VMDK

Term from Virtualization industry explained for recruiters

VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) is a type of file that acts like a virtual hard drive for computer systems running in cloud or virtual environments. Think of it like a digital container that holds all the contents of a computer's hard drive, but in a file format that virtual machines can use. It's commonly used with VMware products, which are popular tools for running multiple virtual computers on a single physical machine. When you see VMDK mentioned in a resume, it usually indicates that the person has experience working with virtual machines and data storage in cloud computing environments.

Examples in Resumes

Managed and migrated over 200 VMDK files during datacenter consolidation project

Implemented backup solutions for critical VMDK storage systems

Troubleshooted and resolved VMDK corruption issues in virtual environments

Typical job title: "Virtualization Engineers"

Also try searching for:

VMware Administrator Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Virtualization Specialist Systems Engineer Cloud Engineer Infrastructure Engineer Virtual Infrastructure Administrator

Where to Find Virtualization Engineers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a large-scale VMDK migration project?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss planning, testing, scheduling maintenance windows, ensuring data integrity, and having fallback plans. They should mention tools and methods for minimizing downtime and ensuring successful data transfer.

Q: What strategies do you use for VMDK backup and disaster recovery?

Expected Answer: Should explain different backup methods, retention policies, testing procedures, and how to ensure business continuity. Should discuss both full and incremental backup strategies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you troubleshoot VMDK performance issues?

Expected Answer: Should describe checking storage performance, identifying bottlenecks, monitoring disk usage, and implementing solutions like storage optimization or moving VMDKs to faster storage.

Q: Explain how you would expand a VMDK file safely?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper procedures for increasing virtual disk size, including backup precautions, checking available space, and ensuring system stability during the process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a VMDK file and what is it used for?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a virtual disk file format used by VMware to store virtual machine data, similar to a physical hard drive but in file format.

Q: How do you create a new VMDK file?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic steps of creating a virtual disk through VMware tools, including selecting size and type (thin or thick provisioned).

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic virtual machine operations
  • Creating and configuring VMDKs
  • Basic backup procedures
  • Understanding virtual storage concepts

Mid (2-5 years)

  • VMDK troubleshooting and recovery
  • Storage optimization
  • Performance monitoring
  • Virtual machine migration

Senior (5+ years)

  • Large-scale virtualization projects
  • Disaster recovery planning
  • Storage architecture design
  • Team leadership and project management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with VMware products
  • Lack of understanding of basic virtualization concepts
  • No experience with backup and recovery procedures
  • Unable to explain storage management basics