How to Get Hired as an Engineer at Tesla
If you dream of working for the world’s most renowned electric car manufacturer, Tesla, you are not alone. With over 3.6 million job applications received in 2022 alone, it’s clear that landing a position at Elon Musk’s company is no easy feat. In this article, we’ll delve into the rigorous hiring process at Tesla and what it takes to become one of their esteemed engineers.
The Initial Interview
Tesla typically responds to successful job applications by arranging an interview with a recruiter or human resources representative. Engineers who have secured an interview with Tesla have done so through various means, such as submitting their resumes through Tesla’s job application portal, networking with Tesla representatives at job fairs or events, or having a colleague refer them through Tesla’s internal referral system.
According to four Tesla engineers, the company’s recruiters sift through thousands of applications, interviewing a maximum of 20 candidates. From this initial round, only about half of the applicants progress to the next stage. Following the preliminary interview, which includes traditional questions about why candidates want to work at Tesla and how they collaborate with others, prospective candidates often undergo technical interviews that may involve a hands-on or take-home test.
Group Interviews
The next step in Tesla’s hiring process involves presenting and participating in a series of quick interviews that can last from four to six hours. Candidates are typically required to present on their past projects for approximately 15-30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session about the project. According to Tesla engineers, new hires are encouraged to present projects they have worked on as part of a team during their university years or personal projects.
During the interview, four to six engineers will sit in on the presentation, followed by individual interviews with each candidate lasting around 30 minutes. Some Tesla engineers have revealed spending over 40 hours preparing for these presentations over the course of several weeks, whether conducted via Zoom or in-person. Between presentations, there is a short break to allow candidates to have lunch.
One engineer states, “You need to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your project from beginning to end. You let them know why you approached it the way you did and if there potentially could have been another approach that would have led to a different outcome.”
Following the presentations, the staff convenes to “vote” on the candidates. Each candidate is given a score from one to four. Only approximately half of the candidates who have presented make it through this interview round.
The Lengthy Process
Depending on the position, some candidates may be offered a job after a successful interview. For higher-level positions, candidates may continue interviewing with directors or vice presidents. According to three engineers, some candidates are asked to fill out a form that is then sent to a vice president or a member of Tesla’s executive team, outlining three reasons why they would be a good fit for the company. Some of these forms have even been forwarded to Elon Musk himself. Last year, Tesla’s CEO stated in an email to employees that he had to approve all new hires.
From start to finish, the entire process can take anywhere from one to six months. Seven engineers have described Tesla’s recruitment process as the most in-depth they have seen within the industry.
If you are aiming to join the ranks of Tesla’s talented engineers, prepare yourself for a challenging and meticulous journey. While it may take time and effort, the opportunity to work at a company leading the electric vehicle revolution could be well worth it.
For more information and helpful resources, visit Business Today.