The name Elon Musk is known the world over. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO is not only one of the wealthiest people in the world but also generally considered one of the most successful. So, what exactly is it that has enabled Musk to enjoy such unparalleledsuccess?
伊隆．馬斯克這個名字在世上家喻戶曉。這位 Tesla 及 SpaceX 的執行長不僅是世界最有錢的人之一，還是公認最成功的人之一。那麼，究竟是什麼讓馬斯克享有這般無比的成功呢？
While there are many factors behind Musk’s success, one key element appears to be his hiring strategy. It’s no great secret that the success of any company depends heavily on the employees it hires. Musk seems to be acutelyaware of this reality, as revealed by one particular question that he poses to all candidates.
strategy [ ˈstrætədʒɪ ] n. 策略，行動計畫 acutely [ əˈkjutlɪ ] adv. 深深地，極其 candidate [ ˈkændəˌdet ] n. 申請者；候選人
Specifically, he asks them to describe some of the most difficult problems they have solved in life and to explain in detail the processes for solving them. So, what makes this seemingly obvious interview question so effective?
specifically = to be specific [ spɪˈsɪfɪkl̩ɪ ] adv. 具體／明確地說 seemingly [ ˈsimɪŋlɪ ] adv. 看起來，表面上 effective [ ɪˈfɛktɪv ] a. 有效的，產生預期效果的
This question is an example of a techniqueknown as asymmetricinformation management, which is a strategy used to determine whether someone is telling the truth or lying. To be specific, by asking a candidate to describe their problem-solving methods in detail, Musk invites them to use as much information as possible in their descriptions. Put simply, the more detail a candidate uses in such a description, the easier it becomes to determine whether they are telling the truth.
In a 2014 interview, Musk revealed that he likes his candidates to clearly demonstrate that they actually solved their described problems. The ability to identify such candidates enables Musk to hire people who are able to prove their problem-solving abilities as well as show clear dedication to developing effective problem-solving approaches.
Please fill in the blanks with the information contained in the passage about Musk’s interview method.
Technique
asymmetric information management
Method
Ask candidates to
- describe some of the most difficult problems they have solved in life.
- ________________________________ⓐ________________________________.
根據本文，什麼樣的求職者是馬斯克的理想員工？ 答案: Those who are able to prove their problemsolving abilities and show clear dedication to developing effective problem-solving approaches.
請將本文提到關於馬斯克面試方法的資訊填入以下空格。 答案: ⓐ explain in detail the processes for solving the problems
ⓑ to determine whether a candidate is telling the truth or lying
