How we hire
We hire people, not resumes
The Life Story is our conversation-style interview approach. It's how we get to know you, what motivates you, and where we can support your growth.
Who we hire
Growth mindsets over comfort zones
As we grow, we’re committed to nurturing a culture of trust and autonomy. We’re humble about what we know and what we don’t, and we’re looking for people who can champion that mindset with their peers and managers alike.
The Life Story interview
Designed to help us get to know you
You're more than just the accomplishments on your resume. The Life Story interview is a two-sided conversation where we'll cover your professional and personal experience so far. You can expect us to ask questions that touch on these five topics.
Impact
Do you make things better not only for yourself, but for those around you?
Readiness
Do you have the skills or potential to do the job you’re applying for?
Trust
Are you able to communicate authentically and do you have a history of building high trust with others?
Engagement
Do you have a high degree of care for what you do in work and in life?
Self-awareness
Do you have an understanding of your strengths and also how you impact those around you?
The process
From submit to success
1. Apply
Select 1–2 roles that you believe are the best fit for yourself and your career. Don’t forget to check the requirements before you submit, as each role may have different ones.
2. Initial call
Depending on the role, we may set up a 15–30 minute phone or virtual conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager, where you can ask questions and tell us what you’re interested in. Get the intel on who you’ll meet and technical exercises. We’ll also use this information to help explore other roles that may be a better fit. For R&D applicants, you'll pass this step and go directly into a coding exercise before heading to The Life Story; a member of the Talent Acquisition team will share all the details!
3. The Life Story
A one hour, conversation-style interview with a recruiter. The best way to prep is to spend some time thinking about experiences that have been formative to the point you’re at today.
A word of advice from more introverted folks at Shopify: This part can be as personal as you want it to be. Get technical, if that's where your passions live.
4. Meet the team
You’ll meet with 3–5 future co-workers for up to an hour each. Depending on the role, we may ask how you’d solve a problem and communicate it to the team. Learn more about our R&D, case studies, or the team you’ll be meeting.5. Decision
Your hiring team will take the time to meet before getting back to you. This will be made based on feedback from Shopify team members of varying levels of seniority, experiences, and perspectives.
FAQ
Learn more about our hiring process
Can I apply for more than one job?
Yes. Please limit to 3 applications within a 30-day period. During the process, your recruiter will also help you explore the best options for you.
Who can I turn to if I have questions throughout the interview process?
Our recruiters and coordinators will be supporting you throughout the process. Feel free to ask them questions about what to expect, who you will meet, and more.
How long is the hiring process typically?
Timelines will vary depending on the role and number of applicants.
What should I wear to my interview?
Come as you are. Maybe you think best in a three-piece suit; maybe you have a favorite t-shirt and jeans combo—we're happy as long as you’re comfortable.
I have applied/interviewed in the past and wasn’t selected. Can I apply again?
Absolutely. If re-applying for the same role, we encourage you to first gain additional experience. For engineering roles, we ask that you wait 6–12 months before applying again.
When can I expect to hear back after I have applied?
Due to the large volume of applications we get every day, we can only follow up with candidates we would like to move forward with in the interview process.
What if I need an accommodation for the interview?
No problem. If you need accommodations for the interviews, please let your recruiter know or contact accommodations@shopify.com.How does onboarding work?
We've revamped our onboarding process so information gathering, team communication, and workflows happen as smoothly as possible.Let's make commerce better for everyone
