What is GitLab technical interview?

A GitLab technical interview is a structured process designed to assess a candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with GitLab's platform and DevOps practices. The specifics vary by role, but typically involve the following components:

1. Coding and Problem-Solving Tasks

• Focuses on assessing programming skills and understanding of algorithms and data structures.
• You may be asked to solve coding problems or build a solution in your preferred programming language.
• Example task: Implement a feature or fix a bug in a simulated repository.

2. CI/CD and DevOps Scenarios

• Evaluates your ability to set up and manage GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
• Example task: Write a .gitlab-ci.yml file to automate a build and deployment process.
• Questions may cover GitLab Runners, pipeline optimization, and integration with tools like Kubernetes or Docker.

3. Git and Version Control

• Tests your understanding of Git and GitLab workflows.
• Example questions: How do you resolve merge conflicts? What is the difference between git rebase and git merge?

4. System Design

• For senior roles, system design scenarios may be included.
• Example task: Design a scalable CI/CD solution using GitLab and related technologies.

5. Troubleshooting and Debugging

• Candidates may be given hypothetical issues to diagnose and resolve.
• Example scenario: A CI pipeline fails due to a misconfigured runner. How would you troubleshoot and fix it?

6. Behavioral and Collaboration Assessment

• Includes questions about teamwork, communication, and alignment with GitLab's values.
• Example question: Describe a time when you worked on a challenging project in a remote setting.

7. Hands-On Technical Exercise

• Some interviews involve live coding or take-home assignments related to GitLab's platform.
• Example task: Set up a GitLab repository with CI/CD workflows and demonstrate its functionality.

By preparing for these areas and gaining hands-on experience with GitLab’s platform, you can approach the technical interview with confidence and effectively demonstrate your skills.