Case study

GitLab’s 6-Month Talent Search Solved in 15 Days by Uplers

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Industry: Software Company
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HQ: San Francisco, United States

15

Hiring Days

About GitLab

GitLab is the AI-enabled DevSecOps platform that helps businesses develop, secure, and operate software efficiently.
A core component of GitLab’s operations is its data security, and they were looking for a Senior Application Security Engineer.
They were facing challenges in finding a professional with a coding background with experience in the application security space.

Why come uplers

Why did they come to Uplers?

GitLab’s main challenge was finding the right fit for a senior engineering role; despite conducting 20 interviews before engaging with Uplers. They needed;

  • Tools
    Proficient in security code reviews for languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, with SAST tool experience.
  • Positive Icon
    Enhance and create Semgrep rules for vulnerability detection, focusing on minimizing false positives.
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    Experience with web frameworks, DAST tools, and program analysis is a plus.

However, the difficulty was not only in the skill mapping but also in the niche coding experience in the application security space.

Major challenges GitLab faced

Finding a Niche Talent

  • In the competitive US market, finding a qualified data security engineer has been challenging due to the high demand and limited supply of skilled professionals.
  • Budget has always been an issue for sourcing niche skilled professionals.

Quick hiring

  • Sourcing talent in such a customized niche profile requirement is a challenging task and Gitlab was in the market to find the right fit for 6 months.
  • Finding and vetting the right talent within a short time frame was challenging.

How did we help their hiring challenges?

Our initial audit

Uplers first understood GitLab's requirements, a detailed discussion regarding the 6 months long search was important. A deep-dive into the talent network and coupled with the AI-screening tools did expedite the hiring process.

Our audit did help us narrow down the filtering process and implement the must-haves clearly within the screening tool, an in-depth examination of our talent pool revealed three best-fits, ensuring we quickly delivered candidates who met GitLab’s needs.

Results

This data-driven approach reduced GitLab’s hiring time from six months to just 15 days.

Despite conducting more than 20 interviews in 4-6 months, we were unable to find an AppSec Dev with a rich background in coding who can assist in enhancing client Semgrep rules to detect vulnerabilities and resolve them.
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Wayne Haber Director of Engineering
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Uplers process

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Time Efficiency

Uplers reduced GitLab’s hiring cycle to 15 days, versus the 20 interviews previously conducted in 6 months time.

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Quality Assurance

Bhavya’s profile, identified by Uplers’ AI screening, outperformed all other 413 candidates, highlighting the tool’s effectiveness.

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Bias Elimination

Uplers’ AI screening coupled with human screening delivered unbiased assessments, and ensured transparent candidate evaluations.

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Comprehensive Reporting

Uplers’ detailed AI reports provided deeper insights into candidate skills, enhancing GitLab’s decision-making beyond traditional CVs.

  • 413Application Received
  • 3Profiles Shared
  • 2Shortlisted
  • 2Interviewed
  • 1Hired

GitLab hired the first profile they interviewed, Bhavya Kaushal, who had left a lasting impression after just one round of interview.

Bhavya has 6+ years of experience in AppSec, including code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and automated scans with SAST and DAST. She excels in client relationship management, team leadership, and meeting deadlines.

Hiring cycle was reduced by

58%

Vacancy closed in 15 days

Bhavya kaushal img
Uplers quickly found three suitable profiles for us and we hired the first candidate we interviewed
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Wayne Haber Director of Engineering
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Behind the Scenes: Uplers' Efforts

GitLab is an incredible client. We thoroughly understood their requirements, and their trust in us allowed us to provide them with top skilled profiles. The process was both quick and efficient.
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Reshma Babnani Associate Director - Client Relations
Uplers
Our commitment to GitLab extends beyond the initial placement. We continue to offer support whenever needed, with regular check-ins and feedback to ensure the talent we provide is performing well. We're always just a call away to address any concerns and support their ongoing needs.
Deepshikha Shukla Image
Deepshikha Shukla Account Manager
Uplers
What’s next?
  • For the Client

      Gitlab were able to find their right technical and cultural fit without much heavy lifting. Their remote hiring experience was quick and accurate - which is exactly what they wanted.

  • For the Talents

      The hired talent was proficient at building and managing client relationships, leading teams, and ensuring quality output at scheduled timelines. We’ll continue to support the talents hired by GitLab.

  • Our future plans for GitLab

    We’ve assigned an account manager to provide ongoing support, ensuring GitLab can quickly and efficiently hire the best talent now and in the future.

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