How Job Candidates Typically Answer 'How Did You Hear About Our Opening?' in Interviews

Introduction

A common question in job interviews is “How did you hear about our opening?”. This simple query serves multiple purposes. It not only gauges where the candidate found the job listing, but also opens the door to a conversation about the candidate's research and interest in the company. In this article, we will explore how most candidates answer this question, providing valuable insights for both job seekers and employers.

1. Job Boards

Many candidates mention specific job boards where they found the listing. Popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are frequently cited. For instance, they may say, "I found the job on LinkedIn and was genuinely excited about the opportunity." Employers can benefit from understanding the impact of these platforms. If a significant number of candidates are finding jobs on LinkedIn, it suggests that the company needs to enhance its presence on this platform.

2. Company Website

Some candidates directly source job listings from the company’s careers page. They might say, "I found the position on your company’s website and was intrigued by the projects you’re working on." This indicates that a well-maintained careers page is a valuable resource for attracting candidates. Employers should ensure that their careers page is up-to-date and highlights the company's unique selling points.

3. Networking

Candidates often reference referrals from friends, family, or colleagues. They might say, "A friend from my previous company recommended that I apply for this position, and I'm thrilled about it." This not only shows the candidate's proactive approach but also highlights the company’s strong network and reputation. Employers can use such feedback to identify potential referral networks and foster a culture of employee referrals.

4. Social Media

Some candidates discover job opportunities through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. They might mention, "I stumbled upon the opening on LinkedIn and was excited to apply." Social media is an increasingly important channel for job seekers. Employers should leverage social media marketing to reach a wider audience and attract candidates who are active on these platforms.

5. Recruitment Agencies

Candidates who indicate that they were contacted by a recruiter or found the position through a recruitment agency often say, "A recruiter from XYZ agency recommended this position to me." This information can help employers evaluate the effectiveness of their recruitment partnerships. It also indicates that the company has established a relationship with reputable agencies.

6. Events or Career Fairs

Others might mention attending a job fair, networking event, or industry conference where they learned about the company. They may say, "I met a friend at the industry conference who shared that XYZ is looking for someone with my skills and experience." These events are valuable for both employers and candidates, as they provide opportunities to network and discover new job opportunities.

How to Interpret Candidate Responses

Candidates’ responses to this question can provide valuable insights into where employers should focus their efforts. For instance, if a high proportion of candidates hear about the job through social media platforms, it suggests that those platforms are effective. Conversely, if a significant number mention job boards, it indicates that the company needs to improve its presence on those platforms.

Conclusion

Job interviews are not just about assessing a candidate’s skills and experience; they are also about understanding their interests and motivations. By asking how candidates found the job, employers gain insights into their candidate sourcing strategies and can improve their approach. This question helps identify which channels are most effective and enables employers to make data-driven decisions about how to attract and retain top talent.