There was a screening call with the recruiter. The recruiter asked basic questions and shared info about compensation. This was a pleasant experience overall.

Next was the interview with the hiring manager. He asked basic questions about my history and experience, as well as my interest in certain fields. He also asked why I wanted to work for Gitlab and related questions. This went well and was a comforting experience. He told me the next interview would be a take-home MR to be done before the next interview, and that we would review it during the interview. He also stated that there would not be any live coding exams. I mentioned that was great because as someone with bad anxiety associated with ASD, those would be my downfall.

Then came the technical interview. There was no take-home MR or problem to solve. The beginning of the interview started out well, with basic introductions and background questions. I was told there were no live coding questions, but there would be a Kubernetes exercise.

During the Kubernetes exercise, due to the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people, I was not able to focus or remain calm. This led me to be unable to even focus on looking up answers I didn't know. I mentioned my stress was spiking and that I couldn't focus or think anymore. The response was telling me, "It's not stressful, we are just having a conversation," which caused my anxiety to spike even more from being told I'm not in a stressful situation when I'm clearly overstressed. We slowed down a little and were able to get through the exercise.

Next was the coding exercise. I mentioned I was still overstimulated and stressed out and was once again met with the response, "We are just having a conversation, there is nothing stressful going on." The objective was simple, but I could not remember the full command I was thinking of or focus enough on the results of my search because I was having a panic attack. I mentioned one last time, "Hold on, I am too anxious to be able to focus or think right now." Once again, the response was, "We aren't being stressed out, we are working on a problem as a team." At this point, I could no longer focus on asking the right questions or searching for the right answers, as my brain was in a runaway mode. I know this is not on the company, though the gaslighting made it worse, but this is the problem neurodivergent individuals tend to have with these kinds of interviews, and I have no idea what the solution is. I do wish someone would figure out a solution that works because right now, it seems like every company is dishonest about being inclusive or wanting anyone that is eager to learn in a position.

Why I wanted to work for GitLab.