Cisco Product Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Screening:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role at Cisco?
    • What do you know about our products and the industry?
  • Your Approach: I prepared a concise introduction highlighting my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role. I also researched Cisco’s product portfolio and industry trends to answer the last question confidently.

  • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • How would you prioritize features for a new product?
    • Describe a time when you had to collaborate with engineers to deliver a product.
    • What metrics would you track to measure the success of a product?
  • Your Approach: I used the RICE framework to answer the prioritization question and shared a specific example from my past experience for the collaboration question. For metrics, I focused on user engagement, retention, and revenue.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Case Study:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Given a hypothetical product scenario, how would you go from ideation to launch?
    • How would you handle a situation where stakeholders disagree on the product roadmap?
  • Your Approach: I structured my answer using a step-by-step product development process and emphasized the importance of stakeholder alignment through data and communication.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round and proceeded to the final interview.

  • Round 4 - Leadership Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • How do you align product strategy with business goals?
    • Share an example of a challenging product decision you made and its outcome.
  • Your Approach: I linked product strategy to business KPIs and shared a detailed story about a tough decision, focusing on the thought process and results.

  • Outcome: Successfully passed this round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s products, competitors, and industry trends thoroughly.
  • Practice answering behavioral and case study questions using frameworks like RICE or STAR.
  • Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially those related to product management.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared because I had researched extensively and practiced my responses. One thing I could have done better is to ask more insightful questions to the interviewers about their team dynamics. My advice to future candidates is to focus on storytelling—make your answers engaging and data-driven.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The process began with a phone interview requested by the recruiter. After passing the initial phone screen, I was invited for a face-to-face interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk me through your experience relevant to product management?
      • How do you prioritize features for a product?
      • Describe a time when you had to work with cross-functional teams.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my past experiences in product management, emphasizing my ability to prioritize features based on user needs and business goals. For the cross-functional teamwork question, I shared a specific example where I collaborated with engineering and marketing teams to launch a feature.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you handle a situation where stakeholders have conflicting priorities?
      • What metrics would you track to measure the success of a product?
      • Can you discuss a product you admire and why?
    • Your Approach: For the stakeholder question, I talked about aligning priorities with business objectives and facilitating open communication. For metrics, I mentioned KPIs like user engagement and retention. I also shared my thoughts on a product I admire, focusing on its user-centric design.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on product management frameworks like RICE or MoSCoW for prioritization.
  • Be ready to discuss real-world examples of your work and how you handled challenges.
  • Research the company’s products and be prepared to share your thoughts on them.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have spent more time researching Cisco’s specific products to tailor my answers better. My advice for future candidates is to practice articulating your thought process clearly and to be ready with concrete examples from your experience.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied to the position online. After submitting my application, I received an email from a Cisco recruiter asking me to fill out a questionnaire. Once I completed and submitted the questionnaire, the recruiter scheduled a Webex interview with the project team. All of this happened on the same day.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Webex Interview with Project Team:

  • Questions Asked: The interview was conducted by four individuals from the project team. While specific questions weren’t detailed, the team was very engaged and made the conversation comfortable.

  • Your Approach: I focused on being clear and concise in my responses, ensuring I highlighted my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role. The team’s engagement helped me stay relaxed and confident.

  • Outcome: I haven’t heard back from Cisco yet, but the experience was positive and insightful.

Conclusion:

Overall, this was a great experience. The process was efficient, and the team was welcoming. Regardless of the outcome, I learned a lot and enjoyed the interaction. For future candidates, I’d recommend being prepared to discuss your experience in detail and staying calm—the team is there to get to know you, not intimidate you!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through an online application process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A lot of specific technical questions to assess my knowledge and suitability for the role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my technical expertise and how it aligns with the responsibilities of a Product Manager.
    • Outcome: Passed this round, as the interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses.
  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More focused on past experience and soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experiences and how they prepared me for this role, emphasizing my ability to collaborate and lead.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next stage.
  • Round 3 - Informal Discussion with I/C:

