Cisco Computer Hardware Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Cisco interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. How do you design scalability into your computer hardware designs?
How to Answer
Making your designs scalable is a critical skill needed for Cisco computer hardware engineers. Every type of technology will need to grow as it is used more or used for different applications. Building scalability into your designs is important expertise you will need to communicate to the Cisco interviewer if you expect them to hire you. You may want to provide an example of how you have done this in the past to illustrate your answer.
Answer Example
"When beginning a new computer hardware design, one of the factors I consider is how to make it scalable. This is important because it allows organizations like Cisco to use the same design as its use grows or the applications it runs expand. Methodologies I use to incorporate scalability into my designs include providing additional real estate on the motherboard, including provisional circuits that can be used later for additional memory and I/O, and creating extra expansion slots. It is much less expensive to do this during the initial design than to have to redesign a new system to accommodate the additional capacity."
2. Can you discuss a time that a team member made a mistake and the steps you took to correct it?
How to Answer
Competent computer hardware engineers know how to recognize and correct mistakes made by themselves or other team members. Recognize that you may not have the leadership authority to take the initiative to correct somebody else's mistake. You can do this either directly or by collaborating with the person who made the mistake to correct it. The Cisco interviewer is interested in your initiative in this area and whether you are willing to take responsibility for other people's mistakes. Make sure your answer addresses not exceeding your authority when correcting someone else's mistake.
Answer Example
"Whenever I recognize that a mistake was made, either by one of the other team members or me, I take steps to correct it. If I made the mistake, it is my responsibility to fix it. If another Cisco team member made a mistake, I would consult with them and collaborate to correct the error. An example of this was when one of my team members forgot to design a heat sink for a very high-speed microprocessor that emitted a great deal of heat. Fortunately, I recognized this early in the design process and pointed it out. My teammate appreciated my intervention, and together we modified the design to include the heat sink. Our management team acknowledged how well we worked together on this."
3. What are some of the factors that affect the speed of a microprocessor?
How to Answer
This is an example of a follow-up question. It refers to a previous question and answer. Cisco interviewers use follow-up questions to clarify any answer or to explore the topic in more detail. They may also use a follow-up question later in the interview to calibrate your responses and make sure you're consistent. As with any question you are asked during an interview for a Cisco computer hardware engineering position, keep your answer brief and to the point.
Answer Example
"Several different factors influence the speed of a microprocessor. These include the microprocessor's clock speed, the bandwidth provided by the circuitry, the number of transistors contained within a processor, the built-in instructions, and the operating system it uses. Each of these factors can be manipulated to either speed up or slow down the microprocessor."
4. What is a microprocessor, and how is it used in the design of computer hardware?
How to Answer
Throughout the interview for a computer hardware engineering position at Cisco, you will be asked about technical terms, processes, procedures, and other items used to do your job. This helps the interviewer understand the depth of your technical background and the skills you can bring to Cisco. When responding to a technical question like this, make sure you define the term and then discuss how it is used in your designs. You may want to provide an example if it is appropriate and will illustrate your answer.
Answer Example
"A microprocessor is an integrated circuit on a chip used in a hardware design. It performs a specific function within the device by executing logical instructions provided by the operating system or other applications. Elements of the microprocessor include logic, arithmetic functions, and control circuitry. An example of a microprocessor is the computer CPU or central processing unit. This is the brain of the computer that uses not only the operating system and application software but also other chips or microprocessors within the system to complete the functions for which it is designed."
5. Can you provide me a brief description of your technical background?
How to Answer
This may seem like an odd question to be asked during an interview since you assume the Cisco interviewer has read your resume and that you were invited to the interviewer because of your qualifications and experience. However, an interviewer may ask you this question to hear your summary of your background in your own words and so that you can fill in any gaps which were not included in the resume. They also use the question to verify the information in the resume. As with any question, keep your answer brief and to the point and avoid providing too many details. The Cisco interviewer will ask you a follow-up question if they need more information.
Answer Example
"I'm happy to talk about my technical background. While still in college, I began working as a computer hardware engineer, working on several design projects for my courses and participating in several internships. One of these led to my being hired for my first hardware development role. I have worked on various systems during my career, including computers, peripherals, and networking equipment. I developed strong relationships with the industry's leading vendors and have used these to increase my skills and knowledge. My industry network allows me to access the resources I need to do my job and acquire the knowledge required to overcome difficult design challenges. I consider my technical background to be more in-depth than most of my peers, and I'm always open to sharing what I know with them if asked."
6. How would you troubleshoot the problem involving a slow-running computer system here at Cisco?
How to Answer
During your interview, the Cisco hiring manager may present you with a case or scenario involving an issue you are likely to encounter in this job and ask you to resolve it. You should keep no mind that the interviewer is less interested in the solution and more interested in your process and how you troubleshoot the problem and develop a solution to mitigate it. When you answer the question, carefully step the Cisco interviewer through each stage of the process. Keep your answer brief and anticipate the interviewer interrupting you to ask an additional question to clarify your response.
