diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 52fcd7a4f..9ccc53125 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -40,6 +40,11 @@ label1:
 
 From a boolean logic perspective, top-level match objects are `OR`-ed together and individual match rules within an object are `AND`-ed. Combined with `!` negation, you can write complex matching rules.
 
+> ⚠️ This action uses [minimatch](https://www.npmjs.com/package/minimatch) to apply glob patterns.
+> For historical reasons, paths starting with dot (e.g. `.github`) are not matched by default.
+> You need to set `dot: true` to change this behavior.
+> See [Inputs](#inputs) table below for details.
+
 #### Basic Examples
 
 ```yml
@@ -108,8 +113,24 @@ Various inputs are defined in [`action.yml`](action.yml) to let you configure th
 | - | - | - |
 | `repo-token` | Token to use to authorize label changes. Typically the GITHUB_TOKEN secret, with `contents:read` and `pull-requests:write` access | `github.token` |
 | `configuration-path` | The path to the label configuration file | `.github/labeler.yml` |
-| `sync-labels` | Whether or not to remove labels when matching files are reverted or no longer changed by the PR | `false`|
+| `sync-labels` | Whether or not to remove labels when matching files are reverted or no longer changed by the PR | `false` |
+| `dot` | Whether or not to auto-include paths starting with dot (e.g. `.github`) | `false` |
+
+When `dot` is disabled and you want to include _all_ files in a folder:
+
+```yml
+label1:
+- path/to/folder/**/*
+- path/to/folder/**/.*
+```
+
+If `dot` is enabled:
+
+```yml
+label1:
+- path/to/folder/**
+```
 
-# Contributions
+## Contributions
 
 Contributions are welcome! See the [Contributor's Guide](CONTRIBUTING.md).
diff --git a/__tests__/labeler.test.ts b/__tests__/labeler.test.ts
index d684d28bd..946d9ce18 100644
--- a/__tests__/labeler.test.ts
+++ b/__tests__/labeler.test.ts
@@ -15,15 +15,29 @@ const matchConfig = [{any: ['*.txt']}];
 describe('checkGlobs', () => {
   it('returns true when our pattern does match changed files', () => {
     const changedFiles = ['foo.txt', 'bar.txt'];
-    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig);
+    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig, false);
 
     expect(result).toBeTruthy();
   });
 
   it('returns false when our pattern does not match changed files', () => {
     const changedFiles = ['foo.docx'];
-    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig);
+    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig, false);
 
     expect(result).toBeFalsy();
   });
+
+  it('returns false for a file starting with dot if `dot` option is false', () => {
+    const changedFiles = ['.foo.txt'];
+    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig, false);
+
+    expect(result).toBeFalsy();
+  });
+
+  it('returns true for a file starting with dot if `dot` option is true', () => {
+    const changedFiles = ['.foo.txt'];
+    const result = checkGlobs(changedFiles, matchConfig, true);
+
+    expect(result).toBeTruthy();
+  });
 });
diff --git a/__tests__/main.test.ts b/__tests__/main.test.ts
index ab62eae37..c4b77bc99 100644
--- a/__tests__/main.test.ts
+++ b/__tests__/main.test.ts
@@ -18,10 +18,27 @@ const yamlFixtures = {
   'only_pdfs.yml': fs.readFileSync('__tests__/fixtures/only_pdfs.yml')
 };
 
+const configureInput = (
+  mockInput: Partial<{
+    'repo-token': string;
+    'configuration-path': string;
+    'sync-labels': boolean;
+    dot: boolean;
+  }>
+) => {
+  jest
+    .spyOn(core, 'getInput')
+    .mockImplementation((name: string, ...opts) => mockInput[name]);
+  jest
+    .spyOn(core, 'getBooleanInput')
+    .mockImplementation((name: string, ...opts) => mockInput[name]);
+};
+
 afterAll(() => jest.restoreAllMocks());
 
 describe('run', () => {
-  it('adds labels to PRs that match our glob patterns', async () => {
+  it('(with dot: false) adds labels to PRs that match our glob patterns', async () => {
+    configureInput({});
     usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
     mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('foo.pdf');
 
@@ -37,7 +54,36 @@ describe('run', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  it('does not add labels to PRs that do not match our glob patterns', async () => {
+  it('(with dot: true) adds labels to PRs that match our glob patterns', async () => {
+    configureInput({dot: true});
+    usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
+    mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('.foo.pdf');
+
+    await run();
+
+    expect(removeLabelMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(0);
+    expect(addLabelsMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    expect(addLabelsMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+      owner: 'monalisa',
