When it comes to job interviews, Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his unconventional approach. Rather than relying on typical questions about technical expertise or business acumen, Musk has employed a deceptively simple yet highly effective question since 2017 to detect dishonesty. According to the New York Post, the question Musk often asks is: “Tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them.”
On the surface, this might seem like a standard interview query. However, it’s part of a strategic method Musk uses to probe deeper into a candidate’s actual experiences. Research has shown that this question is particularly adept at revealing whether a candidate is being truthful or deceptive.
This technique falls under a category known as ‘Asymmetric Information Management’ (AIM). AIM is designed to help interviewers identify deception by encouraging candidates to elaborate on their past experiences. A study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition has validated the effectiveness of this approach. The research highlights that truthful individuals tend to provide more comprehensive and detailed answers, while those who are lying often offer more vague and less specific responses.
But why does this method work so well? Truthful people usually have a clear recollection of their experiences and can provide rich details about the challenges they faced, the steps they took to address them, and the outcomes of their efforts. In contrast, liars may fear that too many details could expose inconsistencies, so they tend to give less informative responses. According to Cody Porter, one of the study’s authors, “Small details are the lifeblood of investigations. If someone provides a detailed answer, it’s easier to assess whether they’re lying or telling the truth.”
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In addition to detecting dishonesty, Musk’s question serves another crucial purpose. It helps him gauge the “exceptional ability” of candidates. By examining how candidates describe their problem-solving experiences in detail, Musk can better assess their true skills and expertise. A detailed narrative about overcoming significant challenges is often a strong indicator of genuine competence and capability.
Musk’s innovative interviewing technique reflects his broader approach to pushing boundaries—whether in electric vehicle technology, space exploration, or recruitment practices. His preference for this simple but insightful question underscores his commitment to thoroughness and authenticity in evaluating potential team members.
For anyone preparing for an interview with Musk or other discerning interviewers, it’s wise to be ready to discuss experiences in detail. Providing specific examples of how you’ve tackled difficult problems can be a key factor in demonstrating both honesty and exceptional ability, potentially making all the difference in landing the job.
