The hiring process at Cisco takes an average of 46 days when considering 2 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for CSM had the quickest hiring process (on average 1 day), whereas Intern Field Sales roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 90 days).
The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Cisco in Nov 2010
Interview
Interviewers were professional, sharp and focused, largely on the interpersonal demands rather than the usual skills. Most were open and friendly - one was oddly openly hostile even before entering the room. The lead Executive Assistant was excellent - insightful, open and pro active. She (accurately) concluded I was far overqualified and suggested other positions that were more suitable..
There was a bit of a disconnect between the external Cisco branding (smart, energetic, open, friendly ) and the internal office and style. Internal seemed far more old school structured with absolutely none of the usual informal buzz of conversation in cubicles, hallways and offices. The lobby was totally automatic with a screen that had a virtual assistant. This was more cold than impressive.
Overall, however, good experience.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Describe a situation where you had to deal with a very difficult person. How did you handle it?
The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Cisco (San Jose, CA) in Nov 2010
Interview
I started with the company from a Job Fair at my university. The turn around time between meeting with a PR and getting an e-mail took about two weeks. They let me know about on-campus interviews and I signed up for one.
At the interview, I was paired with a young gentlemen who asked mainly technical questions based around data structures and algorithms.
Afterwards, I was contacted two weeks after for an on-site interview. I had the interview in their Texas location. It consisted of 3 45-minute interviews. Compared to other friends who had their interviews at the same time, mine was fairly personality based. I was asked only one technical question, but my other friends were technically grilled. I think it matters for the random group you were placed in.
I had a fairly positive perception of the company afterwards. There were two or three presentations as well as a tour which highlighted the work environment and life. It seems very group-based, and those there seemed to be engaging and good listeners.
I applied through college or university. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Cisco (San Jose, CA) in Nov 2010
Interview
I had an one-on-one interview with a current employee and then 3 weeks later, I was scheduled for a panel interview onsite. The panel interviewers just wanted to know how I dealt with people and whether I can deal with ambiguous assignments. Overall, the job doesn't seem very difficult - it's just whether you are a people person or not. Otherwise, there is no negotiation on start date and the offer process is outsourced so it was impersonal.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Name a time when you had to prove an idea that other people do not like.