Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Likely Questions in Cisco Behavioral Interviews:

1. Tell me a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle in your work.

2. Describe a situation where you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal.

3. How do you handle negative feedback from a supervisor or colleague?

4. Can you give an example of a time when you had to take initiative and solve a problem without being asked?

5. Share an experience where you demonstrated your creativity and problem-solving skills.

6. How do you stay updated on the latest technological advancements in your field?

7. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a changing work environment or technological advancement.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

STAR Framework:

STAR is an effective framework to structure your answers and provide specific examples. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

– Start with the Situation by setting the context and providing necessary details.
– Clearly define the Task or challenge you faced.
– Explain the Actions you took to address the situation.
– Conclude with the positive Result or outcome of your actions.

By utilizing the STAR framework, you can present your experiences in a structured and compelling way that highlights your skills and abilities.

Sample answers to above interview questions

Example Answers

1. Tell me a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle in your work:

Answer:
* Situation:* I was working on a project with a tight deadline and limited resources.
* Task:* I needed to find a way to complete the project on time and within budget.
* Action:* I reached out to colleagues across different teams and collaborated with them to find creative solutions. We worked tirelessly and efficiently to ensure the project’s success.
* Result:* The project was successfully completed on time and within budget, exceeding the expectations of stakeholders.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer demonstrates problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and a commitment to achieving results, all of which are crucial for success at Cisco.

2. Describe a situation where you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal:

Answer:
* Situation:* I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new product.
* Task:* I was responsible for designing and implementing the software components of the product.
* Action:* I communicated effectively with team members from different departments, ensuring that everyone was aligned with the project’s goals and requirements. I also took the initiative to share my knowledge and expertise to contribute to the project’s success.
* Result:* The team successfully developed and launched the product on time and within budget, meeting all customer requirements.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer highlights teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to a diverse team, which are highly valued at Cisco.

3. How do you handle negative feedback from a supervisor or colleague?

Answer:
* Situation:* I received negative feedback from my supervisor regarding a presentation I had delivered.
* Task:* I needed to address the feedback and improve my presentation skills.
* Action:* I scheduled a meeting with my supervisor to discuss the feedback and sought constructive advice on how to improve. I also actively practiced and refined my presentation skills.
* Result:* I successfully implemented the feedback and improved my presentation skills, resulting in more effective and engaging presentations in the future.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer demonstrates a positive attitude towards feedback, a willingness to learn and improve, and a commitment to professional development, all of which align with Cisco’s culture of continuous improvement.

4. Can you give an example of a time when you had to take initiative and solve a problem without being asked?

Answer:
* Situation:* I noticed that a particular process in our team was inefficient and causing delays.
* Task:* I took the initiative to analyze the process and identify potential improvements.
* Action:* I proposed a solution to streamline the process, presented it to my team, and gained their support. I then worked on implementing the solution.
* Result:* The process was successfully improved, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced delays. The team appreciated my initiative and problem-solving skills.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer showcases problem-solving abilities, initiative, and a proactive approach to improving processes, all of which are essential for driving innovation at Cisco.

5. Share an experience where you demonstrated your creativity and problem-solving skills:

Answer:
* Situation:* I faced a technical challenge that required an innovative solution.
* Task:* I needed to develop a creative approach to solve the problem.
* Action:* I brainstormed ideas, explored different perspectives, and consulted with colleagues to gather insights. I then developed and implemented a novel solution that addressed the challenge effectively.
* Result:* The innovative solution resolved the technical challenge and exceeded expectations, leading to improved outcomes for the team.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer highlights creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to think outside the box, which are highly sought after at Cisco, where innovation is at the core of its culture.

6. How do you stay updated on the latest technological advancements in your field?

Answer:
* Situation:* The technology landscape is constantly evolving.
* Task:* I need to stay informed about the latest advancements and trends.
* Action:* I regularly read industry publications, attend conferences and workshops, engage in online learning platforms, and network with professionals in my field. I also actively seek feedback from colleagues and mentors to gain diverse perspectives on emerging technologies.
* Result:* By staying updated with technological advancements, I am able to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to my team and organization, driving progress and maintaining Cisco’s competitive edge.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, curiosity, and a desire to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, which are essential for success in a rapidly changing industry like technology.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a changing work environment or technological advancement:

Answer:
* Situation:* Our team was tasked with implementing a new software system.
* Task:* I needed to quickly adapt to the new system and learn its functionality.
* Action:* I proactively familiarized myself with the system through training and hands-on exploration. I also collaborated with colleagues who had experience with the system and sought their guidance.
* Result:* I successfully adapted to the new software system and became proficient in its use, enabling me to contribute effectively to the team’s efforts in implementing the system.

Why It’s Strong:
This answer showcases adaptability, willingness to learn new technologies, and collaboration skills, all of which are crucial for thriving in the dynamic and fast-paced environment at Cisco.