Before an interview, you’ve likely prepared for the typical questions about your qualifications and professional experience. What you might not have prepared for, however, are off-the-wall questions that seemingly have nothing to do with the job. Some interviewers might throw a curveball your way with questions like, “If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”
Here’s how to tackle this quirky question with creativity and show that you’re a great fit for the job:
Why do interviewers ask which animal you would be?
If it seems like a totally random question, that’s part of the point.
This offbeat question is designed to test your ability to think on the spot and handle unexpected scenarios. Unlike typical questions, it’s less about your work history and more about seeing your creative thinking and personality. It gives the interviewer insight into whether you can adapt to the company’s culture and handle tasks that require a bit of imaginative thinking.
Sometimes, companies intentionally ask unusual interview questions because they’re trying to make a statement about their company culture–that they value originality, for example, or that they’re different from other employers. While there are other effective ways to convey culture in an interview, employers sometimes choose to go this route, so it’s important to come prepared.
What interviewers are looking for
How you respond to this interview question can tell a hiring manager a lot about you. Can you have fun with your answer, or does the unconventional question fluster you?
When you’re asked which animal you’d be, the interviewer is looking at several things:
- Ability to handle surprises: Can you maintain your composure and respond thoughtfully when presented with an unexpected question?
- Creativity and originality: How uniquely can you connect your traits with those of an animal?
- Cultural fit: Does your answer align with the company’s values and the nature of the job?
While conventional interview questions are useful for learning more about your skills and career aspirations, they don’t tell a hiring manager much about your personality. Asking which animal you’d be, gives them a chance to see a side of you that’s more creative, witty, thoughtful, or clever than you might get to be when answering a more routine line of questioning.
How to answer “If you were an animal, which would you be and why?”
Think about it ahead of time
While it’s important to appear spontaneous, having a premeditated answer can help you remain calm and collected. Think about animals that embody qualities that are advantageous for the job you’re applying for.
Connect it to the job
Choose an animal that reflects traits relevant to the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a leadership position, you might compare yourself to a lion for its leadership or a wolf for its teamwork skills.
How not to answer
Avoid random choices
Picking an animal just because you like it, such as a bird because you think it would be cool to to fly, misses the chance to highlight your relevant traits. Try to make your choice meaningful and tied to the job description.
Sample answers to “If you were an animal, which would you be and why?”
Example #1
“I’m happiest when I’m busy, so I would choose to be a honey bee. They work hard doing an important job. They also spend all day with their fellow bees, which is perfect for me because I love teamwork and enjoy the social aspect of my job.”
Example #2
“I would be a bear. They command respect from both humans and other animals, but they also have a playful side. When a bear wants something, like a snack, they’ll go to great lengths to get it, which is how I am when I have a goal in mind.”
Try to identify traits that an interviewer will respond positively to, and don’t be afraid to let your personality show by choosing an animal that’s actually similar to you. Above all else, have fun with it, and don’t take your answer too seriously. A question like this is more about how you respond than naming the “right” animal.