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Summary
I recently completed an interview process for a Software Engineer role at Cisco in Bangalore, which comprised an online assessment, a pre-assessment, and multiple interview rounds including technical, managerial, and HR discussions. I am pleased to share that I successfully received and accepted an offer for the position.
Full Experience
About the Offer
- Location: Bangalore
- Stipend: INR 65,000
- Total Compensation (TC): 24,73,633 (base + bonus + other benefits)
Online Assessment (October 2021)
I started with an online assessment on HackerRank, which lasted 1 hour. It consisted of 15 MCQs covering Computer Networks, Databases, and Embedded Systems. Additionally, there were two coding questions, both of medium difficulty.
Pre-Assessment Round (December 2021)
Following the initial assessment, I had a pre-assessment round, also on HackerRank, lasting 30 minutes. This round featured one coding question of easy to medium difficulty.
Technical Round (December 2021)
The technical round was conducted via Cisco WebEx and lasted 1 hour. It began with my self-introduction and a detailed discussion of my resume, where questions were asked about the topics I had mentioned. We delved into Networking concepts like TCP/UDP, tracert, and ping, and I was asked to explain the process of opening www.cisco.com on a browser. There were other easy to moderate level network questions as well.
I also faced a design-based question where I had to design a vending machine and list down its test cases, focusing on user interaction, payment, and inventory control. Another task involved designing an API framework for logging using Linux commands. My knowledge of Linux, terminal commands, and DevOps was also tested. I also encountered an easy-level coding question based on frequency maps, with extensions discussed.
Managerial Round (December 2021)
This round, also on Cisco WebEx, lasted 45 minutes. It involved general discussions about my interests outside of technology and typical HR questions such as how I would solve a conflict. We also talked about my knowledge of Cisco and lighter topics like iPhone vs Android or CSK vs RCB.
HR Discussion (December 2021)
The final HR discussion, lasting 15 minutes on Cisco WebEx, included a self-introduction, discussions around package expectations, preferred location, my greatest accomplishments, why I was interested in Cisco, Cisco's competitors, any plans for higher studies, and my current offers.
Verdict
I am happy to report that I received an acceptance for the role.
Interview Questions (5)
I was tasked with designing a vending machine system, considering aspects like user interaction points, payment processing, and inventory management. Additionally, I had to outline a comprehensive set of test cases for the design.
I needed to design an API framework for logging, specifically leveraging Linux commands for its implementation.
I was asked to describe the sequence of events and underlying protocols involved when a user types "www.cisco.com" into a web browser and hits enter.
I was asked to describe my approach to solving a conflict, likely in a team or work environment.
I discussed my greatest accomplishments, my motivations for wanting to join Cisco, my knowledge of Cisco's competitors, future plans for higher studies, and any current job offers.