How to Answer: Do you focus on the reasons something won’t work, or do you find ways to adapt to change?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a SpaceX job interview.
8. Do you focus on the reasons something won’t work, or do you find ways to adapt to change?
What You Need to Know
This question assesses your attitude and approach to innovation. Employees of Elon Musk have described him as a machine, someone who refuses failure and demands a path be forged around every obstacle, and he expects of others what he expects of himself. When working for an innovative company that frequently has to make adjustments or shift its focus to reach its goals, one's adaptability is integral to the success in the role they have to play. Therefore, their expectations are often high. Consider how you would define your attitude as you ponder how to answer this question.
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"Some changes can be tougher to accept than others. Once I understand the motivation or goal behind the change, I initially try to balance the pros and cons before I can adapt. Overall, I prefer to focus on why the changes will work. I am a pragmatically positive person by nature."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2nd Answer Example
"I am an optimist by nature. I look at everything from the viewpoint of possibility. The path forward is always asking the right questions. So, before making any summary judgments, I will always ask why and move forward. I am a glass-half-full person who tries to find ways to fill it until I reach surface tension."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Mechanical Engineer Example
"Sometimes you have to learn from failure. Understanding what the problem is, will help identify solutions. Focusing on what didn't work and finding ways to change it, is how you grow as a person."
Written by Joseph Murphy on November 4th, 2022
Manufacturing Engineer Example
I think both are important. Learning from one's mistakes in discovering why things didn't work can provide extremely rich knowledge and experience that will improve future performance. Adapting to change is also just as critical to a successful future.
Written by Timothy Cannon on November 18th, 2022