Interview Questions – ‘How did you learn about this job?’

For Service-leavers who haven’t got recent interview experience, the prospect can seem daunting. Here, we dissect another of the more common but no less difficult interview questions so that you can show your best side to interviewers and land your next post-Services role.

‘How did you learn about this job?’

The real question
Is this the job you want, or is it just another job among many others you’ve applied for?

Selection
Even if it is one of many, define what made this one worth applying for. This is about what motivates you and how the job description fits in with what you’re looking for from your next job, such as the role itself and working with an organisation that shares your values, etc. 

A friend
If you learned about the job from a friend who already works with a company, say so. Your friend is hardly likely to want to look bad should you join the company. For the employer, it’s an extra reference to turn to – and they most probably will. 

It’s a good idea to let your friend know that you’ve got an interview, and what to say if they ask about you. Ideally, it should be about your professionalism and character. This could prove to be a real bonus for you.

A recruitment agent
Again, you might want to mention that the recruitment agent carefully interviewed you about your skills and experience and suggested that you should apply for the role because you were a good fit. Indeed, a recruitment agency is judged by the candidates they send to interviews, so they’ll hardly be sending over a person unfit for the role; though you needn’t say as much.

Online adverts
Clearly, you’ll have used ‘keyword’ searches. This could be the job title used on the vacancy post or the company name itself.

Company website 
Bravo! So, you’ve been following the organisation? You’d better know why.

Show what you know
The logical next question will likely be designed to test the reasons why you were so enthusiastic about applying, so you better know your stuff. 

You’ll need to know about what they do and how they do it, as well, ideally, about their corporate values and culture.

Where exactly?
If you can be specific about where you saw the job, say so. Within this answer you’ll need to share why you looked there and why you were attracted to this role among others. 

It isn’t necessarily a bad thing to say that you’ve forgotten, but don’t fib. The employer will know where they placed it and won’t appreciate your blagging. Just reframe the question to again, why it stood out.

Opportunity
Within all of this, remember that every new job is an opportunity, so show your enthusiasm. You should communicate how pleased you are that you came across this role.