Answer Example
"When I discover an issue involving a slow running computer system, the first thing I do is review the computer specifications to see how it should be functioning. I then evaluate its current performance and determine the variance. Once I know the scope of the issue, I begin reviewing the likely root causes starting with the simple and obvious ones and working through more complex and difficult issues. At some point in the process, I uncover the cause of the issue and remediate it. This procedure has been very effective throughout my career and should also be effective here at Cisco."
7. What is your strategy for staying up to date with developments in the hardware engineering industry?
How to Answer
The information technology industry evolves at a rapid pace, with new developments occurring daily. Keeping up with these is a difficult task. However, as a computer hardware engineer, it is your responsibility to be on top of the most recent developments in the industry which could impact your work. You should have a strategy for keeping up with these developments and be able to describe it to the Cisco interviewer. Your answer should demonstrate how you do this effectively and efficiently so that it does not take too much of your time.
Answer Example
"It is challenging staying on top of new developments in the computer hardware industry. Component manufacturers and other technology companies announced breakthroughs or improvements in their products virtually every day. The way I stay ahead of these is to read several industry publications each week, subscribe to a few bloggers who are knowledgeable about the industry, summarize daily developments, stay close to my vendors to understand what they're working on, and identify new products in their pipeline. I would also take time to have conversations with my fellow Cisco computer hardware engineers to learn about developments they have become aware of."
8. How would you go about prioritizing the tasks you are assigned on a Cisco computer hardware design project?
How to Answer
Time management and organization skills are other critical qualifications for a computer hardware engineer. In this role, you need to deal with very complex and competing requirements. Organizing these and assigning them the appropriate priority helps you accomplish the tasks efficiently and on time. A good way to respond to this question is to discuss the differences between urgent and important tasks and use these qualifiers as criteria for prioritizing or delegating tasks.
Answer Example
"The methodology I use when prioritizing tasks is to categorize each task as to its urgency and importance, using a sliding scale. The task assigned the highest priority are the most urgent and the most important. Next, I deal with tasks that are important but not urgent. Finally, I address items that are urgent but not important. Any task that is not urgent and not important usually is ignored."
9. Can you describe how you would explain a complex technical issue to people here at Cisco who didn't have a technical background?
How to Answer
Being able to explain complex technical issues to the Cisco project stakeholders who do not have a technical background is a critical skill for a computer hardware engineer. The hardware development team needs to interact with stakeholders from across Cisco to understand their needs, product requirements, and other issues relevant to the computer hardware design. Interviewers will ask you about this and use your answer as an example of how you communicate effectively and clearly, using simple and easy-to-understand language.
Answer Example
"When I'm working with members of the Cisco organization outside of the computer hardware development team, I make sure to use simple, easy-to-understand language when I describe complex technical issues. I am patient with them and take the time to answer their questions, even if I have already explained the topic to them. Suppose the person I am speaking with demonstrates an understanding of technical issues. In that case, I will then include common terminology, acronyms, and industry jargon in my communications, so we get through the conversation quicker and more efficiently."
10. Do you have experience as a hardware development team lead, and if so, did you enjoy it?
How to Answer
Organizations like Cisco prefer to hire candidates who are capable of leading teams of individuals similar to themselves. This indicates that the individual is willing to take responsibility for the team's productivity and effectively convinces others to do the work necessary to complete a project. They also can organize people, delegate tasks, and ensure a project stays on schedule and under budget. If you don't have direct experience leading a hardware development team, admit this and discuss your interest in receiving the necessary training from Cisco.
Answer Example
"In several of my previous jobs, I have been promoted to lead the team, which was something I enjoyed. This provided me the opportunity to develop my leadership, communication, and organization skills. I like leading teams because it allows me to better get to know each team member and understand their skills. I use this information to delegate the project tasks to the appropriate team member and create synergy among the team, so we accomplished a project on time and below budget."
11. Can you define ASCII and discuss how it is used in your work as a computer hardware engineer?
How to Answer
When asked to define a term you use in your profession, you are being asked a technical question. Interviewers at Cisco use technical questions to calibrate your knowledge and skills. Your answer to this question also gives the interviewer an example of your communication style and ability to explain complex topics to non-technical audiences in easy-to-understand language. Make sure you do this when responding to the question.
Answer Example
"ASCII is an acronym which stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It defines the format used for text files created and viewed by computers. It also can be used to translate binary language used to program computers, making it readable. I adhere to the ASCII standard to make sure that the devices I design are compatible with other computing systems and can communicate with them."
12. What is the most challenging part of your job as a hardware engineer?
How to Answer
A computer hardware engineer faces many challenges. Some of these are minor, while others are substantial and can severely impact the productivity and effectiveness of the engineer's performance. The Cisco interviewer will ask you about your challenges to better understand some of the things you have overcome. It will also provide them with an idea of how you categorize these challenges. Make sure that the most challenging thing you identify isn't something minor. The Cisco hiring manager prefers that you handle minor issues as a standard part of your daily job and don't consider them a challenge.