    • Questions Asked: Asked about my salary requirements, which I felt was inappropriate at this stage.
    • Your Approach: Politely stated that salary discussions are best left for the offer stage and emphasized that everything is negotiable.
    • Outcome: The conversation moved forward without further issues.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical aspects relevant to the Product Manager role, as the first round is heavily technical.
  • Prepare to discuss past experiences in detail, especially those that highlight soft skills.
  • Be ready to handle unexpected questions, like salary expectations, with professionalism.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested both technical and soft skills. The hiring manager was particularly interested in my past experiences, which I found valuable. The only hiccup was the premature salary question, but I handled it diplomatically. For future candidates, I’d advise thorough preparation on both technical and behavioral fronts and staying composed in unexpected situations.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The application process involved a panel of four or five interviews, each lasting 30 to 60 minutes, with the hiring manager and various team members.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk us through your background?
      • How do you handle conflict in a team setting?
      • How do you manage project setbacks?
    • Your Approach: I focused on providing concise yet detailed answers, highlighting relevant experiences and demonstrating my problem-solving skills. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Team Member Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
      • How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?
    • Your Approach: I shared specific examples from my past roles, emphasizing collaboration and adaptability. I also discussed tools and methodologies I use for task prioritization.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to further rounds.

(Additional rounds followed a similar structure, with questions tailored to the specific team member’s focus area.)

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on situational and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company’s products and culture to align your answers with their values.
  • Practice explaining your background and experiences clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The panel was friendly and focused on understanding my fit for the role. I felt well-prepared, but in hindsight, I could have researched more about Cisco’s specific product lines to tailor my answers even better. My advice to future candidates is to practice situational questions and be ready to discuss your experiences in detail!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through an online application process. After initial screening, I was invited for a face-to-face interview with the hiring manager.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview started with an informational overview of the department and the role. The second half included classic behavioral questions, such as:
      • “Tell me about a time you led a project from conception to completion.”
      • “How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?”
      • “Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult stakeholder.”
    • Your Approach: I focused on providing structured answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance. I also emphasized my experience in product management and collaboration skills.
    • Outcome: The hiring manager took several weeks to evaluate candidates before extending an offer.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I felt well-prepared for the behavioral questions, but I realized I could have researched more about Cisco’s specific product lines to tailor my answers better. My advice for future candidates is to practice behavioral questions thoroughly and understand the company’s products and culture deeply.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: I applied through a combination of in-person and Webex interviews. The process was very conversational and focused on getting to know me, my background, and my interest in the role.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening (Webex):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role at Cisco?
    • Describe a time when you had to manage a product from ideation to launch.
  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience, tying it back to the role. I also highlighted my passion for product management and how it aligns with Cisco’s goals.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview (In-Person):

  • Questions Asked:

    • How do you prioritize features for a product?
    • Share an example of a conflict you faced with a stakeholder and how you resolved it.
    • What metrics would you track to measure the success of a product?
  • Your Approach: I used the STAR method for behavioral questions and backed my answers with real-world examples. For technical questions, I explained my thought process clearly.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward.

  • Round 3 - Final Interview (In-Person):

  • Questions Asked:

    • How would you handle a situation where a product launch is delayed?
    • What do you think are the biggest challenges in product management today?
    • Why Cisco over other companies?
  • Your Approach: I emphasized adaptability and problem-solving skills for situational questions. For the “Why Cisco” question, I tied my answer to the company’s culture and my career aspirations.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research Cisco’s products and recent news to tailor your answers.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially those relevant to product management.

Conclusion:
The entire interview process was smooth and engaging. The interviewers were genuinely interested in my story and how I could contribute to Cisco. I would advise future candidates to be authentic, prepare thoroughly, and focus on aligning their experiences with the role’s requirements.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting online.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Phone Screening:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why are you interested in this role at Cisco?
      • Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation at work.
      • What are your salary expectations?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role. For the behavioral question, I used the STAR method to structure my response.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited to the next interview.
  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk me through your experience as a Product Manager.
      • How do you prioritize features in a product roadmap?
      • Describe a time when you had to influence stakeholders without authority.
      • What metrics do you track to measure product success?
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my past projects and how they align with the role. For prioritization, I discussed frameworks like RICE and MoSCoW. For behavioral questions, I again used the STAR method.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed engaged, and I received positive feedback. Awaiting further updates.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research Cisco’s products and culture to tailor your answers.
  • Practice explaining your past projects clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have researched more about Cisco’s recent product launches to add depth to my answers. My advice to future candidates is to focus on storytelling for behavioral questions and align your experience with the company’s goals.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an online application or referral (details not specified).

