Do you think you’d pass Elon Musk’s all-important question?
There’s one major question Elon Musk asks in every job interview to spot a liar – how do you think you’d fare?
If you’re aiming for a position at one of Elon Musk’s powerhouse companies, like Tesla or SpaceX, prepare yourself for some fierce competition. And if you’re thinking about embellishing your resume or bending the truth during the interview, you might want to rethink that strategy.
In a 2017 interview with Auto Bild, Musk was asked about the key traits he looks for in potential hires. While education and achievements are important, the world’s richest man revealed that he tends to focus on one pivotal question during interviews.
Musk explained, “I really just ask: ‘What are some of the tougher problems you’ve dealt with and how did you handle them?’ And how they made decisions at key transition points.”
Why is this question so crucial to Musk? He shared that it provides him with a “very good gut feeling” about the candidate and can even help him detect whether someone is being dishonest. He’s not just looking for what’s on the surface – he’s after evidence of exceptional ability.
Musk went on to say, “What I’m really looking for is evidence that they’ve faced difficult problems and overcome them. If there’s a significant accomplishment, I want to know: were they truly responsible, or was it someone else?”
For Musk, the person who’s had to struggle with a problem truly understands it. “They don’t forget,” he said. “You can ask them very detailed questions about it, and they’ll know the answer. The person who wasn’t truly responsible won’t have the details.”
So if you’re looking to impress Musk, don’t just focus on your credentials – be ready to share your real-world problem-solving experiences and the challenges you’ve overcome. It’s the key to winning his trust.
And it’s not just Elon Musk who values this approach – Indeed has also identified it as one of the “eight common problem-solving questions” you might face in a job interview.
The employment platform points out: “If the job you’re applying for requires analytical thinking or problem-solving skills, your interviewer may ask you problem-solving questions. These can vary across industries and positions, but some frequently asked questions tend to have a common theme.”
One of the questions featured on Indeed echoes Musk’s approach perfectly: “Describe a time when you faced an unexpected challenge in your job?”
So, it’s clear that whether you’re facing Musk or another top employer, showcasing your ability to navigate tough challenges and make key decisions is essential to standing out. Get ready to share those real, hands-on experiences in your next interview – it’s what employers want to hear.
In line with Musk’s advice on being honest about your achievements, Indeed also recommends: “Explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.” A great way to structure your answer is by using the STAR technique.
The STAR technique involves breaking down your response into four key elements:
- Situation – Describe the context or problem you faced.
- Task – Explain your role or responsibility in addressing the challenge.
- Action – Detail the steps you took to solve the problem.
- Result – Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on the positive impact.
When using this method, choose an example that ended with a successful result and reflect on what you learned from the experience. If possible, connect the example to the job you’re applying for, highlighting how the skills you demonstrated are relevant to the role. This approach not only shows your problem-solving ability but also your capacity for self-reflection and growth.
