Acing Tesla’s Toughest Interview Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Interviews at Tesla, the leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, are renowned for their challenging nature. Elon Musk, the visionary CEO, is known for pushing candidates to their limits, ensuring that only the most dedicated and exceptional talents join his team. In this article, we’ll explore 13 of the hardest questions you may encounter during a job interview at Tesla, along with insights to help you navigate these brain-teasers with confidence.

1. “Why Tesla?”

Tesla interviewers want to gauge your passion for the company’s mission and your compelling reasons for wanting to work there. James Wong, a mechanical test engineer at Tesla Motors, emphasizes the importance of showcasing your enthusiasm for the company’s vision and the work they do.

“Overall, the process wasn’t difficult, but they really want to see if you are passionate about Tesla and their mission. I really like the interview process because not only are they looking for someone who is capable, but also someone who is actually passionate about working for the company and the space they’re in. It helps weed out the people who are only interested in the company because of the name.”

To answer this question effectively, research Tesla’s core values, mission, and contributions to sustainable transportation and energy solutions. Articulate how your skills, experiences, and personal beliefs align with the company’s goals.

2. “What exactly motivates you to work in this certain area?”

This question delves deeper into your motivations and interests. Tesla wants to understand the driving force behind your career choices and why you’re drawn to the specific field or role you’re applying for.

Prepare a thoughtful response that highlights your genuine enthusiasm for the work you do and how it aligns with Tesla’s innovative projects. Share personal experiences, curiosities, or specific challenges that inspire you to contribute to this particular area.

3. “Describe how you would change the culture of the company.”

Tesla values fresh perspectives and continuous improvement. This question tests your analytical skills and understanding of the company’s culture.

Approach this question objectively. Conduct thorough research on Tesla’s current culture, values, and practices. Identify areas where you believe improvements could be made, and propose well-reasoned suggestions supported by examples or industry best practices.

However, be respectful and avoid criticizing the existing culture too harshly. Frame your response as an opportunity for growth and optimization rather than outright criticism.

4. “What do you know about cars?”

Even if you’re not applying for a role directly related to vehicle engineering, Tesla expects candidates to have a basic understanding of the automotive industry and its products.

Familiarize yourself with Tesla’s vehicle lineup, key features, and technological advancements. Discuss relevant topics such as electric vehicle technology, autonomous driving, or sustainable manufacturing processes.

If you have hands-on experience or a passion for cars, share your knowledge and insights. However, if you lack specific expertise, focus on demonstrating your willingness to learn and your appreciation for Tesla’s innovations in the field.

5. “Tell me about the problems you’ve worked on and how you solved them.”

As Elon Musk emphasizes, this question helps interviewers assess your problem-solving abilities and determine if you truly possess the skills and experience you claim.

Choose a challenging problem you’ve faced and walk the interviewer through your thought process, step-by-step. Explain the issue, the constraints, the strategies you employed, and the final solution you implemented.

Be prepared to dive into the technical details if prompted, as Musk values candidates who can “go down to the brass tacks” and demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem and its resolution.

6. “What would your former boss and coworkers say about your performance?”

This question evaluates your self-awareness, ability to receive feedback, and interpersonal skills. Tesla values team players who can collaborate effectively and adapt to constructive criticism.

Provide a balanced assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, as perceived by others. Share specific examples of positive feedback you’ve received, as well as areas where you’ve actively worked on improvement based on feedback from supervisors or colleagues.

Be honest and avoid overly flattering or disparaging remarks. Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow from constructive criticism.

7. “Talk in detail about everything that you put on your résumé.”

Tesla interviewers may dive deep into the details of your résumé, ensuring that you can substantiate your claims and experiences.

Be prepared to provide in-depth explanations for each point on your résumé, including projects, responsibilities, achievements, and skills. Anticipate follow-up questions and have specific examples and quantifiable results ready to share.

This question tests your ability to articulate your experiences clearly and your level of knowledge in your field of expertise.

8. “You are standing on the surface of the Earth. You walk one mile south, one mile west, and one mile north. You end up exactly where you started. Where are you?”

This classic riddle is reportedly one of Elon Musk’s favorite interview questions, designed to test your intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

There are multiple correct answers to this riddle, with one being the North Pole. The key is to visualize the scenario and think critically about the implications of the given information.

Approach this question with an open mind and be prepared to explain your thought process. Don’t be discouraged if you initially struggle; Musk values candidates who can work through complex problems and reason logically.

9. “You’re in a rowboat, which is in a large tank filled with water. You have an anchor on board, which you throw overboard. Does the water level in the tank rise or fall?”

This question tests your ability to think critically and apply fundamental principles of physics and displacement.

The correct answer is that the water level in the tank will remain unchanged. When the anchor is thrown overboard, it displaces its own volume of water, but the total volume of water in the tank remains constant.

Explain your reasoning clearly, demonstrating your understanding of the underlying concepts and your ability to visualize and analyze the scenario logically.

10. “Explain how XYZ works.”

As noted by former Tesla interns, interviewers may ask you to explain the workings of a particular concept, system, or technology, even if it’s outside your direct area of expertise.

This question assesses your ability to break down complex concepts, communicate effectively, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and explore new domains.

If you’re unfamiliar with the specific topic, don’t panic. Instead, ask clarifying questions, break down the problem into smaller components, and use your critical thinking skills to reason through the underlying principles.

Interviewers are often more interested in your thought process and ability to learn than in your prior knowledge of the subject matter.

11. “Tell me about a time when you had to work in a team to solve a problem.”

Teamwork and collaboration are essential at Tesla, where complex challenges require diverse perspectives and coordinated efforts.

Choose a specific example where you played a crucial role in a team-based problem-solving scenario. Highlight your communication skills, ability to contribute ideas, and willingness to compromise or adapt to different viewpoints.

Discuss the team dynamics, your role within the group, and the strategies you employed to overcome obstacles and achieve a successful outcome. Emphasize the importance of leveraging collective expertise and fostering a collaborative environment.

12. “How do you cope with repetition?”

Tesla’s fast-paced and demanding work environment can involve repetitive tasks or processes. This question assesses your ability to maintain focus, productivity, and motivation in the face of repetitive work.

Discuss strategies you’ve used to stay engaged and efficient during repetitive tasks, such as breaking them down into smaller goals, finding ways to optimize processes, or incorporating variety into your routine.

Highlight your resilience, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality work, even in situations that may seem monotonous.

13. “We have seen a lot of people like you. What makes you different?”

This question challenges you to differentiate yourself from other candidates and showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives.

Prepare a concise and compelling response that highlights your distinct strengths, achievements, or approaches that set you apart from others. Draw upon personal stories, unconventional experiences, or unique problem-solving methodologies that demonstrate your value and fit for the role.

Avoid generic responses and focus on specific examples that illustrate your individuality and alignment with Tesla’s culture and values.

Navigating Tesla’s challenging interview process requires preparation, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for the company’s mission. By familiarizing yourself with these hard-hitting questions and practicing thoughtful responses, you’ll be better equipped to showcase your skills, intellect, and dedication to the Tesla team.

Remember, Elon Musk and his team are seeking exceptional individuals who thrive under pressure and are driven to push the boundaries of innovation. Embrace the challenge, and let your enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to excellence shine through.