Cisco Product Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The recruiter reached out to me for a position that required a combination of finance and marketing skills. After reviewing my profile, the recruiter scheduled a call with the hiring manager two weeks later.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening with Recruiter:

  • Questions Asked: The recruiter discussed the role in detail, focusing on my finance and marketing background.

  • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant skills and experiences, aligning them with the job requirements.

  • Outcome: The recruiter moved me forward to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Group Interview (Face-to-Face):

  • Questions Asked: Met with various team members, but the hiring manager did not attend due to time constraints.

  • Your Approach: I engaged with the team members, showcasing my skills and enthusiasm for the role.

  • Outcome: Did not receive feedback for two weeks. Upon follow-up, I learned the position had been filled.

Conclusion:
The experience was mixed—while I appreciated the opportunity, the lack of communication and the hiring manager’s absence during the interview were disappointing. For future candidates, I’d recommend following up proactively and preparing thoroughly for group interviews, even if the hiring manager isn’t present.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/Product Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Overview of the infrastructure market, product management questions, execution-focused questions, and A/B scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my understanding of the market and how I prioritize execution. For A/B scenarios, I walked through my thought process and decision-making framework.
    • Outcome: The discussion went well, and I felt confident about my responses.
  • Round 2 - Interview with the CTO:

    • Questions Asked: Discussion about the market, opportunities, and areas to focus on. More A/B scenarios and strategic questions.
    • Your Approach: I aligned my answers with the company’s vision and emphasized my ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. For A/B scenarios, I provided data-driven justifications.
    • Outcome: The interview was engaging, and the CTO seemed impressed with my strategic thinking.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on the latest trends in the infrastructure market.
  • Practice A/B testing scenarios and decision-making frameworks.
  • Be ready to discuss execution strategies and how you prioritize tasks.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was insightful and challenging. The discussions with the CTO were particularly rewarding. I would advise future candidates to focus on market trends, execution strategies, and be prepared for scenario-based questions. Confidence and clarity in your thought process are key!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Everything worked out very quickly and smoothly. The process included a couple of phone screenings and a 1:1 interview. The hiring manager was impressed during our conversation and forwarded me to his manager the same day. An offer was extended the following day.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the product management role.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview (1:1):

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my past projects, problem-solving skills, and how I would approach product management challenges.
    • Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my previous roles and demonstrated my thought process for tackling product-related issues.
    • Outcome: The hiring manager was impressed and forwarded me to his manager immediately.
  • Round 3 - Final Interview with Senior Manager:

    • Questions Asked: High-level discussions about product strategy, vision, and alignment with company goals.
    • Your Approach: I aligned my responses with Cisco’s objectives and shared my vision for the role.
    • Outcome: Received an offer the next day.

Conclusion:
The entire process was efficient and positive. The key to success was being well-prepared to discuss my experiences and how they align with the role. I recommend future candidates to thoroughly research the company and role, and to be ready with concrete examples of their work.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an online application process, followed by a virtual interview and a day-long in-person interview session.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Virtual Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role. Some behavioral questions to assess problem-solving and teamwork skills.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the Product Manager role. I used the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure my answers clearly.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the in-person interview day.
  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview (Technical & Behavioral):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Technical: How would you prioritize features for a new product?
      • Behavioral: Describe a time you had to convince a team to adopt your idea.
    • Your Approach: For the technical question, I discussed frameworks like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) to prioritize features. For the behavioral question, I shared a specific example where I used data and stakeholder alignment to drive consensus.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed engaged, and I felt confident about my responses.
  • Round 3 - In-Person Interview (Case Study):

    • Questions Asked: Presented with a case study about a hypothetical product launch. Asked to outline a go-to-market strategy.
    • Your Approach: I structured my answer by defining the target audience, identifying key value propositions, and outlining marketing and sales channels. I also included metrics for success.
    • Outcome: The interviewers provided positive feedback on my structured approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Reviewed common Product Manager interview questions and practiced using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Studied case study frameworks like RICE and AARRR (Pirate Metrics) to prepare for the technical and case study rounds.
  • Researched Cisco’s products and recent news to align my answers with their business context.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was very well-organized and gave me a good sense of Cisco’s competitive and collaborative culture. I felt prepared, but I could have spent more time practicing case studies under time pressure. My advice for future candidates is to thoroughly research the company and practice articulating your thought process clearly.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location (if applicable)]

Application Process: On-campus interviews

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to product management, soft skill questions, and a brief discussion about my background.