+      repo: 'helloworld',
+      issue_number: 123,
+      labels: ['touched-a-pdf-file']
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('(with dot: false) does not add labels to PRs that do not match our glob patterns', async () => {
+    configureInput({});
+    usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
+    mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('.foo.pdf');
+
+    await run();
+
+    expect(removeLabelMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(0);
+    expect(addLabelsMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(0);
+  });
+
+  it('(with dot: true) does not add labels to PRs that do not match our glob patterns', async () => {
+    configureInput({dot: true});
     usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
     mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('foo.txt');
 
@@ -48,15 +94,11 @@ describe('run', () => {
   });
 
   it('(with sync-labels: true) it deletes preexisting PR labels that no longer match the glob pattern', async () => {
-    const mockInput = {
+    configureInput({
       'repo-token': 'foo',
       'configuration-path': 'bar',
       'sync-labels': true
-    };
-
-    jest
-      .spyOn(core, 'getInput')
-      .mockImplementation((name: string, ...opts) => mockInput[name]);
+    });
 
     usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
     mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('foo.txt');
@@ -79,15 +121,11 @@ describe('run', () => {
   });
 
   it('(with sync-labels: false) it issues no delete calls even when there are preexisting PR labels that no longer match the glob pattern', async () => {
-    const mockInput = {
+    configureInput({
       'repo-token': 'foo',
       'configuration-path': 'bar',
       'sync-labels': false
-    };
-
-    jest
-      .spyOn(core, 'getInput')
-      .mockImplementation((name: string, ...opts) => mockInput[name]);
+    });
 
     usingLabelerConfigYaml('only_pdfs.yml');
     mockGitHubResponseChangedFiles('foo.txt');
diff --git a/action.yml b/action.yml
index a3df342b6..051718f0c 100644
--- a/action.yml
+++ b/action.yml
@@ -14,6 +14,10 @@ inputs:
     description: 'Whether or not to remove labels when matching files are reverted'
     default: false
     required: false
+  dot:
+    description: 'Whether or not to auto-include paths starting with dot (e.g. `.github`)'
+    default: false
+    required: false
 
 runs:
   using: 'node16'
diff --git a/dist/index.js b/dist/index.js
index b3d5dbf2a..f3695826a 100644
--- a/dist/index.js
+++ b/dist/index.js
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@ function run() {
         try {
             const token = core.getInput('repo-token');
             const configPath = core.getInput('configuration-path', { required: true });
-            const syncLabels = !!core.getInput('sync-labels', { required: false });
+            const syncLabels = !!core.getInput('sync-labels');
+            const dot = core.getBooleanInput('dot');
             const prNumber = getPrNumber();
             if (!prNumber) {
                 core.info('Could not get pull request number from context, exiting');
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ function run() {
             const labelsToRemove = [];
             for (const [label, globs] of labelGlobs.entries()) {
                 core.debug(`processing ${label}`);
-                if (checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs)) {
+                if (checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs, dot)) {
                     labels.push(label);
                 }
                 else if (pullRequest.labels.find(l => l.name === label)) {
@@ -158,11 +159,11 @@ function toMatchConfig(config) {
 function printPattern(matcher) {
     return (matcher.negate ? '!' : '') + matcher.pattern;
 }
-function checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs) {
+function checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs, dot) {
     for (const glob of globs) {
         core.debug(` checking pattern ${JSON.stringify(glob)}`);
         const matchConfig = toMatchConfig(glob);
-        if (checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig)) {
+        if (checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig, dot)) {
             return true;
         }
     }
@@ -182,8 +183,8 @@ function isMatch(changedFile, matchers) {
     return true;
 }
 // equivalent to "Array.some()" but expanded for debugging and clarity
-function checkAny(changedFiles, globs) {
-    const matchers = globs.map(g => new minimatch_1.Minimatch(g));
+function checkAny(changedFiles, globs, dot) {
+    const matchers = globs.map(g => new minimatch_1.Minimatch(g, { dot }));
