During the 2017 World Government Summit, Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, revealed his go-to inquiry for job applicants: “Tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them.” This seemingly straightforward prompt holds the key to unlocking a candidate’s integrity.
At the 2017 World Government Summit, Musk revealed his job question. Image Credit: Getty
The Science Behind the Question: Asymmetric Information Management
Musk’s rationale behind this question is rooted in the concept of “Asymmetric Information Management (AIM),” a method that leverages the psychology of truth-telling. AIM encourages individuals to elaborate on their experiences to elicit genuine responses. This approach makes it difficult for dishonest candidates to convincingly fabricate intricate details.
How the Question Detects Liars: The Power of Detail
The significance of this question lies in its ability to discern between truth-tellers and liars. Those who provide a lot of specific details are more likely to be genuine. Small details often show how deeply someone was involved in past challenges. In contrast, those who offer vague or evasive responses may be attempting to conceal their lack of actual experience or expertise.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, several behavioral cues can indicate deceit. Liars tend to provide minimal information, hoping to obfuscate their lack of genuine involvement in the situations they describe. “Small details are the lifeblood of forensic investigations and can provide investigators with facts to check and witnesses to question,” wrote Cody Porter, one of the study’s authors.
Musk’s Probing Question: A Test of Authenticity
This tactic, while initially appearing strategic, can eventually backfire when confronted with Musk’s probing question. By using this simple yet sharp question, Musk can sort through job applicants effectively. He looks for people who not only have the right skills but also show a history of honesty and authenticity. For Musk, honesty is paramount. He believes that it is key to great performance and long-term success in his companies.
Musk’s question is based on “Asymmetric Information Management (AIM)” theory. Image Credit: Getty
Social Media Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Opinions
Social media reactions to Musk’s interview question have been mixed. Some people praise the approach, saying it’s a smart way to find honest candidates. They appreciate that it focuses on real experiences rather than just polished resumes. Others feel the method might be too simplistic and could overlook other important qualities.
A study found behavioral cues that can indicate deceit. Image Credit: Getty
“He couldn’t pay me enough to work for this low life especially that he is following a felon,” one user said. “That is such a good question. I used to be a manager and interviewed people. I would always ask strange and unusual questions mostly just to see how people would answer,” the second user shared. “It sounds like a challenging interview question meant to test your problem-solving skills,” the third user commented. “Well he has a super computer, I’m sure he knew before asking,” another joked.
Conclusion: A Simple Question with Profound Implications
Elon Musk’s interview question might seem simple on the surface, but it reveals a deep understanding of human behavior and the importance of honesty in the workplace. By focusing on real experiences and encouraging detailed responses, Musk aims to uncover the true potential of his candidates, ensuring that they possess the integrity and authenticity necessary to thrive in his demanding environment.