  • Your Approach: I focused on clearly articulating my thought process for the technical questions and ensured my answers were concise and relevant to the role. For soft skills, I highlighted my teamwork and problem-solving experiences.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview:

  • Questions Asked: More in-depth technical questions, scenario-based problem-solving, and evaluation of presentation skills.

  • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing product management frameworks and practiced presenting my ideas clearly. I also made sure to engage with the interviewers and ask clarifying questions.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 3 - Final Interview (Long Formal Process):

  • Questions Asked: Comprehensive technical and behavioral questions, a formal presentation, and discussions about long-term goals and fit with the company.

  • Your Approach: I spent significant time preparing my presentation and rehearsing it. I also researched Cisco’s products and culture to tailor my answers.

  • Outcome: Successfully secured the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review product management frameworks and case studies.
  • Practice presenting ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Research the company’s products and culture to align your answers.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but well-structured. What worked well was my preparation and ability to adapt to different interview styles. If I could improve anything, I would practice more scenario-based questions to feel even more confident. My advice for future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Cisco evaluates both equally.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager & Team Interviews:

    • Questions Asked: The interviews were more conversational rather than a strict Q&A format. Topics likely revolved around the candidate’s experience, fit for the role, and general discussion about the product manager position.
    • Your Approach: The candidate engaged in a professional and pleasant conversation, aligning their responses with the role’s requirements and demonstrating their suitability for the position.
    • Outcome: The hiring manager unofficially offered the candidate the job after the interviews.
  • Round 2 - HR Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: The HR rep discussed salary requirements and assured the candidate that their expectations would be met.
    • Your Approach: The candidate communicated their salary expectations clearly and professionally.
    • Outcome: The HR rep promised a follow-up call the next day but never contacted the candidate again. Despite reaching out to the hiring manager, the candidate received no response, leading to a disappointing end to the process.

Conclusion:

The interview process with Cisco was professional and promising, with the hiring manager extending an unofficial offer. However, the lack of follow-up from HR and the hiring manager was highly disappointing. Future candidates should ensure clear communication and follow-up with HR to avoid similar situations.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: Remote

Application Process: Applied through an online application process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was conducted via WebEx with a group of 5 people from the team I would potentially join. The questions were varied and covered my background, experience, and how I would approach certain product management scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I tried to be as clear and concise as possible, highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role. I also made sure to engage with the interviewers to show my interest in the team and the company.
    • Outcome: The interview was pleasant, but I did not advance to the next round. I felt the interviewers were engaged, though I would have liked more opportunities to provide detailed feedback or ask questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. The team was friendly, and the process was smooth. If I could do anything differently, I would prepare more specific examples of my work to better align with the role’s expectations. For future candidates, I’d recommend researching the team and the company’s products thoroughly to tailor your responses effectively.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: Campus Recruitment

Application Process: Cisco visited our campus to recruit MBA graduates for Product Management positions. The process started with a single interview, unlike the usual two back-to-back interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why Cisco?
      • Who are Cisco’s biggest competitors?
      • What challenges do you foresee for Cisco?
      • Case: Cisco wants to expand in China. What do you recommend?
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my understanding of Cisco’s market position, competitors like Juniper, Huawei, and HP, and current industry trends such as Cloud, Virtualization, and BYOD. For the case question, I structured my answer by analyzing market entry strategies, regulatory challenges, and competitive advantages.
    • Outcome: The interview was relaxed but professional. I was contacted after two weeks for further interviews.
  • Round 2 - On-site Interviews:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Discussions with future boss and related team members.
      • Further technical and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my tech background and ability to think critically about complex products. I also highlighted my awareness of industry trends and competitors.
    • Outcome: Received a final decision within 3-4 days, followed by a negotiation process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research Cisco’s competitors like Juniper, Huawei, Riverbed, and HP.
  • Stay updated on industry trends such as Cloud, Virtualization, and BYOD.
  • Practice structured thinking for case questions.
  • Be prepared to discuss your tech background, even for marketing roles.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive, with a focus on technical knowledge and structured thinking. The interviewers were friendly and professional, avoiding pressure tactics. For future candidates, I recommend thorough research on Cisco’s market and competitors, as well as practicing case studies to demonstrate structured problem-solving skills.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: It was a bit of a coincidence to land this interview. A colleague referred me after they didn’t pass the interview themselves. One thing to note is that Cisco interviewers tend to call you for an interview whenever it’s convenient for them. If you say you’re not available, the opportunity might slip away.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my background, why I was interested in the Product Manager role, and my experience with product management.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience, tying it back to the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Technical/Product Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: This round was more in-depth. They asked about how I would prioritize product features, my approach to stakeholder management, and a time I handled a difficult product decision.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples from my past work.
    • Outcome: I felt confident about my responses, but feedback was mixed. I advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Behavioral/Cultural Fit:

