GDPR

Term from Cybersecurity industry explained for recruiters

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a set of rules that companies must follow to protect personal information of European Union citizens. Think of it as a strict rulebook for handling customer data safely. When you see this term in resumes, it usually means the person has experience in making sure companies follow these data protection rules. It's similar to other privacy laws like CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), but GDPR is specifically for Europe and is considered the gold standard for data protection worldwide.

Examples in Resumes

Led implementation of GDPR compliance programs across multiple departments

Conducted GDPR readiness assessments and gap analysis for international clients

Created employee training materials for GDPR and data privacy best practices

Managed GDPR compliance audits and documentation requirements

Typical job title: "Privacy Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Data Protection Officer Privacy Manager Compliance Specialist Information Security Manager Privacy Consultant GDPR Consultant Data Privacy Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a GDPR compliance program in a large organization?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating data inventory, risk assessment, updating policies, training staff, implementing security measures, and establishing ongoing monitoring processes. Should mention stakeholder management and budget considerations.

Q: How do you handle a data breach under GDPR requirements?

Expected Answer: Should explain the 72-hour notification requirement, breach assessment process, communication with authorities and affected individuals, and documentation procedures. Should also discuss preventive measures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main rights of individuals under GDPR?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain key rights like right to access, erasure (right to be forgotten), data portability, and consent requirements in simple terms with practical examples.

Q: How do you conduct a GDPR-compliant privacy impact assessment?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of identifying data processing activities, assessing risks, recommending controls, and documenting findings. Should mention when PIAs are required.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of GDPR?

Expected Answer: Should mention key concepts like lawful processing, purpose limitation, data minimization, and accuracy in simple terms with basic examples.

Q: What is the difference between a data controller and a data processor?

Expected Answer: Should explain that controllers decide why and how to process personal data, while processors handle data on behalf of controllers, with simple real-world examples.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of GDPR principles
  • Ability to maintain compliance documentation
  • Knowledge of data protection basics
  • Experience with privacy policies

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Conducting privacy impact assessments
  • Managing data subject requests
  • Implementing compliance programs
  • Training staff on GDPR requirements

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic privacy program management
  • Data breach response management
  • International data transfer compliance
  • Privacy by design implementation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic privacy principles
  • Unfamiliarity with data protection laws beyond GDPR
  • Lack of practical compliance experience
  • No understanding of risk assessment
  • Unable to explain GDPR in simple terms