When you’re called in for a job interview, chances are you’re pretty well prepared to answer a wide range of questions. But, while some questions are run-of-the-mill layups, others are designed as a trick, just to see how you handle them “on the spot.”
But get this: One question in particular is designed not only to see how you handle “on the spot” pressure, but to see if you’re lying…
And it’s a question that Elon Musk asks candidates when he interviews them.
Today, FindYourJobNow.com will show you the question he asks his candidates to see if they’re lying, and we’ll show you how to prepare for it if it comes up in your next job interview.
But before we reveal the tricky question Elon Musk asks, let’s quickly review some questions that are likely to be asked in your next job interview…
And we’ll show you a great way to answer each one of them.
Ready?
Interviewer question 1: How did you hear about the job opening at our company?
Candidate answer: I’ve been following your company for a while now, and once I saw a job posting I was excited at the opportunity to apply.
Interviewer question 2: Have you been applying for other jobs?
Candidate answer: Yes, I was applying for other jobs, but once I saw you were hiring, my focus was solely on (company name).
Interviewer question 3: Do you prefer working by yourself, or on a team?
Candidate answer: Actually, I prefer both. See, on a team you have a lot of collaboration, and great ideas can come from that; ideas that can translate well into any solo projects that are required.
Interviewer question 4: How do you deal with stress or pressure at work?
Candidate answer: I’ve dealt with some stressful, and even high pressure situations throughout my career. What I like to do is take a quick step back and reset; even for just a minute or two to reassess the situation and work through the problem (give an example).
Interviewer question 5: How do you keep yourself organized?
Candidate answer: I keep track of my schedule, deadlines, meetings, important dates and times with digital calendars and team software programs like (name a software you’ve used like: Asana/Microsoft Teams/Slack).
Interviewer question 6: So, what exactly are your salary expectations?
Candidate answer: (know the salary range for the job beforehand) Well, based on the industry average for the job, and the skills I bring to the table, I’m looking for a salary in the neighborhood of $XX,XXX.
Ok, now that those six common questions have been asked and answered, let’s get into Elon Musk’s trick question.
“Tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them.”
This question/question technique is known as “asymmetric information management.” It allows the interviewer to see if you can answer the question with precise details. Details that reveal if you’re telling the truth.[1]
The more details you can give, the more likely the interviewer believes you’re telling the truth. The fewer details you give, the more they think you could be lying.
So…
How do you answer this?
By knowing beforehand it could be asked and by getting your ducks in a row. Think about this question now and formulate a well-detailed answer to it… and be genuine.
We’ve all had to solve difficult problems at work. Talk about one of them and use the details.
Now, it’s time to find a job to interview for.
Simply go to our homepage (www.FindYourJobNow.com) and use our advanced job search toolbar. An entire world of opportunity awaits you!
[1] Classic job interview question that catches liars - and it's used by Elon Musk | Daily Mail Online