I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Tesla (Palo Alto, CA) in Mar 2012
Interview
Contacted by the HR. Initially had 3 interviews over the phone, 1st by HR, 2nd by an Engineer and 3rd by the head of the group. Was called for an onsite interview and was asked to prepare a presentation.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 7 months. I interviewed at Tesla (Berkeley, CA)
Interview
Seriously, one of the worst experiences of my professional life. The recruiters are disrespectful and dismissive, and simply cannot follow through on plans. I have been in communication with a recruiter for months, and she will say thing such as "I will contact you in 3 days" and then never will contact me again. When I finally got an interview scheduled (through another recruiter), he never called me at the set time. After not receiving any email or phone call explaining why I emailed him back. He said something had come up, and rescheduled the interview for the next day. And then proceeded to not call me again, and again did not provide any explanation or apology. It's simply disrespectful of my time, and I do not wish to work at a company that teaches their employees that their time is so much more valuable than others that they do not have to have common courtesy or follow through on commitments.
Tesla, remember that your recruiters are the first time your future employees get to see your companies culture. If I were you, I would be rather embarrassed about your recruiting teams, and understand that without your incredible reputation as a technological innovator (which may soon fade) your company would not be able to recruit talent.
I applied in-person. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Tesla in Nov 2011
Interview
Went to a Tesla booth at a job fair, they were conducting interviews the next day and I asked for one. Interview was one on one, standard STAR behavioral questions, the interviewer was very helpful and told me what they were looking for and gave me feedback on how well my answers fit with their company mindset.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Nothing really tricky, just questions trying to clarify various aspects of my resume. Behavioral questions as well.