The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Tesla (Palo Alto, CA) in Oct 2010
Interview
I was required to take a 20 question online exam. Most of the questions weren't too difficult, but some could be very ambiguous. ie. Which shape is more efficient? (square, circle, or I-beam) Efficient at what?? After the exam, I had a 1:1 phone interview with one of the senior engineers, which was short 15min. They then asked me to answer 2 essay questions in writing. The CEO then red my resume and said no... That was it. The whole process was fairly quick 20 days or so...
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Rate from most to least efficient. square, circle or I-Beam
I applied through other source. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Tesla in Aug 2010
Interview
There was a phone interview where the interviewer asked what I knew about the company, the history, the locations of the facilities. He then asked me what I thought made me a good fit for Tesla. After the phone interview there was an engineering test that was taken online, the test was very difficult and had about 30 questions on it. The questions were mechanical engineering based and included questions regarding damping systems, material stresses, moments, reaction forces, ect.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What made you outstanding or different from other candidates, and why should Tesla hire you?
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Tesla in Mar 2010
Interview
The process started with 2 brief phone interviews with Human Resources. These interviews included a review of my resume and a discussion about what type of position I am looking for. A series of phone interviews at the Engineering Director level followed. These interviews were also focused on my work history and ability to solve challenging problems. Finally, I was invited to travel to the company's HQ for a very brief (40 minute) panel interview with 4 team members including peers and group leaders as well as a short phone interview with a leader at the VP level. This entire process was drawn out over the span of 3-4 months and it still ongoing.....
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you lead an aggressive cost reduction activity?