In today’s competitive job market, the hiring process goes beyond reviewing academic achievements and resume points. It’s a deeper exploration of problem-solving abilities and genuine experience. Elon Musk, the visionary behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla, embodies this philosophy by focusing on real-world problem-solving when assessing candidates. Musk is known for asking one crucial question in interviews: “What are some of the tougher problems you’ve dealt with, and how did you deal with those?”

This seemingly simple question carries great significance in revealing a candidate’s problem-solving skills, authenticity, and experience. It is Musk’s way of identifying true problem-solvers, as well as detecting potential dishonesty. Whether applying to SpaceX, Tesla, or one of Musk’s other ventures, preparing for this question is key to standing out in the hiring process.

Let’s break down the core purpose of this question and the philosophy behind it. Musk values individuals who can demonstrate real-world experience, having faced significant challenges and developed practical solutions. Through this question, Musk is not just asking for a list of problems but a detailed account of how a candidate faced adversity, how they tackled the issue, and what they learned in the process. This gives insight into their ability to handle future obstacles with creativity and critical thinking.

Musk’s focus on problem-solving skills stems from his leadership style, which places a premium on hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge. His companies are defined by their drive to tackle complex, real-world problems—whether reducing carbon emissions or making space travel feasible. Musk values candidates who have faced challenges head-on, learned from them, and emerged with actionable solutions.

When Musk asks candidates about tough problems, the question uncovers several key qualities:

1. Authenticity: Candidates must be able to provide genuine, specific examples of challenges they’ve faced, detailing both the obstacles and their responses.

2. Problem-Solving Skills: It’s not just about the problem but how the candidate approached it. The answer reveals critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making ability under pressure.

3. Ownership: Musk wants to understand whether the candidate took responsibility for their actions or merely played a minor role. Ownership highlights initiative and leadership.

4. Adaptability: The response shows how candidates have adapted to challenges, what lessons they’ve learned, and how those lessons will help in future problem-solving.

To craft a compelling answer to Musk’s question, candidates can use the STAR method, which stands for:

• Situation: Describe the challenge you faced.

• Task: Explain what your role was in addressing the issue.

• Action: Detail the steps you took to solve the problem.

• Result: Conclude with the outcome and what you learned.

The STAR method helps structure your response, focusing on specific contributions and ensuring a clear narrative. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Identify a Key Challenge: Reflect on a moment when you faced a significant, unexpected problem. Choose a challenge where you had to go beyond your usual scope of work and learn something new.

• Detail the Situation: Set the context for the challenge. What was at stake? Why was it important? This helps interviewers understand the gravity of the situation.

• Explain Your Task: Share your responsibility in addressing the problem. Were you in charge of the solution, or were you part of a team? Focus on your role in the outcome.

• Describe the Actions: Talk about the specific steps you took to overcome the issue. Be clear about the strategies you used and how you dealt with obstacles along the way.

• Highlight the Results: Explain the impact of your actions. What did you achieve? Quantify your success, if possible. Also, mention what you learned from the experience and how it shaped your problem-solving approach.

Before an interview, take time to review your career and think about key challenges you’ve faced. Reflect on moments of adversity where your decisions and actions made a tangible difference. Consider these points:

• List Significant Challenges: Think about situations where you encountered obstacles and how you overcame them.

• Identify Your Role: For each challenge, note what you specifically contributed. This helps highlight your personal impact.

• Reflect on Outcomes: Analyze how your solution benefited the project or company, and how you grew from the experience.

Elon Musk has mentioned that a well-thought-out answer to this question often gives him a strong “gut feeling” about a candidate. For Musk, the ability to provide detailed, authentic responses shows true competence. Candidates who embellish their stories or rely on others’ achievements will struggle to provide the specifics Musk is looking for.

Beyond problem-solving, Musk also values emotional intelligence. He understands that those who’ve struggled through challenges not only refine their technical skills but also develop resilience, emotional awareness, and stronger decision-making abilities. These qualities are crucial in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

For candidates, the key takeaway is that authenticity matters. When preparing for an interview, be honest and reflect on your real experiences. Use the STAR technique to tell your story in a clear and structured way, showcasing your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and growth.

Elon Musk’s approach to hiring serves as a reminder that the best talent is not found solely through polished resumes. It’s the real-world experiences—overcoming challenges, learning from failure, and developing solutions—that define the most valuable candidates. So, when preparing for your next interview, embrace your unique experiences, share your true stories, and let your authenticity shine.