My boss has been doing some interviews for an administrative assistant position. One of the questions she asks in the interview is, "What is your favorite animal and tell us why you like it?" My boss feels whatever animal they choose reflects who that person is, ie the characteristics of the animal. I can see how she might relate, but I find it to be an unjust question. One woman said her favorite animal is a a sea lion because she has had a stuff animal sea lion since she was a little girl. My boss took that answer as her being lazy because sea lions do lay around a lot.
What do you think?
2007-01-09 08:17:19 · 14 answers · asked by dudeinnorcal 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Hiring leaders use many different pseudo-psychological questions of this nature when interviewing candidates. In general, the questions rely too heavily on the questioner's frame of reference (Sea Lion: Lazy from her point of view, ferocious predator from someone else's).
Asking the question is not improper from a legal perspective, but your boss should realize that the responses have little value.
2007-01-09 08:23:53 · answer #1 · answered by Colin M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is an unjust question. Interview questions are supposed to be about the person's qualifications for the position. It's not appropriate for the interview. I'm pretty sure that this is why your employer could get in trouble for asking it.
Plus, it's a stupid question! My favorite animal is a penguin. Why? Because they're cute! Not because they show great teamwork, which is the kind of crap your boss is going to get as an answer.
Also, what makes your boss think that he is qualified to access a person's personality based on this one answer? It's too vague for even expert psychologist's to access with certainty.
2007-01-09 08:29:22 · answer #2 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question is okay. Her interpretation of the answers is ridiculous. Besides, sea lions are one of the most fierce animals. What does she even know about animals to be making these interpretations? She is only interpreting what it would mean if SHE liked a certain animal.
It's an interesting question to get a feel for the person, but you can't interpret it like that.
2007-01-09 08:25:59 · answer #3 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This reminds me of the old story about a prospective employee being taken out for a lunch interview. He salted his food before tasting it, and the boss didn't hire him, the theory being if you salt it first, you are too quick to judge.
This question seems completely irrelavent to anything having to do with the job. I own three cats. Does that mean I am moody and sleep all day? No. I think your boss is making a huge leap by equating animals we like to equal personality traits. I like my cats because they know how to relax and force me to do that same -I'm generally all over the place, one ball of energy.
I can see if your boss is trying to use the question as a way to throw them a curveball, to see how they react to something under pressure. That is the true benefit of a question like this.
2007-01-09 08:27:11 · answer #4 · answered by harrisnish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question is totally ridiculous and should not be asked for an administrative assistant position. No matter what the person answers, the answer can be interpreted to mean anything! The interviewer would be wise to ask questions relative to what the position entails.
2007-01-09 08:27:31 · answer #5 · answered by babalouee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that makes no sense.
What would my answer, "I'm not an animal person" mean?
btw, if I were to think that was a valid question, what she should draw from that answer is that the applicant puts value in sentimental possessions and feelings, not that she has the characteristics of the real version of her stuffed toy.
2007-01-09 08:28:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is not a proper question or a proper way to determine
who a person is.
My thoughts on having a stuffed sea lion in my home would be
considered cruel. not lazy.
The persons appearance and attitude. manners reflects on who
that person is..
2007-01-09 08:29:09 · answer #7 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Geez, your boss sounds a little wacky...i probably wouldnt want to work for him anyway so i hope the Sea Lion gal isnt too bummed out when she gets the news
2007-01-09 08:24:56 · answer #8 · answered by Panda 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that while its wrong for your boss to equate people with the animals they choose, it really isn't inappropriate. If you are uncertain, check with your local equal opportunity office and ask them. They should be able to give to a good answer.
2007-01-09 08:23:09 · answer #9 · answered by David L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That has nothing to do with anything job-related, and could probably be counted as discrimination, with a good lawyer. I love dolphins, but I'm not very playful, and I don't like fish. It doesn't realy say a lot about people.
2007-01-09 08:24:28 · answer #10 · answered by Elle B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