    • Questions Asked: Questions here revolved around teamwork, handling conflicts, and how I align with Cisco’s values.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized collaboration and shared examples of how I’ve worked in diverse teams.
    • Outcome: This round went well, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on product management frameworks like RICE or MoSCoW for prioritization questions.
  • Prepare STAR-method answers for behavioral questions.
  • Research Cisco’s product portfolio and culture to tailor your responses.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth but unpredictable in terms of scheduling. I learned the importance of being flexible and ready at short notice. For future candidates, I’d advise being well-prepared for both technical and behavioral questions, and always keeping your calendar open for unexpected interview calls!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: I applied through Cisco’s career website. After submitting my application, I was invited to schedule a time for the interview. The process involved two back-to-back 30-minute interviews with two different product managers.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Walkthrough & Behavioral Questions:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Walk me through your resume.
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Can you share an example of a past experience where you demonstrated leadership?
  • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting relevant experiences from my resume that aligned with the Product Manager role. For behavioral questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.

  • Outcome: I felt confident about my responses, and the interviewers seemed engaged.

  • Round 2 - Market Estimation Question:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Estimate the market size for a specific product in a given region.
  • Your Approach: I broke down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, starting with defining the target audience, then estimating the total addressable market (TAM), and finally narrowing it down to the serviceable obtainable market (SOM). I also made reasonable assumptions and justified them.

  • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated my structured approach and asked follow-up questions to dive deeper into my reasoning.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Brush up on market estimation techniques and practice breaking down problems logically.
  • Be ready to walk through your resume and connect your experiences to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the interviewers were friendly. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more market estimation questions to refine my approach. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on structured problem-solving and being concise yet detailed in your answers.

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?
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared a concise introduction highlighting relevant experience.
      • Researched Cisco’s product portfolio and aligned my interest with their offerings.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you prioritize features for a new product?
      • Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision about a product.
      • How do you gather customer feedback?
    • Your Approach:
      • Used frameworks like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) to answer prioritization questions.
      • Shared a real-life example of a challenging product decision and its outcome.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next stage.
  • Round 3 - Stakeholder Interview (Engineering):

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you handle disagreements with engineers?
      • What’s your approach to writing product requirements?
    • Your Approach:
      • Emphasized collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
      • Explained my process for creating clear and actionable PRDs.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback, moved forward.
  • Round 4 - Stakeholder Interview (Design):

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you work with designers to ensure a great user experience?
      • What’s your role in the design process?
    • Your Approach:
      • Highlighted my experience with design sprints and iterative feedback loops.
      • Stressed the importance of aligning design with business goals.
    • Outcome: Progressed to the next round.
  • Round 5 - Stakeholder Interview (Marketing):

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you collaborate with marketing teams?
      • What metrics do you track for product success?
    • Your Approach:
      • Shared examples of successful product launches and marketing collaborations.
      • Discussed KPIs like user engagement and conversion rates.
    • Outcome: Advanced further.
  • Round 6 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Given a hypothetical product scenario, how would you approach it?
    • Your Approach:
      • Structured my answer using a problem-solving framework (define, analyze, solve).
      • Focused on user needs and business impact.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 7 - Final Leadership Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you align product strategy with company goals?
      • Describe a time you led a team through a challenging project.
    • Your Approach:
      • Connected my past experiences to Cisco’s strategic objectives.
      • Highlighted leadership and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response.

Preparation Tips:

  • Studied Cisco’s product ecosystem and recent news about the company.
  • Practiced case studies and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Reviewed common product management frameworks (e.g., RICE, SWOT).

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies beforehand. My advice for future candidates is to research the company deeply and be ready to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs. Good luck!

