‘If someone was really the person who solved the problem, they’ll be able to explain that on multiple levels, they’ll be able to go down to the brass tacks,’ he says. ‘If they weren’t, they’ll get stuck. Then you’ll know that this person was not really the one who solved the problem, because someone who struggles with a problem never forgets it…’

Fudging a CV is pretty common, from over-polishing various skills to listing something you only did once or twice as a regular task or responsibility. It’s certainly not something that we as recruitment experts would recommend. However, candidates can get into really deep water when they start to stretch the truth too much on an application – and you don’t have to be interviewed by Elon Musk to get caught out. Even if your fibs aren’t rumbled at interview stage, if you’re expected to demonstrate ability and knowledge you just don’t have once you start the job, things will unravel pretty quickly, to the extent you might even be asked to leave.

We completely understand that ‘CV massage’ is perhaps an inevitable response to the stress and strain of job hunting. If you’ve filled out hundreds of forms, or you see a position that could be made for you (if only you’d got that key skill they seem to want) then in a mad moment lying might seem like the answer.

Turning your weakness into an advantage
The key to staying honest and still presenting yourself as an ideal candidate is to make it clear how the skills you do have will fit well with the post on offer. If you’re keen to move sectors, say, from hospitality to retail, but you’re worried you don’t have specific experience, then highlight what a fast learner you are and give examples. Employers are always interested in transferable skills, for example staff management, training, the handling of money and takings, so make sure that every innovation you introduced, every penny you saved and every staff member you motivated gets a mention. You will mean far more to a prospective employer than someone who’s simply going through the motions and thinks sector familiarity is enough.

And if you get completely stuck with your CV, come and visit us. Not only can we help you to see the wood for the trees and craft something that truly showcases your strengths, we can be your advocate in face-to-face meetings with businesses who are hiring throughout the city, recommending you personally for jobs we think you’ll like and be good at – and making sure you pass the ‘Elon Musk test’ every time!

To see the full extract from the Elon Musk interview, visit Business Insider UK