Internship applications are meant to open doors, but lately, they seem to raise eyebrows more often than opportunities. A viral post has put the spotlight on the absurdity of some application questions, leaving job seekers amused, frustrated, and divided. One question in particular has taken social media by storm, asking candidates to “Tell me a story from your childhood that has shaped your values.”

The applicant’s response? Pure exasperation: “I just want an internship, man.”  

Take a look at the post here-

This simple post has amassed over 13.6 million views, sparking an online debate that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Let’s explore why this question has the internet in splits and what it says about modern-day internship culture.

 The Internship Question That Got Everyone Talking  

Imagine gearing up for an internship application, only to stumble upon a question straight out of a self-help book. That’s precisely what happened when one job seeker encountered the now-infamous query.  

While many laughed at the ridiculousness of the question, others vented their frustration. From witty one-liners to genuine critiques, the internet had a field day:  

– “Ever since I was a small kid, I dreamed of creating shareholder value,” joked one user.  

– “I was born as a very young child,” quipped another.  

The consensus? Nobody signs up for an internship to relive their childhood values.  

 What Are Recruiters Thinking?  

Before we completely dismiss these questions, let’s consider why they exist. According to one recruiter, these unconventional prompts aren’t as random as they seem. They’re designed to:  

1. Test Your Interest: If you’re applying without care or thought, your response (or lack of one) might reveal it.  

2. Gauge Creativity: For some companies, a childhood story can hint at how you think and solve problems.  

3. Spot Authenticity: Thoughtful answers may help filter out generic applicants.  

As one recruiter put it: “Questions like these weed out those who aren’t serious. Responses can sometimes be the deciding factor.”  

But does that make it okay?  

 Why Candidates Are Furious  

The backlash to these questions isn’t surprising. Here’s why job seekers find them so annoying:  

1. Irrelevance to Skills: Writing about a childhood anecdote doesn’t prove you’re good at Excel or project management.  

2. Time Wasted: With hundreds of applications to submit, who has the bandwidth to craft essays for each one?  

3. Unnecessary Stress: Freshers already face immense pressure to stand out; such prompts feel like an extra, unnecessary hurdle.  

One user summed it up perfectly: “Why does a company care about my values as a five-year-old when all I’ll be doing is Excel sheets?”  

 The Humor in the Absurdity  

Despite the frustration, social media users have turned this into a comedy fest. Memes, sarcastic answers, and anecdotes from similar experiences are flooding platforms:  

– “This reminds me of MBA days. Why do L’Oréal or Nivea care about my childhood dreams? Do they even read these?”  

– “If a company uses Google Forms for hiring, RUN.”  

The situation highlights the growing disconnect between what recruiters seek and what candidates feel is fair.  

 How to Ace Such Internship Questions  

If you do come across such a curveball, don’t panic! Here’s how to handle it like a pro:  

1. Be Honest: Share a genuine memory that reflects your values—keep it concise and relevant.  

2. Show Personality: Use the opportunity to stand out, but don’t overthink it.  

3. Stay Professional: Avoid sarcasm unless you’re 100% sure it aligns with the company’s culture.  

Think of it as a chance to subtly market yourself without repeating your résumé.  

 The Bigger Picture of Internship

This viral post isn’t just about one quirky question—it’s a reflection of how internships are perceived today. For many, these opportunities feel less like a chance to grow and more like a test of endurance.  

The debate underscores a key question: Are recruiters losing sight of what truly matters? As companies demand creativity and storytelling, they might be alienating the very talent they wish to attract.  

 Conclusion: More Than Just an Internship  

Whether you find the question absurd or insightful, one thing’s clear: internships are evolving, and so are expectations. As job seekers and recruiters continue to clash over application processes, perhaps it’s time to rethink the way we connect talent with opportunity.  

Because, at the end of the day, as applicants often say: “I just want an internship, man.”