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about background, experience, and interest in the role.
    • Your Approach: Highlighted relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Team Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Discussed day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and how the team operates.
    • Your Approach: Engaged actively, asked insightful questions, and demonstrated alignment with the team’s goals.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Technical/Product Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Case studies or scenarios related to product management, problem-solving, and strategy.
    • Your Approach: Structured responses using frameworks and real-world examples.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
  • Round 4 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions, alignment with company values, and long-term goals.
    • Your Approach: Shared personal experiences and demonstrated cultural fit.
    • Outcome: No response received after 45 days despite follow-ups.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s products and culture thoroughly.
  • Practice case studies and behavioral questions.
  • Network with current employees to understand team dynamics.

Conclusion:
While the interview process was insightful and the networking opportunities were great, the lack of communication post-interview was disappointing. If you don’t hear back within 45 days, it’s best to move on, even if the company is highly regarded like Cisco.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The process started with a recruiter verifying my eligibility, followed by an interview with the hiring manager. The overall process was slower than I anticipated.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Recruiter Screening:

    • Questions Asked: Eligibility verification, basic background check, and initial fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: I ensured my resume and experience aligned with the role requirements and answered questions concisely.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my experience, problem-solving skills, and how I would approach product management challenges.
    • Your Approach: I focused on showcasing my relevant experience and structured my answers using the STAR method.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next stage.
  • Round 3 - Interviews with 4 Coworkers:

    • Questions Asked: Varied questions about teamwork, collaboration, and specific product management scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my ability to work in a team and provided examples of past collaborations.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but slower than expected. I felt well-prepared for the questions, but in hindsight, I could have researched more about Cisco’s specific product management methodologies. My advice for future candidates is to prepare for both behavioral and technical questions and be patient with the process.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an online application process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Scenario-Based Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Hypothetical scenarios related to product management, such as prioritizing features, handling stakeholder conflicts, and launching a new product.
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating problem-solving skills, aligning answers with business goals, and showcasing soft skills like communication and collaboration.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Deep Dive:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about product roadmaps, metrics, and how to measure success. Also, some technical aspects like APIs or integrations were discussed.
    • Your Approach: Used real-world examples from past experiences to explain concepts and emphasized data-driven decision-making.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
  • Round 3 - Leadership and Culture Fit:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions about leadership, teamwork, and how I handle failure. Also, hypotheticals about managing cross-functional teams.
    • Your Approach: Shared personal anecdotes to highlight leadership qualities and adaptability.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice answering scenario-based questions using frameworks like CIRCLES or AARM.
  • Brush up on product metrics and how they tie to business outcomes.
  • Prepare to discuss past experiences in detail, focusing on challenges and learnings.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but fair, focusing heavily on practical scenarios and soft skills. What worked well was tying answers to real experiences and staying calm under pressure. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing storytelling and being ready to think on your feet!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager (Women Returnee Program)

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal for the Women Returnee Program. The job description seemed to align with my experience and skills.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer focused on a different set of skills than what was mentioned in my resume or the job description. It felt like the expectations were not aligned with the initial criteria.
    • Your Approach: I tried to highlight my relevant experience and how it could be applied to the role, but it seemed like the hiring manager had already formed an opinion.
    • Outcome: Did not proceed to the next round. The feedback was unclear, and it appeared the hiring manager had predetermined requirements not communicated earlier.