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process was streamlined, and I received a response within a couple of weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Basic resume details, my motivation for applying to Cisco, and why I was interested in the Product Manager role.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Teammate Interview (Behavioral):

    • Questions Asked: Questions about past experiences, how I handled conflicts, and examples of teamwork.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR method to structure my responses, focusing on specific examples that showcased my skills.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback and moved to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Teammate Interview (Behavioral):

    • Questions Asked: More behavioral questions, including how I prioritize tasks and manage stakeholder expectations.
    • Your Approach: Again, used the STAR method and tied my answers to the Product Manager role’s responsibilities.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
  • Round 4 - Panel Interview & Case Presentation:

    • Questions Asked: The panel, including the hiring manager, asked about my case presentation, problem-solving approach, and how I would handle specific product challenges.
    • Your Approach: Prepared a detailed case study beforehand and practiced presenting it clearly. During Q&A, I listened carefully and answered confidently.
    • Outcome: Successful and received an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company’s products and recent news to tailor your answers.
  • Prepare a case study relevant to the role and practice presenting it.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The key was staying calm and being well-prepared. I’d advise future candidates to focus on their communication skills and align their answers with the company’s goals.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The application process was straightforward. I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting. The hiring requirements were very clear, and I made sure my profile matched the criteria before applying.

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 kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and passion for product management. I also highlighted my research about Cisco’s products and market position.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you prioritize features for a new product?
      • Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision about a product feature.
      • How do you gather and analyze customer feedback?
    • Your Approach: I used the RICE framework to answer the prioritization question and shared a real-life example for the tough decision scenario. For customer feedback, I discussed tools like surveys and analytics dashboards.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Given a hypothetical product, how would you go from ideation to launch?
      • How would you measure the success of this product?
    • Your Approach: I structured my answer using the product lifecycle framework and discussed KPIs like user adoption and revenue growth.
    • Outcome: Moved forward to the next stage.
  • Round 4 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned.
      • How do you handle conflicts within your team?
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to frame my answers, focusing on lessons learned and conflict resolution strategies.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 5 - Final Interview with Senior Leadership:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
      • How do you align product strategy with business goals?
    • Your Approach: I linked my career goals to Cisco’s vision and emphasized the importance of cross-functional alignment for product success.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and moved to the offer stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s products and market position thoroughly.
  • Practice case studies and frameworks like RICE and STAR.
  • Be ready to discuss both technical and behavioral aspects of product management.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared because I had researched extensively and practiced common PM frameworks. If I could do anything differently, I would have spent more time networking with current employees to get insider insights. For future candidates, my advice is to focus on both the technical and soft skills required for the role and to stay confident throughout the process.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/Project Management Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Many questions from PMP (Project Management Professional) topics.
      • Asked to prepare a project plan.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on applying PMP principles to answer the questions.
      • Structured the project plan logically, ensuring clarity and feasibility.
    • Outcome: [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on PMP concepts and methodologies.
  • Practice creating detailed project plans under time constraints.
  • Be prepared for a rigorous and knowledge-intensive interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was challenging but insightful, with knowledgeable interviewers. Preparing thoroughly for PMP topics and project planning would be beneficial for future candidates.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting. The process was straightforward, and I received a call for the interview rounds within a couple of weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical and Project Discussion:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Explain the projects you have worked on in detail.
      • How did you handle technical challenges in your projects?
      • Describe a scenario where you had to make a critical technical decision.
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my projects clearly, emphasizing the problem-solving aspects and the impact of my work. For the technical decision scenario, I walked through my thought process and the outcome.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Management and Scenario-Based Questions:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How would you motivate your team during a difficult project phase?
      • Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your team.
      • How do you prioritize tasks when resources are limited?
    • Your Approach: I shared real-life examples from my experience, highlighting my leadership and conflict-resolution skills. For the motivation question, I talked about transparency, setting small achievable goals, and recognizing efforts.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on your project details and be ready to explain them in depth.
  • Practice scenario-based management questions, especially those related to team motivation and conflict resolution.
  • Review case studies or examples of product management challenges to articulate your problem-solving approach.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was insightful and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical aspects but realized the importance of having more real-world examples for the management round. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Cisco values a balance of both for the Product Manager role.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: I received an invitation for an online interview after applying through their career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview lasted 30-40 minutes and focused on my resume, technical questions, and situational scenarios. I was asked to describe how I would react in certain situations.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by thoroughly reviewing my resume and anticipating technical and behavioral questions. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
    • Outcome: I felt confident about my responses, but I’m still waiting for feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume in detail and be ready to explain every point.
  • Practice technical questions related to product management.
  • Use the STAR method for situational and behavioral questions.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of being concise and clear in my answers. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing mock interviews to build confidence.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Application Process: The interview was conducted over the phone after applying through the company’s recruitment process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Recruiter Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General background and experience questions.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Peer Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions about handling difficult customers, resolving conflicts with internal team members, and evaluating supplier performance.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing specific examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the final round.
  • Round 3 - Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar behavioral questions but with a focus on strategic thinking and leadership in product management.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my problem-solving skills and ability to drive product vision while collaborating with stakeholders.
    • Outcome: Awaiting feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Review your past experiences to have concrete examples ready.
  • Be prepared to discuss how you handle conflicts and difficult situations.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on behavioral and situational questions. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more examples to ensure clarity in my responses. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly reviewing your past experiences and practicing the STAR method to articulate your answers effectively.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process:
The process started with an employee referral. After the referral, I went through several interviews with team members and the hiring manager. It seemed like they already had someone else in mind for the job initially. They asked me to apply for a different position, but a few weeks later, they circled back and offered me the original Product Manager role again. The process felt more like a “shell game” about where to place people rather than a structured interview process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Team Interviews:

    • Questions Asked: General discussions about my background, experience, and how I would approach the Product Manager role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the responsibilities of the role and emphasized my problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Passed, but was redirected to apply for a different position initially.
  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about product management strategies, stakeholder management, and scenario-based questions.
    • Your Approach: I used real-world examples to demonstrate my ability to handle product challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
    • Outcome: Eventually offered the Product Manager role after some back-and-forth.

Conclusion:
The experience was a bit unconventional and felt like the company was figuring out where to place me rather than assessing my fit for the role. My advice for future candidates is to stay flexible and patient, as the process might not be straightforward. Also, be prepared to advocate for yourself if you feel you’re being redirected unnecessarily.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview consisted of straightforward and typical questions related to the Product Manager role. The interviewer also discussed the position and its responsibilities in detail.
    • Your Approach: I focused on answering the questions clearly and concisely while also trying to engage in a meaningful conversation about the role. Despite technical issues with WebEx, I maintained my composure and ensured the interview went smoothly.
    • Outcome: The interview was positive, and the interviewer was friendly and helpful.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was great, and I got a good understanding of the role and its expectations. The interviewer was approachable, which made the process comfortable. If I could do anything differently, I would ensure all technical tools (like WebEx) are tested beforehand to avoid any hiccups. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing for typical PM questions and being ready to discuss the role’s responsibilities in depth.

Company Name: Cisco

Position: Product Manager

Location: San Jose (for onsite rounds)

Application Process: Applied online for the Product Manager role at Cisco. The process was straightforward, and I received an invitation for interviews after my application was reviewed.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Product Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why do you want to be a Product Manager?
      • Why Cisco?
      • Why are you a good fit for this role?
      • Design a product (x, y, z) and explain your reasoning.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my passion for product management with Cisco’s mission and values. For the design questions, I structured my answers using a framework (problem, solution, impact) and emphasized user needs.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for onsite interviews in San Jose.
  • Round 2 - Onsite Interviews (3 Rounds with PMs):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about your product management experience.
      • Technical mini-cases (at least 3 per interview).
      • Market sizing questions.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my past PM experiences with specific examples and metrics. For the mini-cases, I broke down problems logically and collaborated with the interviewer. Market sizing was tackled using a top-down approach.
    • Outcome: The rounds were intense but went well overall. I received positive feedback on my problem-solving skills.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice PM interview questions, especially “why PM” and “why this company.”
  • Familiarize yourself with product design frameworks (e.g., CIRCLES, PRFAQ).
  • Work on market sizing and technical mini-cases—mock interviews helped a lot.
  • Review your past PM experiences and be ready to discuss them in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview process at Cisco was challenging but rewarding. The key was staying structured and confident, even during intense rounds. If I could do anything differently, I’d practice more market sizing questions beforehand. For future candidates, focus on clarity, logic, and aligning your answers with Cisco’s product culture.