How Did You Hear About This Position?

Understanding why interviewers pose the question, “How did you hear about this position?” can give you a strategic edge. It might seem like small talk, but it’s actually a key opportunity to show you’re serious about the role and genuinely interested in joining the team. A thoughtful answer can highlight your research, network, and genuine alignment with the organization’s goals.

Why Interviewers Ask How You Heard About the Job

Companies want to know which channels are most effective in attracting capable candidates. They might have posted the role on a specific job board, shared it on social media, or circulated it through employee referrals. Your answer helps them gauge where top talent is coming from and whether their recruiting methods are efficient.

Another reason interviewers pose this question is to learn more about your motivations. If you came across the position through a referral or stumbled on it while intentionally researching their company, it signals a level of genuine interest. On the other hand, if you applied through a broad job site with minimal knowledge of the organization, they might have concerns about how passionate you are about the role.

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

Identify your source

Begin by stating where you saw the listing or who mentioned it to you. If you found it on a job board, mention which one. If a friend or colleague referred you, be sure to give them credit. Candidates who come through referrals often stand out because it means someone at the company already trusts your abilities.

Connect it to your interest

Take a moment to explain why the position spoke to you. Share a few words on the company’s culture, industry impact, or unique products that sparked your curiosity. That level of detail shows you were intentional in choosing them rather than just browsing for any opening.

Highlight relevance and fit

Emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a strong match for the role. If the job description calls for project management experience and you excelled in a project-based role before, mention that directly. Briefly touch on why this position suits your career goals and how you plan to add value.

How Not to Respond

  • Being too brief: Simply saying, “I saw it online,” and leaving it at that misses an opportunity to express your enthusiasm. Short answers without context might make the interviewer wonder if you fully understand what the role involves.
  • Wandering off-topic: Providing irrelevant details about your job search or personal life can derail the conversation. If there’s a referral involved, share it succinctly and pivot to what you bring to the table.

Sample Answers to “How Did You Hear About This Position?”

Example #1

“I found the position on Glassdoor. It immediately caught my attention because it requires a blend of design skills and digital marketing expertise, which aligns perfectly with my background. I’ve also followed your company’s work in the eco-friendly space and value the emphasis you place on sustainability. It feels like a place where I could thrive professionally while supporting a mission that matters to me.”

Why it works:
This answer shows genuine alignment between the candidate’s interests and the role’s focus. Mentioning the company’s eco-friendly niche reveals prior research and a shared commitment, which helps the interviewer see a strong cultural fit.

Example #2

“A colleague of mine, Jane Doe, mentioned the opening. She always talks about how collaborative and forward-thinking the culture is, which made me curious. The job description further convinced me to apply because it blends financial analytics with strategic planning—two areas where I’ve excelled in my current role. I’m excited about the chance to bring a fresh perspective to a place that values team-driven success.”

Why it works:
Referrals carry weight, and the candidate wisely uses this moment to point out a shared connection. The mention of specific skill sets highlights readiness for the role. The focus on collaboration confirms the candidate’s interest in an environment that aligns with those values.

Example #3

“I spotted the role on your company’s career page after reading about a recent product launch that garnered positive press. Seeing how your team innovates to stay ahead in a competitive market encouraged me to learn more. Once I read the job description, I recognized that my background in product development and process improvement could be put to great use. The opportunity to collaborate with a forward-focused team really resonated with me.”

Why it works:
This response reflects genuine curiosity about the company’s recent achievements. The candidate shows initiative by digging into the career site, and they connect their relevant experience (product development, process improvement) to the job’s likely requirements.

Mentioning where you learned about the position, explaining why it speaks to your professional goals, and outlining how your background fits the role can transform a simple question into a solid step toward an offer. Interviewers appreciate candidates who think strategically about every aspect of the job search, and this question is a prime chance to make a great impression.