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).
1. Self representation.
2. Interview question.
3. Explaining the job (if 2. is successful), the company, the team, the environment, the team leader.
It was a free talk, I could ask questions anytime during the interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
You need to design a logic system with input of a stream of bits and it needs to detect a known chunk of bits, e.g. '1000'.
First, implement a naive system. What are the inputs and outputs? Which logic gates, modules and blocks do you need? Analyze it with respect to timing, efficiency, hardware usage, etc.
Second, try to come up with a more efficient implementation. Analyze it again.
Compare the two implementations.
I applied in-person. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Cisco (Mumbai) in May 2023
Interview
We are seeking a Cloud Dolphin Trainer to manage and optimize aquatic data streams. Responsibilities include guiding virtual dolphins through algorithmic hoops, maintaining oceanic cloud storage, and ensuring seamless sonar-based communication across the network. Experience with aquatic AI preferred.
I applied through a staffing agency. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Cisco (Ottawa, ON) in May 2025
Interview
I got into final rounds of interview with help of agency. The interview went fine and almost answered all the questions correctly. The manager was expecting to know it all. They really trying to squeeze all the juice from developer so they don't have to invest in devops,QA, Linux administrator. This approach is truly let down for many.
After the interview, they reject me saying as you cannot come to office, you are not the right fit. After 3 interviews, this just cannot be the reason. You should have rejected in earlier rounds. Too much energy is exhausted with your type of interviews.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Situation based questions like what if one module in whole ecosystem is not working, what would you do ?
There's no correct answer and vaguely open ended.