Conclusion:
The experience was a bit disheartening as the interview expectations didn’t match the job description or my resume. For future candidates, I’d recommend clarifying the exact expectations with the recruiter beforehand to avoid mismatches. Despite the outcome, it was a learning experience about the importance of alignment between the JD and the interviewer’s expectations.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The process was straightforward. I met and talked with 7 people across 2 divisions, covering topics ranging from my previous experience to my university studies. The interviewer called me back within 2 hours of leaving the building to inform me that I had an offer. This was several years ago when the company operated more like a startup. Currently, the interview process is slower, and it takes longer to extend offers.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - General Discussion:
    • Questions Asked: Covered previous work experience, university studies, and general fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the role’s requirements and showcasing my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Successful; received an offer within hours.

Conclusion:
The experience was smooth and efficient, likely due to the company’s startup-like culture at the time. For current candidates, I’d advise patience, as the process has become more structured and slower. Highlighting adaptability and aligning past experiences with the role remains key.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

  • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Team Interviews:

  • Questions Asked: Met with people from different teams. Questions revolved around teamwork, problem-solving, and how I would handle product-related scenarios.

  • Your Approach: I emphasized collaboration and provided examples from past experiences to showcase my problem-solving skills.

  • Outcome: Positive feedback, moved to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - Hiring Manager Interview:

  • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about product management, my approach to challenges, and alignment with the company’s goals.

  • Your Approach: I aligned my answers with the company’s culture and values, demonstrating my understanding of their product space.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 4 - SVP Interview:

  • Questions Asked: High-level strategic questions about product vision, leadership, and long-term thinking.

  • Your Approach: I focused on strategic thinking and provided examples of how I’ve contributed to long-term goals in previous roles.

  • Outcome: Successful completion of the interview process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s products and culture thoroughly.
  • Prepare examples of past experiences that align with the role’s responsibilities.
  • Practice answering both technical and behavioral questions clearly and confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward and professional. The questions were fair and focused on assessing fit for the role and company culture. I would advise future candidates to be well-prepared but also authentic in their responses. The remote interviews were convenient, but the in-person rounds added a nice touch for deeper connections.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was straightforward, and the company was actively looking to fill this position quickly. I was introduced to the platform during the process, which streamlined things further.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Professional Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were straightforward and focused on the role and my fit for it.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly and highlighted my relevant experience and skills.

  • Outcome: The decision was made very quickly, and I moved forward in the process.

Conclusion:

The interview was professional and efficient. Since Cisco was in urgent need of filling this role, the process was expedited. My advice for future candidates is to be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role, as the questions are direct and to the point.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: I applied for the Product Manager role at Cisco through their online job portal. The process was straightforward, and I received a response within a couple of weeks for the initial phone screen.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview (Initial Screen):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role at Cisco?
    • Describe a time when you had to manage a product from ideation to launch.
  • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and aligning my skills with the role. I also emphasized my passion for product management and my understanding of Cisco’s products.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Phone Interview with Hiring Manager:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Walk me through your resume and highlight key achievements.
    • How do you prioritize features for a product?
    • Describe a challenging stakeholder interaction and how you handled it.
  • Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method to provide clear and concise responses. I also asked thoughtful questions about the team and product roadmap.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the team interview round.

  • Round 3 - Team Interview (3 Panelists):

  • Questions Asked:

    • How do you gather customer feedback and incorporate it into product decisions?
    • Describe a time when you had to pivot a product strategy.
    • How do you measure the success of a product?
  • Your Approach: I shared specific examples from my past experiences and demonstrated my ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. I also made sure to engage with each panelist individually.

  • Outcome: Moved to the final round with the hiring manager.

  • Round 4 - Hiring Manager Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • What is your vision for this product role at Cisco?
    • How do you handle conflicting priorities between engineering and marketing teams?
    • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Your Approach: I aligned my vision with Cisco’s goals and showcased my problem-solving skills. I also reiterated my enthusiasm for the role and the company.

  • Outcome: Received a positive response and an offer shortly after.

