The interview itself was very basic - generic questions asking around my existing role, experience and how I’d approach the role at VEEAM if successful in the recruitment process.
The interesting part came when I asked the interviewer (who was of decent seniority in the business) about a data leak they had back in 2018… they’d basically had a mongoDB server sitting on their network that the public could access due to having no data protection protocols running on it. So basically, a company that calls itself the ‘global leader in intelligent data management’ had over 200GB of customer records sitting online that anybody could access. Not bad ay?
This mistake wasn’t the issue. Human error happens. I wanted to see how VEAMM dealt with this crisis of confidence which I’m sure their customers and prospective customers had following this leak. I asked the interviewer if they had to deal with damage limitation of reputation and what their experience was following this (as they joined a year after it happened)
Their response? ‘I know nothing about that’
They then proceeded to ask ME more about their own data management mishap.
Before taking a U-Turn and saying ‘well that wasn’t sensitive customer data’
My response? Yes it was.
More interestingly, I thought the interviewer knew nothing about it, but then proceeded to blag and lie their way around the point. Very unprofessional and this is all I needed to hear.
Following this part of the discussion. The interviewer was clearly frustrated and started to be passive aggressive and combative with some of their responses to my questions.
I didn’t expect to make the next stage of the interview process. As this would be with the individuals boss on a panel interview. Another moment like this would be more than embarrassing and potentially career limiting for them.
Of course, I never heard back from the recruiter.
My advice, know your company inside and out, both the good and the bad.