Tech jobs are in high demand and for good reason. From data scientists to software developers, thousands of people across the US are vying for well-paid positions in the sector. While data analysts and corporate software engineers may face different challenges, one company stands out for its notoriously difficult interview process: Tesla.
Headed by Elon Musk, one of the richest men on the planet, Tesla attracts millions of applicants each year. In 2023 alone, a staggering 5.9 million individuals applied for a job at the car manufacturer, according to data analyzed by Resume.io. With such a massive pool of candidates, it’s no wonder that Tesla has to ensure it selects the best fit for each role.
So, what makes Tesla’s hiring process so demanding? For one, Elon Musk has a favorite question that he likes to ask candidates: “You’re standing on the surface of the Earth. You walk one mile south, one mile west, and one mile north. You end up exactly where you started. Where are you?” The answer, in case you’re wondering, is the North Pole. It’s safe to say that Tesla interviewees should expect some brain-scrambling questions.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some Tesla candidates may face a grueling series of up to nine interviews, tests, and even the requirement to write a letter to Elon Musk himself. Additionally, Tesla’s engineering hiring process may involve presentations and a series of rapid-fire interviews that can last four to six hours. Talk about sweating it out in the hot seat!
With this intense process in mind, Amanda Augustine, Resume.io’s resident career expert, offers some valuable advice on how to succeed in interviews at tech firms like Tesla. “Do your homework,” she advises. “Reach out to people in your network who currently or previously worked for the company and check out employer-review sites like Glassdoor for insights into the interview process. Carefully review the job description to identify the most important skills and traits and think of examples showcasing your previous achievements in these areas.”
Interviewing for a technical role at a major tech company typically involves programming challenges or coding tests, so it’s essential to be prepared. If you learn that the company uses a specific online skill assessment or virtual interview platform, take advantage of the opportunity to test it out beforehand. Practice putting yourself on the spot to boost your confidence when it counts.
Tesla’s interview process may be tough, but for those who truly want to join one of the largest tech firms in the world, it’s a challenge worth pursuing. Good luck out there!
