I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Cisco (Santa Clara, CA) in Oct 2009
Interview
I see the position on the Cisco career website. Submitted my resume and fill out the forms. Got a phone interview a couple weeks later and then schedule a on-site next week. It is a technical interview and I did a lot of white-board coding. The questions are not difficult (like reverse a link list). But the manager pays a lot attention to the details. For example, how you optimize a couple statement and what variable naming scheme you use. Overall it is not a tough interview. I think I am qualified for the position but I am not the type of developer the manager is looking for.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Cisco (Santa Clara, CA) in Mar 2008
Interview
Questions weren't too hard, all solvable with given time. People were friendly. Study algorithms, C/C++ coding, and math proofs. Study a lot of sample interviews online, especially acetheinterview.com and careercup.com. These sites have user inputted real interview questions that can help you. Also study brain teasers.