How Did You Hear About This Position - How To Answer + Tips and 10 Powerful Examples

About the author: Ilam’s career in Technology and Financial Services spans more than two decades, characterized by leadership roles and vast international experience. He has managed large global teams, worked across five countries, and engaged with colleagues from over 100 nationalities. Through this blog covering executive interview questions, Ilam shares his diverse experiences and insights, aiming to contribute to and enrich the community.

How Did You Hear About This Position? Tips and 10 Powerful Examples

Getting a job is a challenging process that requires a lot of effort and preparation. One of the most common questions that interviewers ask candidates is “How did you hear about this position?” It may seem like an innocuous question, but it has significant implications for the outcome of your interview. A concise and positive answer can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.

In today’s job market, there are many different sources and channels that candidates can use to find job openings. Job opening boards, online job postings, company website, and employee referrals are just a few examples. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, finding the right job opportunities is crucial to landing your dream job.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of answering the interview question “How did you hear about this position?” effectively. We will also explore the different sources and channels that candidates can use to find job openings. By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding of how to approach this question during your interview and increase your chances of success in the job search process.

Please use the example answer in this blog for your inspiration only. I’m a hiring manager and can easily sense when a someone just googled and gives a canned or copied and pasted response. Hire a coach if you need help – being authentic is more important than sounding sophisticated.

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

The interview question “How did you hear about this position?” gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their research, networking, and professionalism skills. As a career expert, I have seen many candidates struggle with this question, but with the right approach, it can be a chance to stand out from other applicants.

Provide Specific and Relevant Answers

When answering this question, specificity is key. Instead of giving a vague answer like “I found it an online job posting portal,” mention the specific job board or website where you found the listing & how you got there. Additionally, highlight any relevant experience or skills that make you a good fit for the position. For example, if you found the position on a job board that specializes in your industry, mention that you were drawn to the job requirements and that you have experience in that field.

Emphasize Honesty and Professionalism

Honesty and professionalism are essential when answering this question. Avoid negative or irrelevant answers like “I applied to all the job listings I saw during my job hunt” or “I just need a job.” Instead, show enthusiasm for the position and the company, and emphasize your interest in the job requirements. You can also mention any previous interactions you’ve had with the company or its products/services.

Encourage Name-Dropping and Internal Connections

If you were referred to the position by someone within the company, mentioning their name can give you a competitive edge in the hiring process. Additionally, if you have any internal connections or previous interactions with the company, be sure to mention them during your answer to your hiring manager. This demonstrates your networking skills and interest in the company, which can make you stand out from other applicants. However, be cautious not to overstate your relationship with the person or the company.

Show Your Research and Enthusiasm

Employers want to give the job offer to candidates who are passionate about the company and the position. Therefore, use this question as an opportunity to showcase your research and enthusiasm for the job. Mention any specific projects or initiatives the company is currently working on, and explain how you can contribute to those efforts. This demonstrates that you have done your homework and that you are committed to the company’s mission and values.

By following these tips, candidates can answer the interview question “How did you hear about this position?” effectively and impress the interviewer. Remember to be specific, honest, and professional during your answer, and highlight any relevant connections or experiences you have with the company.

Mistakes to Avoid When Answering the Question

When it comes to answering the question “How did you hear about this position?” there are some common mistakes that job seekers make. Here are some of the most important things to avoid when answering this question:

Being Vague

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is being vague in their answer. Instead of providing a specific answer, they might say something like “I found it online.” This kind of response doesn’t give the interviewer much insight into the candidate’s research skills or interest in the position.

Not Paying Attention to the Question

Another mistake that candidates make is not paying attention to the question. Some candidates may assume that this is a throwaway question and not put much thought into their answer. However, this question can provide valuable information about how the candidate found out about the company, how they approach job searching, and the level of effort they put into researching the position.

Providing Negative Responses

It’s important to avoid negative responses when answering this question. For instance, saying “I applied to all the job listings I saw” or “I just need a job” can come across as desperate or unprofessional. These types of answers don’t demonstrate any particular interest in the company or the position.

Exaggerating Internal Connections

While mentioning internal connections or referrals can be beneficial, candidates should be careful not to exaggerate their relationship with the person or the company. Overstating your internal connections or relationship can damage your credibility and come across as insincere.

