“If you were an animal, what would you be?” is an unusual question but if you are lucky enough to secure an interview at the company of your dreams, mastering the interview technique is vital to help you stand out from the crowd and boost your chances of success.
While interviews are often met with fear, knowing the best way to prepare and equip yourself with a toolkit of techniques will help you enter that room feeling confident and ready to impress.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
While it may sound fun and playful, comparisons to your character and an animal can reveal some deep insights into your suitability for a role.
If you were an animal, what would you be? is a common question that often causes people to stop in their tracks and panic if they are not adequately prepared.
Some other formulas
Some of the same common question formulas related to a question:
- What is the animal you love the most?
- What is your favorite animal?
- If you were an animal, which one would you like to be?
- If you are an animal what are you?
Why does the interviewer ask you this question?
The interviewer will ask you a series of questions that align with the same line of thinking. Like, “Are you a leader or a follower?” or are you ready to move on?” Things like that.
Then they will ask something random and not as tactical as the other questions they ask. This is on purpose. They do this to wake you up and see how well you are thinking.
How to prepare for the answer
Below is a list of animals that you can choose from and some of the most famous. What are their characteristics that can help you determine which animal you respond to and your answer to why that animal is responding.
It is important to note that once you have answered the animal interview question, the interviewer will ask you “Why did you choose this animal?”.
So be sure to set up a follow-up answer as well, like what we offer here:
1- Dog
A dog is man's best friend, an animal that is more about kindness than criticism. The dog is a gentle creature to those around it.
They accept paths that are not necessarily the same or related to their paths.
They allow the pack to help define their way forward while maintaining their loyalty. Great for almost all jobs.
2- Dolphin
One of the most intelligent creatures in the world, dolphins use communication with their peers to help lead them through dark waters.
The dolphin is a symbol of balance, joy and harmony in an unknown world. Great for jobs that rely heavily on teamwork.
3- Monkey
The monkey is a cheerful animal, but he is alert to deception. It's a sign of wanting to mature intelligence, appreciating good humor and holding on to the real animal for jokes.
The monkey is a common answer to this question and is not really the best animal to choose for most situations.
4- Huge deer
The huge deer is an animal that always remains true to itself. It is a sign of strength and maturity.
A graceful creature that moves in nature in a non-destructive manner.
They stand strong and proud. Great for mid-level management positions.
A strong niche that supports the ecosystem but is still learning to adapt, every day.
5- Giraffe
The giraffe is a creature that has a special ability to see at great distances. They are the symbol of insight. Find out what awaits them because of their long necks.
They are gentle creature, neither destructive nor aggressive. Great for those heading into finance or accounting, because of the ability to recognize that an animal has the ability to see the future the most.
6- Goat
Goats are a flexible animal. One of the best things to say about goats is that they are ready to climb forward.
It is ready to send great distances to climb the highest mountains to find resources.
It is a great symbol for those who join companies who may be in slight distress. The act of showing that you are ready for the challenges ahead and that you are resilient to them.
7- Elephant
Elephants are beautiful creatures, they are focused, family oriented and loyal. They work together in their small groups, with incredible determination on even the smallest of goals.
Great for those going into research or science. This animal depicts the ability to stay focused on small goals that affect the larger herd.
8. Elk
The elk is an animal that is always aware of its surroundings. Meaning, she knows her competition.
It is an animal that respects its herd but is always ready to watch itself.
Great for those in sales, who are encouraged to work on a team but also compete with the team as well.
Elk is not a good answer for those who are not encouraged to have some kind of internal competition with their teammates.
9- Eagle
It has one of the most symbolic meanings. It is about life, it is a connection with a deeper power, it is about following the light, searching for the right moments and observing the earth.
This is an animal that symbolizes strength, leadership, desire for abundance, honesty with oneself, and deep connection with creation. The eagle is not an animal that everyone uses.
It is recommended for use only by applicants for senior leadership positions. Those who are at the CEO level or just below the CEO level.
It is not recommended for use by those applying to be part of the general workforce.
Examples of answering the question
Response templates can help you with the question "if you were an animal what would you be?."
To carefully understand how to answer, consider these sample answers to help inspire you to prepare your own answer:
I'm going to be a dog because I love being around other people. Like a dog, I am happiest when I share groups and enjoy the support of those around me.
I will be a Dolphin because I love to connect with others and work as a team.
I will be an elephant because they are strong and great leaders. Elephants usually stay in small groups, but they are very loyal to those around them.
A horse is the type of animal I would be because I am focused and able to work independently or in a group.
If I were an animal, I would be an octopus because I am so creative and innovative. I'm like an octopus because my intelligence is one of my strengths.
I'm going to be a giraffe because I pay attention to what's coming and I'm so cute.
If I could be any animal, I would be a monkey because monkeys are very smart and problem solvers.
If I were an animal, I would be a mouse because I am resourceful and adapt well in any situation.
I'll be an elk because I'm quick to spot the competition and I'm loyal to my team.
If I were an animal, I would be an eagle because of the strength, agility, and leadership qualities of an eagle. I pay close attention to everything around me, and I am patient when I wait for an opportunity.