If you want to work at Tesla; you need to be persistent. I have applied numerous times since graduating college in 2010. I interviewed 2 times prior to the 3rd, which finally resulted in an offer. Knowing someone who works there will help you get noticed by the hiring managers. Everyone is extremely busy, so don't take it personally if they say they are going to call you the next day and it ends up being the next week. It's nothing personal. People are just very very busy. The interview/ hiring process: 1.) Spoke with the recruiter and set up a phone interview with a senior Engineer. 2.) Interview with senior Engineer. If you know what you are talking about then this should be enjoyable. They are getting a first glance at your personality and technical prowess, so be honest and don't try to embellish. 3.) Spoke with recruiter and set up on-site interview a couple hours after the phone interview. The time between the phone interview and the on-site was less than a week. 4.) On-site interview: This was a really cool experience for me. I interviewed with 2 Engineers and 2 Managers. Again, it's not hard if you know what you are talking about. If you don't know the answer toa question; say so. Honestly is a good trait. Also, I'm really into EV, so I think I asked about 80% of the questions, which put my mind at ease and gave them a good idea of where I was at technically. Be totally transparent. 5.) Contingent offer about a week later. 6.) Essays for Elon: You need to write up 3 projects that you have done for Elon to review. Be honest and do not embellish. In retrospect this was a lot of fun. 7.) Background check. 8.) On boarding process. The whole process was a great experience.