     core.debug(`  checking "any" patterns`);
     for (const changedFile of changedFiles) {
         if (isMatch(changedFile, matchers)) {
@@ -195,8 +196,8 @@ function checkAny(changedFiles, globs) {
     return false;
 }
 // equivalent to "Array.every()" but expanded for debugging and clarity
-function checkAll(changedFiles, globs) {
-    const matchers = globs.map(g => new minimatch_1.Minimatch(g));
+function checkAll(changedFiles, globs, dot) {
+    const matchers = globs.map(g => new minimatch_1.Minimatch(g, { dot }));
     core.debug(` checking "all" patterns`);
     for (const changedFile of changedFiles) {
         if (!isMatch(changedFile, matchers)) {
@@ -207,14 +208,14 @@ function checkAll(changedFiles, globs) {
     core.debug(`  "all" patterns matched all files`);
     return true;
 }
-function checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig) {
+function checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig, dot) {
     if (matchConfig.all !== undefined) {
-        if (!checkAll(changedFiles, matchConfig.all)) {
+        if (!checkAll(changedFiles, matchConfig.all, dot)) {
             return false;
         }
     }
     if (matchConfig.any !== undefined) {
-        if (!checkAny(changedFiles, matchConfig.any)) {
+        if (!checkAny(changedFiles, matchConfig.any, dot)) {
             return false;
         }
     }
diff --git a/src/labeler.ts b/src/labeler.ts
index dd89044f5..6331857cc 100644
--- a/src/labeler.ts
+++ b/src/labeler.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,8 @@ export async function run() {
   try {
     const token = core.getInput('repo-token');
     const configPath = core.getInput('configuration-path', {required: true});
-    const syncLabels = !!core.getInput('sync-labels', {required: false});
+    const syncLabels = !!core.getInput('sync-labels');
+    const dot = core.getBooleanInput('dot');
 
     const prNumber = getPrNumber();
     if (!prNumber) {
@@ -42,7 +43,7 @@ export async function run() {
     const labelsToRemove: string[] = [];
     for (const [label, globs] of labelGlobs.entries()) {
       core.debug(`processing ${label}`);
-      if (checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs)) {
+      if (checkGlobs(changedFiles, globs, dot)) {
         labels.push(label);
       } else if (pullRequest.labels.find(l => l.name === label)) {
         labelsToRemove.push(label);
@@ -157,12 +158,13 @@ function printPattern(matcher: Minimatch): string {
 
 export function checkGlobs(
   changedFiles: string[],
-  globs: StringOrMatchConfig[]
+  globs: StringOrMatchConfig[],
+  dot: boolean
 ): boolean {
   for (const glob of globs) {
     core.debug(` checking pattern ${JSON.stringify(glob)}`);
     const matchConfig = toMatchConfig(glob);
-    if (checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig)) {
+    if (checkMatch(changedFiles, matchConfig, dot)) {
       return true;
     }
   }
@@ -184,8 +186,12 @@ function isMatch(changedFile: string, matchers: Minimatch[]): boolean {
 }
 
 // equivalent to "Array.some()" but expanded for debugging and clarity
-function checkAny(changedFiles: string[], globs: string[]): boolean {
-  const matchers = globs.map(g => new Minimatch(g));
+function checkAny(
+  changedFiles: string[],
+  globs: string[],
+  dot: boolean
+): boolean {
+  const matchers = globs.map(g => new Minimatch(g, {dot}));
   core.debug(`  checking "any" patterns`);
   for (const changedFile of changedFiles) {
     if (isMatch(changedFile, matchers)) {
@@ -199,8 +205,12 @@ function checkAny(changedFiles: string[], globs: string[]): boolean {
 }
 
 // equivalent to "Array.every()" but expanded for debugging and clarity
-function checkAll(changedFiles: string[], globs: string[]): boolean {
-  const matchers = globs.map(g => new Minimatch(g));
+function checkAll(
+  changedFiles: string[],
+  globs: string[],
+  dot: boolean
+): boolean {
+  const matchers = globs.map(g => new Minimatch(g, {dot}));
   core.debug(` checking "all" patterns`);
   for (const changedFile of changedFiles) {
     if (!isMatch(changedFile, matchers)) {
@@ -213,15 +223,19 @@ function checkAll(changedFiles: string[], globs: string[]): boolean {
   return true;
 }
 
-function checkMatch(changedFiles: string[], matchConfig: MatchConfig): boolean {
+function checkMatch(
+  changedFiles: string[],
+  matchConfig: MatchConfig,
+  dot: boolean
+): boolean {
   if (matchConfig.all !== undefined) {
-    if (!checkAll(changedFiles, matchConfig.all)) {
+    if (!checkAll(changedFiles, matchConfig.all, dot)) {
       return false;
     }
   }
 
   if (matchConfig.any !== undefined) {
-    if (!checkAny(changedFiles, matchConfig.any)) {
+    if (!checkAny(changedFiles, matchConfig.any, dot)) {
       return false;
     }
   }