With over 3.6 million applications received in 2022, Tesla has become a highly sought-after employer, attracting millions of individuals eager to work for Elon Musk's renowned electric car company. However, landing a role at Tesla is no easy task, especially for engineers.
Engineers at Tesla revealed that the hiring process can be rigorous, often involving up to 9 interviews, various tests, and, in some cases, even a letter to Musk himself. The process can be lengthy, spanning up to six months from start to finish, with applicants needing to navigate through multiple stages to secure a position.
Recruiters at Tesla typically sift through thousands of applications, selecting only a handful of candidates for interviews. Successful applicants then undergo a series of interviews, including a culture fit interview, technical interviews with managers and team members, and a presentation session lasting four to six hours.
During the presentation, candidates are required to discuss a previous project in detail, facing a panel of engineers who evaluate their technical knowledge and trustworthiness. The panelists provide a 'blind vote' on the candidate, scoring them on a scale of one to four, with low scores potentially leading to rejection.
For some roles, candidates may progress to interviews with director or VP-level employees, and in certain cases, they are asked to outline reasons why they would be a good fit for Tesla, with notes possibly reaching Elon Musk himself for approval.
Overall, the entire hiring process at Tesla can take anywhere from one to six months, with engineers describing it as one of the most intensive in the industry. Despite the challenges, many applicants are willing to endure the lengthy process due to the opportunity to work for Tesla and potentially benefit from its stock options.
While a Tesla spokesperson did not provide a comment on the hiring process, the insights shared by current Tesla engineers shed light on the demanding yet rewarding journey of securing a role at one of the most innovative companies in the world.
