How to Answer The "How Did You Hear About This Job" Interview Question

Before we start preparing your answer, we need to find why exactly are recruiters interested in your answer, and what they would be looking for.

If you are asked the questions “How did you hear about this job?”, there are two reasons behind it.

First, recruiters are genuinely interested in your answer, and where did you find the job posting.

It is a standard practice for them to try to reach potential candidates using a variety of platforms and methods, and your answer can help them determine which one proves to be most effective.

The second reason for them to ask “How did you hear about this job?” is where you need to be careful, as that’s where you can mess it up.

When you are asked this question, the recruiter would be focused on whether you are actually interested in the job and the company, or their job offer is one of the hundreds you have applied to.

Recruiters like candidates who have a targeted search for a job, as that shows that you know what you want, and would not accept any job they can get.

You need to show them that you are interested in their job, because that will prove you to be motivated, energetic, and really interested in the opportunity they have for you.

Now that you understand why recruiters ask this question, it is time to figure out how to get your answer just right.

You can do so in just three simple steps.

The first thing you need to do when answering “How did you hear about this job?” is to show that you feel really enthusiastic about both the job opportunity, and the company itself.

You need to make the recruiter feel special, and show them that their company is not one of the hundreds you have applied to.

Consider talking about their employees’ growth and positive work culture, as well as everything that excites you about the job itself.

If you are lacking enough information about the company and the job, take the time to do your research.

Read carefully the job description for the position you are interviewing for, and check out the company website and social media to learn more about their culture and values.

You can do even better with your answer, if you heard about the job from someone who already works in the company.

Name-dropping that person in your answer can serve as a reference for you, as the employer will most likely ask them about you.

Explain why that person thinks you would be a good match to the company and the role, and share what kind of relationship you have.

It goes without saying that you need to speak to that person before the interview to find out what they would share about you.

Last but not least, don’t rush through your answer, but rather get into specifics.

Think about all the details, like where did you found the job posting, why did you look there, what grabbed you from the job description, etc.

If you don’t remember where you saw the job listing, don’t panic, just be honest that you don’t remember. Just make sure that you continue your answers with why you are excited about the job opportunity and the company itself.

And now, as promised, we will show you some example answers to “How did you hear about this job?” to get you started.