How to get a job at GitHub
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what GitHub actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About GitHub
Company overview
GitHub operates offices in London supporting product development, customer success, and operations. GitHub is the world's leading platform for software development and collaboration, with over 100 million developers on the platform.
The London office contributes to product development with focus on developer experience, AI-assisted development, and enterprise features.
Inside the company
Culture & values at GitHub
GitHub's culture emphasises developer focus, openness, and collaboration. The company values transparency and putting developers first. Culture is inclusive and innovation-driven.
Work-life balance is genuine, with flexible arrangements and remote-first policies. GitHub invests in employee development and celebrates learning and growth.
Why people want to work here
Work on the platform where developers collaborate globally. GitHub offers competitive compensation, remote-first flexibility, meaningful work impacting millions of developers, and exposure to AI and developer experience innovation.
What to expect
Working at GitHub
The working environment at GitHub reflects the developer tools sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.
As a 2,000+-person organisation, GitHub sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.
The culture at GitHub shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Developer Empathy and Technical Strength. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — GitHub recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
GitHub interview process
GitHub's interview process focuses on technical skills, problem-solving, and cultural fit. Interviews assess coding, system design, and collaboration. The company values communication and developer empathy.
Recruiter Screen
20–30 minutesInitial conversation about background and interest in GitHub.
Technical Phone Interview
45–60 minutesCoding or system design. GitHub expects thoughtful, well-communicated solutions.
On-site / Virtual Interviews (2–3 rounds)
45–60 minutes eachTechnical interviews and team fit discussion. Assess collaboration and cultural alignment.
Manager Round
30–45 minutesConversation with hiring manager about role and team.
2–3 weeks from first contact to offer
Insider tips
Show genuine interest in developer tools and GitHub's mission. Be familiar with GitHub if possible. Emphasise collaboration and communication. Ask about remote work and team dynamics. Demonstrate developer empathy.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your GitHub interview
GitHub's interview process typically takes 2–3 weeks from first contact to offer. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research GitHub thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in technology and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow GitHub on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 4 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at GitHub and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Developer Empathy, Technical Strength, Collaboration & Communication. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Software Engineer or Backend Developer role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering GitHub's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to GitHub's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check GitHub's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What GitHub looks for
Developer Empathy
Deep understanding of developer needs and workflows. GitHub is for developers; you need to think like one.
Technical Strength
Strong fundamentals and problem-solving ability. GitHub hires capable engineers.
Collaboration & Communication
Clear communicator who works well in teams. Remote-first requires excellent communication.
Ownership
Take responsibility for projects and outcomes. GitHub trusts engineers with autonomy.
Continuous Learning
Growth mindset and willingness to develop new skills. AI and emerging tech are evolving rapidly.
Get through the door
How to apply to GitHub
Start by studying GitHub's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — technology employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Software Engineer, Backend Developer, Frontend Developer, research what each role involves at GitHub specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on GitHub's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether GitHub offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many developer tools employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research GitHub's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every developer tools employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at GitHub on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, GitHub values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In developer tools specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference GitHub or technology-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research GitHub's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Developer Empathy and Technical Strength — GitHub uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — GitHub's process typically takes 2–3 weeks from first contact to offer, and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about GitHub and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at GitHub simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
GitHub interview questions
20 questions sourced from real GitHub candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Tell me about your experience as a developer using GitHub.
- 2Describe a project involving collaboration or version control.
- 3How do you approach building developer tools?
- 4Tell me about a time you collaborated effectively in a remote environment.
- 5Describe your experience with APIs or integrations.
- 6How do you think about user experience for developers?
- 7Tell me about a time you shipped something you're proud of.
- 8Describe your approach to code quality and testing.
Your career here
Growth & development at GitHub
Career progression at GitHub follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many developer tools organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
GitHub invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For technology professionals, GitHub offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Developer Empathy and Technical Strength — are transferable across the developer tools sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at GitHub started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at GitHub
GitHub UK salaries are competitive. Engineers typically earn £100,000–£150,000 base salary, with annual bonuses (15–25%) and equity. Total packages are strong and comparable to Big Tech.
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at GitHub
Frequently asked questions
How remote-first is GitHub?
Genuinely remote-first. GitHub acquired by Microsoft in 2018 but maintains independence and remote-first culture. Teams are distributed globally, and full remote work is the norm. Office space exists but is optional.
What's the impact of Microsoft ownership?
GitHub maintains independence and developer-first focus. Microsoft integration exists (account linking, etc.), but GitHub's core mission and culture haven't changed. Microsoft provides resources and scale; GitHub retains autonomy.
How much of the work involves AI and automation?
Increasing. GitHub is investing heavily in AI (Copilot, code analysis). If AI interests you, GitHub has significant opportunities. Traditional development work continues alongside AI initiatives.
What's the community and open-source involvement like?
Central. GitHub celebrates open-source and developer community. Employees often contribute to open-source and engage with the community. If community matters to you, it's well-aligned.
How are promotions and growth handled?
Merit-based and regular for strong performers. GitHub promotes from within and encourages growth. Promotions are transparent, and you'll know where you stand.
Can I contribute to open-source as an employee?
Yes. GitHub encourages open-source contribution and allocates time for community engagement. Many employees maintain projects and contribute to public repositories.
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