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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask help with this job application question?

31 replies

gluedlip · 30/08/2024 09:50

Filling out an online application and this question is.. if you were an animal, what animal would you be? And why?
Is there some psychology behind a question like this?
What are they asking exactly?
I'm actually quite happy being human but if there's a psychology behind it that lands me the job then happy to put down the 'right' answer.

OP posts:
IReallyCouldntThinkOfAUsername · 30/08/2024 09:59

It's to see how you assess your character and how you'd fit on the team. Eg putting a lion suggests you're strong, will stand up for your team etc. Putting a snake I'd struggle to see the good points and it feels like someone who would lie to get what they want. I dont think there's a right and wrong answer, but putting something that has positive strong characters that explains how you are in your role.

OpizpuHeuvHiyo · 30/08/2024 10:09

Depends on the job. Did the job advert come with a person-description? Some jobs would want a magpie - sharp eyes for something bright and shining, diving for it because it's attractive. Some jobs would want a matriarch elephant, preserving the herd's historical knowledge and leading them along well-remembered paths to new water-holes. Some would want a squirrel, putting lots of energy into preparing for the coming winter, finding resources to store away.

There's no "right" answer, they are looking for evidence of you understanding the role they are recruiting for and also you being able to articulate why you will fill it well.

SlothOnARope · 30/08/2024 10:11

Yes I'd stay away from donkey, rat and cockroach.

Elephant 🐘 Loyal, teamworker, large brain and good memory.

SoupDragon · 30/08/2024 10:12

My honest answer would be "cat" because they get to sleep in the sun all day. I suspect this is not the answer they are looking for though!

I suspect there is a balance to be had between honest and looking like your sucking up to them.

A meerkat might be good. They're team players and always on the look out aren't they? Plus they'll find you a good deal on your insurance.

Love51 · 30/08/2024 10:13

I'd read that question as a sign to stay away from that job. It isn't an appropriate question for recruitment.

RareCheese · 30/08/2024 10:18

Love51 · 30/08/2024 10:13

I'd read that question as a sign to stay away from that job. It isn't an appropriate question for recruitment.

This. Unless you’re auditioning for a children’s tv presenter job or something.

Enchomage · 30/08/2024 10:18

I was asked and replied "A lion"
"I can clarify that,I would not want to be a lioness, who has to do all the work while the lion gets to feast on the spoils and sleep in the sun"
I got the job.

SundayFundayz · 30/08/2024 10:20

Love51 · 30/08/2024 10:13

I'd read that question as a sign to stay away from that job. It isn't an appropriate question for recruitment.

Totally agree. Absolutely ridiculous.

RaraRachael · 30/08/2024 10:26

I'd bin the application. One of those silly questions that have no bearing on your ability to do the job.

AdviceNeeded2024 · 30/08/2024 10:34

What industry is it in? That’s probably one of the most ridiculous questions on an application form I’ve heard!! 😂

ThisZingyBlueFish · 30/08/2024 10:36

I'd ask ChatGPT or similar for a suggested response, then tweak it to suit (and sound less AI).

Geneticsbunny · 30/08/2024 10:38

The correct answer is a civet. The most expensive coffee you can buy has been eaten and pooed out by a civet so you can say that you are so good that you can turn shit into gold.

sonjadog · 30/08/2024 10:39

That's a stupid question. It is obvious what sort of animal they would be looking for, so it isn't going to tell them anything about the candidate. No-one is going to be a snake or a vulture etc.

outdooryone · 30/08/2024 10:39

I would be questioning if I want to work for an employer who thinks that is an appropriate question at recruitment. What more will there be when you start work for them?

(and my answer would be something which messes with the psychology of it...)

5foot5 · 30/08/2024 10:39

Another one saying to bin it. If they think this sort of question is appropriate for an application form think how annoying they might be to work for.

Or I suppose you could just try what you said in your OP, that you are happy being a human

5foot5 · 30/08/2024 10:40

Geneticsbunny · 30/08/2024 10:38

The correct answer is a civet. The most expensive coffee you can buy has been eaten and pooed out by a civet so you can say that you are so good that you can turn shit into gold.

Top answer!!!

99RedBallonz · 30/08/2024 10:40

What a load of bollocks. I know there is a lot of competition for jobs, but how fucking demeaning to make people have to come up with something for this sort of nonsense. It's just jumping through hoops for HRs entertainment. Not on at all. I'd be completely put off from applying for a job with this bunch of dickheads.

Ohdearyme72 · 30/08/2024 10:40

Dog. Like to lick other people's bums, scratch my ears and bark a lot.

Bjorkdidit · 30/08/2024 10:43

Agree it's a ridiculous question that is completely inappropriate for a job application form.

You could say that you'd be a human being, because it would mean that you'd be more likely than other animals to be able to do the job that you're applying for.

Kitkat1523 · 30/08/2024 10:55

I wouldn’t be applying for any job that asked this on the application ….no way

Namechanged1974 · 30/08/2024 11:01

How about a tortoise. You're prepared to stick your neck out to go forward

catin8oots · 30/08/2024 11:03

Stupid question. Wouldn't want to work there.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 30/08/2024 11:20

Love51 · 30/08/2024 10:13

I'd read that question as a sign to stay away from that job. It isn't an appropriate question for recruitment.

My thoughts too .

Whenthesilenceisntquiet · 30/08/2024 11:41

I don’t get these psychology questions. If I said octopus, what does that tell them about me?

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