Cisco Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cisco is a global leader in networking and IT, driving innovation and redefining how people connect, communicate, and collaborate.

As a Software Engineer at Cisco, you will engage in the development of applications and services across various platforms, including server, operating systems, desktop, and mobile. Your key responsibilities will involve researching, designing, and developing specifications for software solutions, as well as writing, modifying, testing, and debugging source code. You will also contribute to database design, user interface design, and integration with other systems, ensuring that the software meets both functional and non-functional requirements.

Success in this role requires a strong foundation in programming, particularly with languages such as C++, Python, and Java, along with a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms. Familiarity with secure software development practices, as well as the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, is crucial. Additionally, being self-motivated and capable of working independently or collaboratively within a team will position you as a valuable asset in Cisco's dynamic environment.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into what to expect and how to align your experiences and skills with Cisco's values and expectations.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Cisco is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect multiple rounds of interviews, each focusing on different aspects of their qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves to gauge your interest in the role, discuss your resume, and understand your career aspirations. The recruiter will also provide insights into Cisco's work culture and the specifics of the position.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete an online assessment. This assessment usually consists of coding challenges that test your problem-solving abilities and familiarity with data structures and algorithms. Expect to encounter questions similar to those found on platforms like LeetCode, with a mix of easy to medium difficulty levels.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the online assessment will move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews can be conducted virtually or in-person and typically involve one or two rounds. During these sessions, you will be asked to solve coding problems in real-time, often using a whiteboard or shared coding environment. Interviewers may focus on your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and specific programming languages relevant to the role, such as C, C++, or Python.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also participate in behavioral interviews. These interviews aim to evaluate your soft skills, teamwork, and how you align with Cisco's values. Expect questions about past experiences, challenges you've faced, and how you approach problem-solving in a team setting. Interviewers will be interested in your ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a discussion with the hiring manager or a panel of senior engineers. This round often focuses on your previous projects, your role in those projects, and how you can contribute to the team at Cisco. You may also be asked to discuss your understanding of networking concepts and how they relate to the position.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for technology, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked, both technical and behavioral.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Cisco typically consists of multiple rounds, including an online assessment, technical interviews, and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. The online assessment often includes coding questions similar to those found on platforms like LeetCode, so practice these types of problems to build your confidence.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect a mix of coding and theoretical questions during the technical interviews. Brush up on data structures and algorithms, particularly trees, graphs, linked lists, stacks, queues, and arrays. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of programming languages relevant to the role, such as C, C++, and Python. Additionally, understanding networking protocols and concepts will be beneficial, especially if you're applying for roles that involve network programming.

Showcase Your Projects

During the interviews, you will likely discuss your past projects and experiences. Be prepared to explain your contributions in detail, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight any relevant technologies you used and the impact your work had on the project or organization. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your ability to communicate effectively.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills

Cisco values candidates who can think critically and solve complex problems. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving, including how you analyze situations, identify potential solutions, and implement them. You may be presented with hypothetical scenarios during the interview, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically.

Engage with the Interviewers

Cisco's interviewers are known to be friendly and supportive. Use this to your advantage by engaging with them during the interview. Ask clarifying questions if you don't understand something, and don't hesitate to share your thought process as you work through coding problems. This shows your collaborative spirit and willingness to learn.

Align with Cisco's Values

Familiarize yourself with Cisco's PRIDE values: professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with these principles. Demonstrating an understanding of Cisco's commitment to diversity and inclusion can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their culture.

Practice Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interviews are an essential part of the process. Prepare for questions about teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your skills and experiences.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends

As a software engineer, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Be prepared to discuss how emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, may impact Cisco's products and services. This shows your enthusiasm for the field and your commitment to continuous learning.

Follow Up

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only reinforces your interest in the position but also helps you stand out in the minds of the interviewers.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll be well-equipped to make a positive impression during your interview at Cisco. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Cisco Software Engineer interview. The interview process typically includes a mix of technical, behavioral, and problem-solving questions, focusing on your programming skills, understanding of algorithms and data structures, and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding data structures is crucial for a software engineer role, and this question tests your foundational knowledge.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their operations (push/pop for stack and enqueue/dequeue for queue), and their use cases.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure where the last element added is the first to be removed, making it ideal for scenarios like function call management. A queue, on the other hand, is a First In First Out (FIFO) structure, where the first element added is the first to be removed, which is useful in scenarios like task scheduling.”

2. Describe how you would implement a binary search algorithm.

This question assesses your algorithmic thinking and coding skills.

How to Answer

Explain the binary search process, including the conditions for its application, and provide a brief outline of the code.

Example

“I would start by defining the low and high pointers for the array. In each iteration, I would calculate the mid-point and compare the target value with the mid-point value. If they match, I return the index; if the target is less, I adjust the high pointer; if greater, I adjust the low pointer. This continues until the target is found or the pointers cross.”

3. How do you handle memory management in C/C++?

Memory management is a critical aspect of software development, especially in C/C++.

How to Answer

Discuss the concepts of dynamic memory allocation, pointers, and the importance of freeing memory to avoid leaks.

Example

“I use malloc and free for dynamic memory allocation in C. It’s essential to ensure that every allocated memory is freed after use to prevent memory leaks. In C++, I prefer using new and delete, and I also utilize smart pointers to manage memory automatically.”

4. What is the purpose of a constructor in object-oriented programming?

This question tests your understanding of OOP principles.

How to Answer

Explain the role of constructors in initializing objects and their significance in class design.

Example

“A constructor is a special member function that is automatically called when an object of a class is created. It initializes the object’s properties and allocates resources if necessary. For example, in a class representing a database connection, the constructor could establish the connection when an object is instantiated.”

5. Can you explain the concept of polymorphism in OOP?

This question evaluates your grasp of advanced OOP concepts.

How to Answer

Define polymorphism and provide examples of its implementation in programming.

Example

“Polymorphism allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon. In C++, this can be achieved through function overloading and overriding. For instance, a base class method can be overridden in a derived class to provide specific functionality.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the challenges.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Outline the project, the specific challenges faced, and the steps you took to address them.

Example

“I worked on a project that required integrating a new API into our existing system. The challenge was that the API documentation was incomplete. I organized a series of meetings with the API provider to clarify the requirements and collaborated with my team to create a prototype, which helped us identify potential issues early on.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and impact on the project. I use tools like Trello to visualize my tasks and their statuses. I also communicate regularly with my team to ensure alignment on priorities and adjust as necessary based on project needs.”

3. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and understanding.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly but tactfully. I encourage open dialogue to understand each party's perspective and work towards a compromise. For instance, in a previous project, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where we discussed the pros and cons of each approach, leading to a solution that incorporated elements from both.”

4. Can you give an example of how you have contributed to a team’s success?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where your contributions positively impacted the team.

Example

“In a recent project, I took the initiative to create a shared documentation space for our team. This helped streamline communication and ensured everyone was on the same page regarding project updates and requirements. As a result, we completed the project ahead of schedule.”

5. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

This question assesses your intrinsic motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you professionally and how it aligns with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and make a tangible impact through technology. At Cisco, I admire the commitment to innovation and collaboration, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to projects that enhance connectivity and improve user experiences.”