This is Elon Musk's favorite interview question
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, has a unique approach to identifying honesty in job applicants. As reported by The New York Post, Musk's preferred interview question is: "Tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them?" This query was first revealed by Musk at the World Government Summit on February 12, 2017, as a tool for detecting inconsistencies in responses.
Strategy to identify dishonesty in responses
Musk believes that his question can expose those who falsely claim to have solved a problem. He explained, "People who pretended to solve the problem can maybe go one level and then they get stuck." This strategy effectively identifies potential dishonesty among candidates, as per Musk. A detailed response from an applicant often indicates truthfulness, while a vague or ambiguous answer may suggest otherwise.
Using 'AIM' technique to detect verbal lies
Musk employs the Asymmetric Information Management (AIM) technique in his interviews, a method known for its effectiveness in detecting verbal lies. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, this approach encourages truth-tellers while discouraging liars. The study's author, Cody Porter, noted that liars often provide minimal details to "conceal their guilt," which can be interpreted as strategic information withholding when using the AIM method.
Approach to assess candidates' true capabilities
Musk uses the AIM method to evaluate if a candidate's actual abilities match their resume, by looking for inconsistencies and hidden details. Porter suggested that candidates with a history of exceptional achievement are likely to maintain their performance in future roles. This approach allows Musk to make informed decisions about potential hires based on their demonstrated problem-solving skills and honesty.
