GitLab Security Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

My interview experience at GitLab was pretty disappointing, especially given how much they emphasize their core values. The whole process dragged on for more than 6 weeks, and that was just for two interviews after the initial screening. My interview schedule also didn't match what they described in their handbook. The handbook also says recruiters should keep candidates updated on their progress, but that wasn't my experience. I actually got an offer from another company, but I really wanted this role at GitLab because their culture seems great. I tried to ask my recruiter about the timeline since I had another offer pending. She briefly replied that the next session would be scheduled soon and that they'd try to do it before my other offer's deadline. After that, I heard nothing. I sent another follow-up email, and still no response. Then, the next week, I got an email saying the position had already been filled. Luckily, I didn't turn down the other offer, but I really wish GitLab had been more upfront and communicative. I get that they might be looking at other candidates, but I believe respect, transparency, and courtesy should be mutual. This includes responding to candidates and letting them know where things stand. I'm sharing this in hopes that GitLab can improve its talent acquisition process.

So I had this interview experience and as a US MILITARY RESERVIST, I was declined just because I was transparent and asked about how Gitlab supports active reservists. Their policy handbook is publicly available and states that a prospective member of Gitlab shall not be discriminated due to military obligations. The tech recruiter mentioned I came across well. I replied back with more details about my “1-weekend every 2 months commitment” which is better than most reservists I know. The security manager never gave me a chance to prove myself. Disqualified me based on being military? I’m honestly disgusted. The tech recruiter was very pleasant to talk to and shared some really good info. I’ve shared my experience with other big software companies I’ve interviewed with and they were shocked as I am(military experience or not). Hopefully the executives read this and are able to make changes. But if you’re a reservist, I advise you to stay away and save yourself some time from being discriminated.

The interview process followed the company's handbook exactly, so there were no surprises regarding the timeline and steps. Everyone I spoke with, from the recruiter to the final interviewers, was very pleasant and created a comfortable atmosphere. They seemed genuinely interested in understanding me as a person, my values, and my technical abilities relevant to the position. The interviews were spaced out nicely, with about 3-4 days between each.