What is the hiring process at Tesla?

The hiring process for Tesla typically takes time and includes more than one interview and a period of weeks or months until your start date. The stages of being hired vary dramatically based on the role you're applying for and the need of your position.

Take note that Tesla hires about 0.5% of candidates out of the vast pool. It is a competitive and involved process, on the candidate and management officials end.

Here you can learn about the different department processes:

Mechanics/EV Technician

To work on Tesla vehicles you must become a Certified Electric Vehicle Technician (CEVT). By applying for a EV Technician position through the Tesla website, you can be paid to go through the Tesla START program, a 12 week program that then places you to work at one of Tesla's 58 service centers where you must stay for 2 years. You are hired based on the cycles of these programs.

Manufacturing

Most manufacturing jobs in the US are located in California and Texas. You find open positions on the Tesla Website and create a Tesla Candidate profile and wait to be contacted by someone in HR. You may go through a series of interviews, followed by a background check. This process takes about 2 to 4 weeks total.

Engineering

Becoming an Engineer for Tesla is a highly sought after position, and they will take their time to hire the best candidate. The testing process is rigorous and involved, before even going through the interviews, you have to prove your value through your application.

After your application is reviewed you will go through a phone screening with HR. If the fit sounds right, you will next be phone interviewed by a Senior Engineer which can get quite technical.

The final round is onsite. It may involve presenting to a panel of engineers and hiring managers, or you may be evaluated by engaging in group activities and challenges.

After you are selected, a background check is performed. The entire process to be hired can take up to 2 months.

Corporate

Corporate jobs might be advertised on job boards or through LinkedIn, always make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. You can search the Tesla Careers site online and also create a profile there.

Tesla may have online assessments to get an idea of how you think. You can expect a call from a recruiter if you make it to the next round, followed by an in person interview with a panel.

Internships

Internships last 3 to 12 months, but interns are treated like full time employees. The process to be selected is just as competitive and involved. Final candidates will be contacted for an interview which may lead to a follow up interview.