I have already applied to Nvidia in the past but I have never made past the initial resume screening (last time I applied my application status on their website was “Application in Review” before they removed the position from their website). I have managed to secure phone interviews at Tier2 and FAANG so I dont think my resume is an issue here. Do I absolutely need a referral to get past the recruiters?
Why not both?
Neither. They're just stupid. They rejected my application for jobs that fit perfectly and wanted to interview me for others that were much less of a fit.
Crapshoot
I don't think so. If they're interested, you would get a call. I did. I didn't know people actually check application status on the job portals just after applying. I will only look again if I get an interview call.