Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Cisco Restaurant + Bar, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through a multi-round Cisco Software Engineer loop over roughly a couple weeks, with a mix of resume/behavior and increasingly technical conversations.
I experienced a mostly fundamentals-heavy path (and sometimes an OA) where networking concepts and basic coding showed up early, followed by lighter system thinking.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter screen, focusing on the candidate's background and fit for the role, often involving a resume walkthrough and basic behavioral questions.
Candidates can expect one or more technical rounds that include coding assessments, often using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, with a focus on data structures, algorithms, and sometimes networking fundamentals.
A significant emphasis is placed on networking and systems concepts, including topics like TCP/UDP, IP addressing, and debugging, which are often assessed in both technical interviews and coding rounds.
For some candidates, there is a system design interview where they must discuss their approach to designing systems, including trade-offs and high-level architecture decisions, tailored to the role's requirements.
Candidates may face behavioral interviews that assess cultural fit and motivation, often involving discussions about past projects and experiences, as well as managerial-style questions.
The interview experience can vary significantly, with some candidates reporting structured processes and clear communication, while others faced disorganization or unclear timelines, impacting their overall perception of the process.