- Nvidia is hiring for over 1,000 roles in the US, many with six-figure salaries.
- Lindsey Duran, VP of recruiting, said she looks for project experience and humility in candidates.
- The tech company has a reputation for transparency in its hiring process.
- This article is part of the 'Careers 2.0' series, focused on helping job seekers learn more about getting jobs at notable companies.
Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, is the best recruiter for the tech company.
"He's the first one to call a candidate, send an email, whatever's needed," said Lindsey Duran, the vice president of recruiting for Nvidia, the largest chipmaker in the US by market value. "He's a huge advocate of bringing on great talent."
Finding new, innovative team members is essential for Nvidia, as the company continues to expand into new markets like artificial intelligence, audiovisual, and 3D design. There are currently 1,918 roles open on the career portal, and Duran hinted that there will be even more openings in 2022.
Nvidia's recruitment push comes on the heels of a strong third-quarter, making $7.1 billion in sales, a new record for the company and a 50% jump from last year, according to its November 17 earnings statement.
An Insider analysis of federally disclosed 2021 H-1B visa data revealed that employees across teams like engineering, sales, and marketing make well over a $100,000 salary, including for college graduates. Duran told Insider that professional experience in internships or apprenticeships outside of school is key to helping candidates stand out.
Transparency in the process
After submitting an application, candidates can expect a phone screening and up to five virtual interviews, split across one-on-one chats, small groups, and panel interviews with team members. Duran emphasized that interviews are an opportunity for job seekers to get candid answers about "the good, the bad, and the ugly" when it comes to working for Nvidia.
She said transparency about the hiring process makes Nvidia unique. The company website also has lots of information about what candidates can expect and suggestions for how to prepare.
"In today's market, you need to be able to move quickly," Duran said. "Candidates today, they've got multiple offers. We have to be able to move at the speed of light but move without jeopardizing quality."
Current employees also play a key role in hiring, Duran says, as 40% of new hires come from employee referrals, either directly or through social media networks.
Opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects
Whether you're passionate about self-driving cars, health care, or robotics, Nvidia has projects across a wide range of technologies, Duran said. Across teams, she described working for Nvidia as an opportunity to do interesting, challenging work with smart team members.
"Come to Nvidia to do your life's work," she said. "We look at our opportunities not just to come fill a role, but to look at where you can find yourself for your career."
When she's meeting candidates, Duran said she looks for savvy, innovative thinkers who can set ego aside.
The best candidates have more than a computer science degree, Duran said. She looks for candidates with project experience in internships, and she also emphasizes leadership and communication skills that come across in interviews.
"You have to be passionate about the technology, and you have to want to work on really complex problems," she said. "We're really driven by the project. It's not about the title, it's about the work."