Preparation Tips:

  • I brushed up on product management frameworks like PRD templates, prioritization techniques (e.g., RICE scoring), and Agile methodologies.
  • Practicing mock interviews with peers helped me refine my storytelling and STAR method responses.
  • Researching Cisco’s products and recent news gave me context to tailor my answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and engaging. I felt prepared, but I could have spent more time understanding Cisco’s specific product challenges. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clear communication, relevant examples, and genuine enthusiasm for the role.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Core Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about work experience and hypothetical scenarios related to product management. For example, “How would you handle a situation where a product launch is delayed due to unforeseen issues?”
    • Your Approach: Focused on providing structured answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Presentation Round:

    • Questions Asked: Had to prepare a presentation on one of four provided topics (chosen by me). The topic I selected was “How would you prioritize features for a new product launch?”
    • Your Approach: Created a clear, data-driven presentation with a focus on user needs, business goals, and feasibility. Practiced multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved to the final round.
  • Round 3 - Management Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A short 5-minute discussion with senior management. Questions were high-level, such as “Why do you want to work at Cisco?” and “How do you align product strategy with company goals?”
    • Your Approach: Kept answers concise and aligned with Cisco’s values and mission. Highlighted my passion for product management and ability to drive results.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the core interview, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • For the presentation, focus on clarity, data, and storytelling. Rehearse multiple times to build confidence.
  • For the management round, research the company thoroughly and align your answers with its culture and goals.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and gave me a chance to showcase my skills effectively. The key was preparation—knowing my resume inside out, practicing common questions, and understanding Cisco’s business. If I could improve anything, I’d spend more time researching Cisco’s recent product launches to tailor my answers even better. For future candidates, my advice is to stay calm, be yourself, and focus on demonstrating how you can add value to the team.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Interviewed in December 2020. The first round was scheduled after applying through the company’s recruitment process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Team Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interview felt more like a conversation with three team members. They discussed the role in detail, providing insights into what the position entails. Specific questions weren’t mentioned, but the focus was on understanding the candidate’s fit for the role.

  • Your Approach: I treated the interview as a two-way conversation, asking questions to understand the role better while also showcasing my skills and experience.

  • Outcome: Despite the positive interaction, the recruiter ghosted me after this round, and I never received a rejection email or further communication despite follow-ups.

Conclusion:

The interview itself was insightful and gave me a clear picture of the role. However, the lack of communication from the recruiter was disappointing. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing to ask thoughtful questions about the role and team dynamics, as this can turn the interview into a productive discussion. Also, be prepared for potential delays or lack of follow-up in the process.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The application was submitted online through Cisco’s career portal. After the initial screening, I was invited for the interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions focused on past experiences, teamwork, and problem-solving. For example, “Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict within your team.”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring clarity and relevance. I highlighted specific examples from my previous roles.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Strategic Thinking Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round tested my ability to think strategically. Questions included, “How would you prioritize features for a new product launch?” and “What metrics would you track to measure its success?”
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my answers with business goals, using frameworks like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) for prioritization.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
  • Round 3 - Team Fit Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were designed to assess cultural fit and collaboration. Examples: “How do you handle feedback from stakeholders?” and “Describe a time you had to adapt to a team’s working style.”
    • Your Approach: I emphasized adaptability and my ability to work in diverse teams, providing concrete examples.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Familiarize yourself with product management frameworks like RICE or MoSCoW.
  • Research Cisco’s products and culture to align your answers with their values.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. The behavioral rounds were straightforward, while the strategic thinking round required deeper preparation. Overall, I felt confident and well-prepared, and I would advise future candidates to focus on aligning their answers with the company’s goals and culture.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: I was first contacted by two recruiters who conducted the initial screening. After that, the director of the team interviewed me over the phone. Following the completion of the phone screen, I was invited for an on-site interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Recruiter Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Phone Interview with Director:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my experience, problem-solving skills, and how I would approach product management challenges.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided examples from my past work.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the on-site interview.
  • Round 3 - On-Site Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The on-site was a 6-hour marathon with multiple rounds, including case studies, behavioral questions, and technical discussions about product strategy.
    • Your Approach: I prepared thoroughly by reviewing product management frameworks and practicing case studies. During the interview, I focused on clear communication and logical structuring of my answers.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the on-site and received an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review product management frameworks and case studies.
  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.

Conclusion:
The process was intense but well-structured. I was surprised by how quickly it moved. My advice for future candidates is to prepare thoroughly for case studies and behavioral questions, and to stay calm and composed during the on-site interview.