The Best Animal to Be in an Interview: Balancing Humor with Professionalism

When faced with an interview question such as 'if you were an animal which would it be?', the approach you take can highly depend on the context and the organization's culture. While some interviewers may ask this lighthearted or humorous question to break the ice, others might use it as a critical tool for evaluating your personality and fit within the organization. This article explores the best approach to take when answering such a question while also providing insights into the appropriateness of bringing a real animal to an interview.

Humorous Approaches to the Question

If the interview environment is informal and the interviewer seems to be looking for a more light-hearted or humorous response, here are a few options:

Dog: Dogs are often seen as friendly and approachable, which can help break the ice and create a positive atmosphere. Their friendly demeanor can make the interviewee and interviewer feel more relaxed. Cat: Cats can be quirky and entertaining, making them an interesting conversation starter. Their independent nature might add some humor to the discussion, which can be beneficial in a relaxed setting. Parrot: A parrot can mimic speech and add a fun element to the interview, but it might also be perceived as distracting. Be cautious with this option as it could overshadow the conversation. Goldfish: A goldfish in a small bowl can be a calming presence and requires minimal interaction, making it a low-key choice. However, the interviewer might question your seriousness or attention to detail if they have to constantly check on the fish.

Professional Interview Context

In a more serious context, animals are generally not appropriate for professional interviews. Bringing an animal to a formal interview can be seen as unprofessional and might lead to negative perceptions from the interviewer. However, if the setting is informal or intended to be fun, a pet can help lighten the mood. Just ensure that you manage the situation professionally and that the presence of the animal does not detract from the interview itself.

Dealing with Inappropriate Interview Questions

It's important to recognize that some interviewers may ask such questions out of sheer incompetence. If the organization indicates a willingness to ask such questions and bases its hiring decisions on them, it might signal a deeper issue with the company's culture or hiring processes. Here's what you can do:

Politely but firmly state your preference for moving on to more relevant questions. For example, you can say, 'Can we please pass on that question and move to topics directly related to the skills required for the job and my experience?' This approach shows that you have a professional focus and are not swayed by these types of inquiries. Highlight the importance of relevance. Explain that such questions can detract from the opportunity to truly assess your qualifications and skillset. Prepare your responses for typical interview questions in advance. This will ensure that you are well-prepared and can provide substantive answers without wasting time on irrelevant or inappropriate questions.

Conclusion

While the 'animal question' can be a fun and engaging way to ease into an interview, it is essential to balance this with professionalism. Whether in a light-hearted or serious setting, your approach should reflect your commitment to the position and your ability to work in a professional environment. Remember that the interview is a tool for both parties to assess whether you are a good fit for the role, and your performance should demonstrate your suitability for the job based on your skills and experience, not your ability to answer quirky questions.