Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at GitLab, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My process felt pretty organized from the start. Scheduling was straightforward, and people were genuinely helpful and open to questions throughout. I had multiple rounds with different interviewers, mixing technical and management perspectives, and the format was aligned with a STAR-style approach.
I expected at least some kind of follow-up, but the process basically went nowhere. After I completed the steps, more than a month passed with no outreach at all—no emails beyond an automated message. It felt disrespectful because I wasn’t given so much as a simple update.
The interview process typically follows a structured flow, starting with a recruiter screen, followed by technical interviews and sometimes a final round with hiring managers. Candidates noted that the process felt organized and aligned with the company's stated approach, although experiences varied regarding clarity and consistency across different interviewers.
Candidates often faced rigorous technical assessments, including coding exercises, code reviews, and troubleshooting scenarios that emphasized real-world problem-solving. The technical interviews were generally seen as demanding, with a focus on practical implementation rather than theoretical knowledge.
Behavioral interviews frequently utilized a STAR-style approach, requiring candidates to structure their responses clearly. The emphasis on storytelling meant that candidates needed to prepare specific examples that aligned with the company's values and expectations.
Communication throughout the process varied, with some candidates experiencing clear and supportive interactions, while others faced long periods of silence or minimal feedback after interviews. This inconsistency left many candidates feeling frustrated and uncertain about their standing in the process.
Some candidates reported shifts in the interview dynamics, particularly during interpersonal moments that felt unsupportive or ambiguous. These experiences could significantly impact a candidate's confidence and perception of the company culture.
Despite a generally structured process, many candidates did not receive offers, often citing a lack of constructive feedback or clarity on decisions. The overall experience left some feeling that their time and effort were not valued, especially when rejections came after extensive involvement in the process.