I applied through university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Cisco (Raleigh, NC) in Oct 2016
Interview
Got the first online interview through my university. That interview was a 30min talk with one of the technical leads about my experience, knowledge, and interests. I then got an email 2 hours later with an invitation to "Cisco Day", which was 3 interviews at their Raleigh campus. Food and travel expenses were completely covered. The first interview was a behavioral interview with a technical manager. He also gave me puzzle questions. For example the 8 balls with one heavy ball and a scale problem (Google it). The second interview was a one on one presentation that was asked to be prepared when I got my invitation. The third interview was a technical roleplay where I was questioned heavily on network information. That day felt more like an advertisement for Cisco rather than an interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
You have 8 balls, one is heavier than the other. You also have a scale that will compare the weight of two things put on it. How can you find the heavy ball with using the scale twice?
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Cisco in Jan 2026
Interview
The interview process consistes of 5 interviews. First was a short 10-15 min recruiter call basically explaining the role and what to expect, after that there will be 2 technical interview and 2 soft skills.
I applied through other source. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Cisco
Interview
1- HR call to discuss the role and general information (salary, next interviews and overall process). They also ask basic networking concepts (VLAN, DHCP, STP)
2- Technical interview: PC A has no connectivity to Google, troubleshoot the network to find the issue. (Damaged cables, switch issues, VLANs, Trunk ports, ACLs, Router configuration)
3- Technical interview (harder): PC A has no connection to LAN or WAN. Test communication in LAN and verify Switch configuration (STP, VLAN access and trunk ports), DHCP troubleshooting, Router configuration, find Rougue DHCP.
4- Two more interviews to test your software skills.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How does router on a stick works?
How do you solve a VLAN mismatch?
How does STP works and how you can assure is configured?
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Cisco (Ciudad de Mexico) in Aug 2025
Interview
La entrevista fue larga y muy técnica, con bastantes conceptos de redes que pusieron a prueba mis conocimientos. Se notó claramente que buscan a alguien con experiencia práctica en entornos reales. Además, para poder superarlas con seguridad, es casi indispensable contar con la certificación CCNA y dominar sus fundamentos.