Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Cisco, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I had a really quick, pleasant experience that felt light on friction. After an HR-style introduction, the process moved fast through a culture fit conversation and then a more technical discussion that also involved meeting with the manager. The whole vibe felt welcoming, and the emphasis was clearly on how I communicated as much as what I knew.
My process started with an online assessment and then moved into interview rounds quickly, but I didn’t make it all the way through. The assessment leaned heavily on multiple-choice plus programming parts—there were a lot of MCQs alongside coding questions—and I could feel early on that the programming section was the deciding factor. When I wasn’t successful, it was already clear that the gap was more about solving than just understanding concepts.
The online assessment is a critical gatekeeper, often featuring a mix of multiple-choice and coding questions, with a focus on both speed and accuracy. Candidates reported varying levels of difficulty, with some experiencing challenges related to breadth and depth of knowledge, including networking and system fundamentals.
Technical interviews often blend coding tasks with discussions about past projects and design decisions, emphasizing clear communication and problem-solving processes. Candidates noted that interviewers valued their thought processes and explanations over mere correctness.
Behavioral interviews focus on cultural fit and communication skills, often involving discussions about past experiences and motivations. Candidates found these conversations to be friendly and supportive, with an emphasis on how they would operate within the team.
The interview process is generally structured, starting with a recruiter screen followed by technical rounds and sometimes a final cultural fit assessment. Candidates appreciated the organized flow and timely feedback throughout the process.
Candidates experienced a positive atmosphere with supportive interviewers who were genuinely interested in their backgrounds and thought processes. Clear communication from recruiters and interviewers helped create a calm and respectful environment.
Many candidates reflected on how their interview performance was evaluated, noting that misunderstandings or misinterpretations of their behavior could impact outcomes. The importance of clear communication during interviews was a common takeaway.