Here’s what job interviewers are testing you for, according to economist Tyler Cowen.

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Economist Tyler Cowen argues that traditional interview methods are not effective in identifying the best candidates for a job, especially in creative roles. Candidates who are wellprepared often pass these interviews, but this only tests their preparation and not their abilities.

To identify the best candidates, Cowen suggests that interviewers focus on being authentic and spontaneous in their interactions with candidates, instead of relying on prewritten questions.

The interviewer should be trustworthy, Cowen argues, as it helps them to better evaluate the candidate's authenticity. Ultimately, allocating talent in better ways can contribute to economic growth, and a more thoughtful approach to interviews can help identify more talented individuals and elevate them to greater opportunities.

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About Tyler Cowen:
Tyler is the Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics at George Mason University and serves as chairman and general director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He is coauthor of the popular economics blog Marginal Revolution and cofounder of the online educational platform Marginal Revolution University.

Tyler also writes a column for Bloomberg View, and he has contributed to The Wall Street Journal and Money. In 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek profiled Tyler as “America’s Hottest Economist” after his ebook, The Great Stagnation, appeared twice on The New York Times ebook bestseller list.

He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in economics and earned a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. He also runs a podcast series called Conversations with Tyler. His latest book Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives and Winners Around the World is coauthored with venture capitalist Daniel Gross.



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