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

By Lisa Osiako

One of the ice-breaker questions common during a job interview is, “How did you hear about the position?” With this question, an interviewer is trying to gauge if you are an active or passive job seeker. This evaluation goes a long way in knowing your enthusiasm for the job, and how you can be expected to perform in the workplace if you are offered the position you are applying for.

With this in mind, you want to be strategic in how you answer this question. Researching and preparing for this question prior to the interview will enable you to generate a response that will make you have a lasting impression.

How do you then ensure that you stand out?

READ ALSO >>> 4 Ways To Make The Best Impression In An Interview

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

1. State the source from which you heard about the position

If you heard about the position from someone, be sure to state it. This goes to show that you have taken the initiative to network throughout your job hunt. In doing so, remember that it is not necessary to mention an individual’s name.

Go ahead and mention how much of a perfect fit you are for the position in question. At this point, it is also important to give examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job.

2. Explain what aspects drew you to the position

An employer wants passionate people for a position they have applied for as this will show they are self-motivated and invested in the job.

Talk about what caught your eye in reference to the position, and what made you decide to apply. This shows your potential employer that you have taken an active role in searching for career opportunities for yourself. Your motivation will impress the recruitment manager, and earn you major points in answering how you heard about the position.

3. Briefly state why you feel qualified for the job

In answering this question, use this opportunity to convince your interviewer how your career goals align with those of the company.

Review the job description and pick out the important qualifications that you possess. As every company looks for individuals with specific skills and qualifications, it is up to you to convince the recruiters your skills are related to the company’s goals.

QUICK READ >>> Unexpected Interview Q & A: Are You Not Overqualified for This Position?

Sample Answer

“I actively job searching right now and found your job posting on LinkedIn while searching for Senior Engineer positions. I reviewed the job description on LinkedIn before applying and it seemed like a great potential fit .I wanted to apply and learn more about the opportunity to see if it’s a good match.”

In Conclusion,

Do this and you will be on your way to getting a job. Remember to show that you are very intentional in your job search and are not looking for any job. Make sure you address why you applied for that position and how you qualify. All the best!