Researching the Company or Position

Failing to do proper research on the company or the position can also be a mistake when answering this question. When an interviewer asks how you heard about the job, they are looking for more than just the source of the job listing. They want to know why you’re interested in the job and why you think you’d be a good fit for the company. Without doing some research on the company and the position, you won’t be able to answer these questions effectively.

Rambling or Providing Too Much Information

Another mistake candidates make is rambling or providing too much information in their answer. While it’s important to be specific and detailed in your answer, you also want to be concise and to the point. Providing too much information can be overwhelming for the interviewer and may cause them to lose interest in your response.

Being Dishonest or Misrepresenting Your Experience

One of the most important things to keep in mind when answering this question is to be honest about how you heard about the job. Don’t make up a story or exaggerate your relationship with the company or the person who referred you. Additionally, avoid misrepresenting your experience or qualifications for the job. This will only harm your chances of getting hired in the long run.

By avoiding these common mistakes, candidates can answer the interview question “How did you hear about this position?” more effectively and impress the interviewer. Remember to be specific, attentive, and professional during your answer, and highlight any relevant connections or experiences you have with the company.

Sample Answers – How did you hear about this position?

Senior Manager

I heard about this position from a former colleague in my previous job who works at your company now. We’ve stayed in touch over the years. I was passive job seeker and my situation changed. When I mentioned that I was looking for new opportunities, she kindly recommended that I apply. She spoke very highly of your company, and I knew it would be a great fit for me.

Junior Developer

I found out about this position through a job board that specializes in tech jobs. As a recent graduate, I have been actively searching for positions in this field, and this job posting caught my attention. I was impressed with the company’s reputation and felt I would be a good fit for the role.

Business Analyst

I learned about this position through a newsletter that I subscribe to in my industry. The newsletter featured an article about your company’s growth and success, which sparked my interest in learning more about the position and applying for it.

Marketing Executive

I found out about this position on LinkedIn. The platform is a valuable resource for staying up-to-date on industry news and job listings. I noticed your company’s job post and was immediately interested in the opportunity to work for a company with such a strong reputation.

Sales Representative

I learned about this position through a referral from a friend in the industry. They were familiar with your company and spoke highly of the products and sales team. Their recommendation made me eager to apply for the position.

Human Resources Manager

I came across this position while researching your company’s website. I was drawn to the company’s mission and values, and felt that they aligned well with my own personal and professional goals. I knew that this was a company I wanted to be a part of.

Graphic Designer

I heard about this position from a former coworker who currently works at your company. They spoke highly of the work culture and projects at your company, which piqued my interest in the role. After researching the company further, I knew that I wanted to apply.

Financial Analyst

I found out about this position through a recruiter who reached out to me on LinkedIn. I was impressed with the job description and your company’s reputation in the industry. After doing some research on your company and learning more about the role, I decided to apply.

Project Manager

I learned about this position through a referral from a mutual connection. They recommended that I apply based on my experience and the company’s collaborative and innovative approach to project management. After looking into the company further, I felt that it would be a great fit for me.

Customer Service Representative

I found out about this position on a job board that specializes in customer service roles. I was impressed with your company’s reputation for excellent customer support and commitment to employee development. I knew that this was a company that I wanted to work for and applied as soon as possible.

5 Key Takeaways from this post

1. Provide specific and relevant answers: When answering the question, be specific about where you found the job listing, such as mentioning the job board or website. Also, highlight any relevant experience or skills that make you a good fit for the position.

2. Emphasize honesty and professionalism: Avoid negative or irrelevant answers and instead show enthusiasm for the position and the company. Demonstrate your interest in the job requirements and mention any previous interactions you’ve had with the company or its products/services.

3. Encourage name-dropping and internal connections: If you were referred to the position by someone within the company, mention their name. Also, if you have any internal connections or previous interactions with the company, be sure to mention them. This demonstrates your networking skills and interest in the company.

4. Show your research and enthusiasm: Use this question as an opportunity to showcase your research about the company and position. Mention specific projects or initiatives the company is working on and explain how you can contribute. This demonstrates your commitment to the company’s mission and values.

5. Avoid common mistakes: Be specific in your answer, avoid being vague. Pay attention to the question and provide a thoughtful response. Avoid negative or desperate responses and don’t exaggerate your internal connections. Make sure to research the company and position before the interview. Be concise and avoid rambling. Lastly, be honest and don’t misrepresent your experience or qualifications.

By following these key takeaways, you can effectively answer the question “How did you hear about this position?” and leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

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How Did You Hear About This Position – How To Answer + Tips and 10 Powerful Examples