something about the position piqued your interest.

   This question also allows you to discuss why you believe the position aligns with your skills and experience.

Final Thoughts

This question typically arises at the beginning of the interview, but don’t dwell on it for too long, as it’s not the most critical aspect. Aim to make a positive impression while leaving ample time to discuss your qualifications and experiences.

Always project confidence. If the interviewer perceives you as nervous about a simple question, they may question your fit for the role.

Be specific and enthusiastic. Even if your primary motivation is merely to secure a paycheck, it’s essential to convey interest — you won’t land a job if you can’t impress in the first place.

Finally, prepare some questions to ask about the job. Job seekers who aren’t desperate will ask questions to ensure the job aligns with their preferences. Demonstrating excitement coupled with curiosity will help you stand out to interviewers.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.