๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ.
Summary
I interviewed with Cisco for my first professional experience during my third year of engineering. Despite clearing multiple rigorous technical rounds and a managerial round, and ultimately making it to the HR round, I received a rejection email after a hopeful waiting period.
Full Experience
Online Assessment
In 2022, during my third year of engineering, Cisco visited our campus for a pooled drive. I participated in an Online Assessment where two problems were presented: one focused on bit manipulation, and the other centered around the application of Floyd-Warshall algorithms. Following this, 20-25 students from my batch, including myself, were shortlisted.
Round 1 - OOPS & DSA
My first interview call arrived on March 9, 2022. The initial round, lasting approximately 45 minutes, delved into OOPS, strings, and linked list problems. This round went smoothly for me, and I earned a ticket to the next phase, though more than 60% of my batchmates were rejected.
Round 2 - Managerial Round
The managerial round, a mix of good and not-so-good moments, proved to be a 50-50 experience. Fortunately, luck favored me, and I moved forward along with only one other batchmate. This round took around 30-35 minutes.
Round 3 - System Design, Networking & DSA Round
In the third round, I met the exceptional Ravi Kiran. I swiftly handled a binary search problem before the discussion shifted to networking concepts, including TCP/UDP, three-way handshaking, and the distinctions between routers and switches. Ravi then explored Netflix's design, where I candidly confessed my knowledge gap. Nevertheless, it became one of the best interviews I've ever faced, thanks to Ravi's guidance. Following this comprehensive 50-minute session, I was the sole candidate from my batch to secure an HR round call after a brief 2-3 hour wait.
Round 4 - HR Round
In the HR round with Shruthi N, she inquired about my personal strengths and weaknesses, followed by salary discussions and internship location preferences. This was a concise yet meaningful conversation lasting around 10 minutes.
The Outcome
Post HR round, optimism filled the air, and my family anticipated positive news. However, reality struck on March 21 with a rejection email. I felt a similar emotion to when India lost the World Cup on November 19.
Interview Questions (6)
Floyd-Warshall Algorithm Application
A problem requiring the application of the Floyd-Warshall algorithm.
Binary Search Problem
A problem that could be solved using binary search.
Networking Concepts Discussion
Discussion on networking concepts including TCP/UDP, three-way handshaking, and the distinctions between routers and switches.
Design Netflix
Design a system similar to Netflix. I confessed my knowledge gap on this topic.
Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?
Salary and Location Preferences
Discussion regarding salary expectations and internship location preferences.
Preparation Tips
My preparation for this and future interviews began during my third year of engineering when I started my LeetCode problem-solving journey.