I applied to Zalando in February 2021. Without my consent, the hiring manager for the role reached out to one of my current colleagues to conduct an illegal backdoor reference. To this day I am still shocked and appalled at this behavior, and after reporting it to the relevant parties at Zalando, it's disappointing to see the hiring manager is still employed and likely faced no repercussions for her actions. Based on this experience I would NEVER work or endorse this company again.