From rejection to triumph: How a Tesla job applicant turned a setback into a full-time offer after 6 years of hard work
Tesla is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after tech employers, attracting millions of applications every year. In 2021 alone, the electric vehicle giant received an astounding 3 million job applications from hopeful candidates.
With just 0.5% of applicants receiving an offer, securing a job at Tesla is more competitive than getting into the most elite universities. It’s a dream job for many, but for Mike, an Army National Guard member and an EV enthusiast, rejection became the spark that ignited a years-long pursuit to prove he was worthy.
Six years ago, Mike applied for a position at Tesla, joining over 500 other hopefuls in a highly competitive process. He made it through the first two rounds, impressing enough to avoid the initial cuts. But then came the end of the line—he didn’t make it.
Before he left, a manager gave Mike some straightforward advice that stayed with him: “You have the desire, the knowledge, and the effort to do this job. But the problem is, you have no industry experience, and you’re competing against people with 20+ years in the field.”
It was a tough pill to swallow, but instead of letting it crush his aspirations, Mike decided to take it as a challenge.
“That moment hit hard, but I took it to heart and used it as fuel to grow,” Mike said in a recent post on X.
Getting Hired At Tesla
In the years that followed, Mike focused on building the experience he lacked. He became an 88M Motor Transport Operator in the Army National Guard, worked at a dealership to gain sales experience, and even salvaged a Tesla from a junkyard, restoring it to working condition. On top of that, he enrolled in Universal Technical Institute to expand his knowledge in automotive technology.
With all that behind him, he decided it was time to try again. This time, he applied for an internship at Tesla. He made it through two interviews, but instead of being offered the internship, Tesla took a different route—they brought him on as a permanent employee.
In a surprising turn of events, the manager who had given him advice six years earlier remembered him and recognized how far he had come.
Now officially a Tesla employee, Mike reflects on what it took to get here and shares this message:
“Hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn really do pay off—even if it takes years. Keep pushing. The time and effort you put in can lead to opportunities when you least expect them.”
After sharing his story on X, the response was overwhelming. Thousands resonated with his journey, and he received hundreds of comments and messages. Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Mike wrote:
“I’m honestly blown away by all the love and support this post has received. I’ve been trying to read through as many comments as I can, and liking them to show that I appreciate them.”
Although he wasn’t able to respond to everyone individually due to the sheer volume—over 100 replies per hour—he added, “Please know your words mean a lot to me, and I’m truly grateful for the support. Seeing how my story resonates with so many of you makes it even more special.”
Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that rejection isn’t the end—it’s a step in the process of growth. His persistence, grit, and commitment to self-improvement turned a moment of failure into a defining success, proving that determination truly does open doors.