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In the automotive world of cutting-edge technology, electric car maker Tesla stands as a beacon of innovation. As the gatekeeper of its workforce, an X (former Twitter) user, name Tesla Thomas, who claims to be a Tesla Hiring Manager, sheds some light on the intricate qualities that propelled candidates to the forefront of the electric vehicle maker's hiring process.
Claiming to have interviewed and hired hundreds of applicants over a decade, Tesla Thomas unveils the unique attributes that not only earned candidates a seat at Tesla's table but also empowered them to excel within the fast-paced, mission-driven environment of electric car building.
Whether you're an aspiring Tesla employee or simply intrigued by the secrets behind one of the world's most innovative companies, join me in unraveling the traits that make Tesla's top performers truly stand out.
So Tesla Thomas Writes
As a Tesla Hiring Manager, I interviewed and hired hundreds of applicants over a 10-year timespan. Here are some things that top-performing candidates and employees did. Follow along if this stuff interest you:
1: They were genuinely aligned with Tesla’s mission. It really helps to feel part of the mission. The environment at Tesla is simply too fast-paced to just “chug along”. Of course, if you get hired, finding your own balance is also critical. Working at Tesla can be a lot, but having that fire in your belly really helps.
2: They applied for a position they actually wanted. I saw it so many times over 10 years. MBAs apply for an entry-level job, not to do the job, but to “get their foot in the door.” There was a one-year minimum in the job before promotion or internal move at Tesla and these candidates were generally unhappy after weeks in the job. We stopped hiring them after a little while.
3: Sounds simple, but they’d read Tesla’s website (many times) before their interview rounds. There is so much information out there and it is condensed on Tesla’s website. It was painful when talking to a candidate who didn’t know basic product information or current events around what was happening at Tesla. That’s not to say they wouldn’t have done a good job, but the competition is so steep, we had to filter those candidates out.
4: Hot-Tip - prepare some examples of your past achievements or obstacles you’ve overcome using the STAR method (Situation - Task - Action - Result). This will help you stay succinct in your interview. Thank me later.
5: The best candidates thrived in a mission-oriented meritocracy, where performance isn’t left to chance. They’re aligned with the mission and they do measurable work. Tesla is a place, where you can really thrive as a top performer.
6: The P&D numbers that Tesla publishes at the end of every quarter are caused by thousands of employees, hundreds of teams, and senior managers all making their individual targets. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are tracked throughout the quarter. The emphasis on each KPI changes throughout the quarter. Once on the job, the best performers paced themselves throughout the quarter and defined what part of their own behavior was causing a positive influence on their KPIs. Then they did more of it.
7: They didn’t e-mail Elon in their first week. OK, kind of a joke here, but yeah don’t email Elon to suggest Supercharger locations. If it’s something safety or company critical fair enough, but in reality there are a hundred people in the company that can solve your problem, other than Elon.
8: They were self-motivated and made it their business to know their job inside out. Again I had people without a degree in my team who made it to Senior Manager because they were curious and had a savage work ethic and I had others with a Masters degree, who couldn’t make it to work on time..and of course everything in between.
9: They were team players. Generally, everyone had a day, sometimes weeks or even longer, where for whatever reason, their performance dipped. Most noticed this themselves, but if you’re part of the team, your teammates will help you get back on your feet. Be a team player.
10: That’s it. Hope that helps. Follow along if this kind of stuff interests you.
Torque News' Take
Ten questions arise from the above points about how to succeed at Tesla.
How crucial is alignment with Tesla's mission during the hiring process?
Mission alignment is a cornerstone of our hiring strategy at Tesla. When candidates genuinely resonate with our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy, it creates a sense of purpose that fuels their drive to excel in our dynamic environment. This alignment isn't just about fitting in; it's about contributing passionately to a cause that goes beyond a typical job.
Can you elaborate on the significance of applying for a desired position?
Absolutely, it's all about finding the right fit. We've observed that candidates who apply for positions they genuinely desire tend to bring a higher level of enthusiasm and commitment to their roles. When someone's heart is truly in their work, it's reflected in their performance, and that's what we're after - long-term contributions that drive both individual growth and our company's success.
How can candidates best prepare for Tesla interviews, considering the emphasis on website research?
Doing your homework is key. Before your interview, dive into Tesla's website to understand our products, values, and recent developments. This helps you engage meaningfully during discussions and showcases your dedication to joining our team. It's about demonstrating that you're invested in what we do and that you're ready to contribute from day one.
What is the STAR method and its role in interviews?
The STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result - is a framework for effectively communicating your past achievements. By structuring your responses this way, you provide a clear context, detail the actions you took, and highlight the outcomes. It's not just about telling us what you did; it's about showing us your problem-solving abilities and how you make an impact.
How do KPIs drive performance at Tesla?
At Tesla, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are integral to measuring success. These metrics guide our employees to make strategic decisions that align with our goals. The quarterly cadence sharpens our focus, encouraging individuals to contribute to the bigger picture while staying adaptable to evolving priorities.
What's the story behind not emailing Elon in the first week?
It's a bit of humor with a grain of wisdom. While we admire proactive engagement, we also have a robust support structure. Our company is built on collaboration, and there's a team of experts ready to help with various matters. Reserving direct communication with Elon for critical issues ensures that everyone's efforts are efficiently directed toward the best solutions.
How does Tesla value degrees versus work ethics in hiring?
At Tesla, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. While degrees certainly have value, what truly matters is the capacity to learn, adapt, and contribute. We've seen individuals with varied educational backgrounds shine due to their curiosity, relentless work ethic, and ability to seize opportunities.
Can you elaborate on the teamwork dynamic at Tesla?
Teamwork is a vital aspect of our culture. We recognize that everyone has their ups and downs, and that's where our collaborative spirit shines. Colleagues support each other, collectively driving us forward. Being a team player means lending a hand when needed and contributing to an environment that thrives on shared success.
Are these traits specific to Tesla or a broader trend?
While these traits are crucial for success at Tesla, they also reflect a broader shift in the tech industry. Companies across the spectrum are recognizing the value of mission alignment, adaptability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. These qualities empower individuals to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
How do these traits impact Tesla's overall success?
These traits are the bedrock of our achievements. Our success hinges on a workforce that's passionate, prepared, adaptable, and collaborative. It's these individuals who drive our innovation, ensure we meet our targets, and contribute to realizing Tesla's mission on a global scale.
These are indeed very interesting points, discussed by Tesla Thomas. By the way, he says he will be "posting new experiences from my days at Tesla regularly, within the bounds of my NDA of course. All positive stuff." Have you been hired by Tesla or another major company? What was the most interesting aspect of your hiring process and interview, which you can share with us in the comments section below within the boundaries of your NDA?
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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