Answer Example
"The most challenging part of my job as a computer hardware engineer is coordinating the interests of all the Cisco project stakeholders and making sure that my designs address each of their requirements. The reason this is challenging is that sometimes the stakeholders have competing requirements that require them to compromise. Also, stakeholders can often have unrealistic expectations of what a computer hardware system is capable of doing. I overcome these issues by communicating with the stakeholders clearly and in easy-to-understand terminology. Hence, they have a firm grasp on what the hardware is capable of and which of their requirements can be met while still accommodating the other stakeholders."
13. Do you consider learning about new technologies if hired by Cisco a requirement or an opportunity?
How to Answer
This is an interesting question. The Cisco interviewer will ask this question to gauge your enthusiasm for learning about new technologies. As a computer hardware engineer, you should be naturally curious and anxious to learn about new technologies and developments in your field. This will help you do your job more effectively and benefit Cisco because you will become more productive and innovative. The best way to respond to this is to emphasize that you consider learning new technologies a benefit of working for Cisco. You may even want to describe how you accomplish this.
Answer Example
"I am very interested in new technologies and current developments in the computer hardware engineering field. One of the reasons I got into this industry was to satisfy my curiosity about new technology and how it can benefit humanity. I take advantage of every opportunity to learn presented to me, both on and off the job. I read industry publications, blogs related to the work I do, and other materials describing developments in computer hardware design. I also stay close to the vendors I work with, both in my previous roles and if hired by Cisco, to understand what new products are in their pipeline and how I can incorporate them into my designs. I cannot imagine doing this job long-term using only the knowledge I currently have."
14. Please define architectural risk and discuss how you mitigate it if hired by Cisco.
How to Answer
As a computer hardware engineer, you're expected to design reliable systems that work as specified. It is very costly to remediate errors once the systems are in the field. The Cisco interviewer will ask you about the concept of architecture risk to learn how you go about doing this and ensure that you make an effort to design effective systems and ones that are reliable and will work under a variety of different conditions. When you answer this question, you may want a discuss how you addressed this in your previous designs.
Answer Example
"Architectural risk addresses the issue that the design may fail to meet the requirements of a project. These failures can include poor quality, ineffective performance, and a tendency to fail frequently. The best way to mitigate architectural risks is to carefully review the design elements with the Cisco project stakeholders before building a system. Also, it is critical to review each stage of the design, and identify and correct any errors before they impact other parts of the system, and adhere to standard industry practices."
15. What is meant by fault tolerance?
How to Answer
During a computer hardware engineer interview with Cisco, you will be asked about many different terms used in your profession. You are expected to be familiar with these and define them as well as contrast and compare them to similar terms. These questions are known as technical questions. Your answers to these should be brief and to the point, and you should anticipate follow-up questions if the Cisco interviewer wants to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"Fault tolerance is the ability of a system to continue to function even if one or more of its components fail. The best way to create fault tolerance within a computer hardware system is to use redundant components in the more critical areas of the design. I also need to work closely with the Cisco software engineering team to make sure that the operating system and the applications recognize failures and respond to them properly, such as saving the data or rebooting the system."
16. When did you become interested in computer hardware?
How to Answer
This is a typical opening question which the Cisco interviewer will use to start the conversation, learn more about your background, and collect information they can use throughout the interview. This question allows you to direct the interview towards topics and areas that you are comfortable discussing. The information you provide the Cisco interviewer will be used for subsequent questions, so make sure you only discuss items you are familiar with.
Answer Example
"I became interested in computers and engineering as a child. I have always been curious about how electronic toys and gadgets work and asked my parent's many questions about this while growing up. I joined the computer clubs and the robotics teams in primary and high school, which furthered my interest in technology. By the time I went to college, there was no question that I would pursue a degree and eventually a career as a computer hardware engineer. I am delighted with this choice, and I've never regretted my decision."
17. What are some of the specific tasks you have performed in your role as a computer hardware engineer?
How to Answer
This question may appear similar to one the Cisco interviewer has already asked you. Interviewers will ask similar questions throughout the interview to calibrate your answers and ensure you are consistent. This is important because it indicates that you're answering the questions consistently and knowledgeably. A good way to maintain consistency throughout the interview is to keep your answers brief and to the point. The Cisco interviewer will ask follow-up questions if they need additional information or want to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"As a computer hardware engineer, I perform a wide variety of tasks. These include researching new components and technologies, creating designs for computer hardware systems, testing them, documenting my work, and creating documents the hardware support team can use to assist end-users. I often work on other types of computer hardware, including components such as CPUs, memory, circuit boards, and network equipment, including routers, switches, and hubs. The balance of my time is spent either training on new technology or meeting with project stakeholders."
18. Tell me about a situation in which you could not create a specified hardware system in the timeframe you were given.
How to Answer
Every project you will work on will have both a budget and a deadline. Adhering to these is important and demonstrates your ability to effectively contribute to Cisco's business objectives. When describing a project on which you missed a deadline while developing a specified hardware system, provide the Cisco interviewer with why you missed the deadline while taking responsibility for having missed it. This will demonstrate that you're committed to making your deadlines and that you take full responsibility for your work.
Answer Example
"Recently, while working on a new design for a complex computer hardware system, I ran into some issues related to collecting specifications I needed for some of the components from the vendor. I repeatedly contacted the vendor requesting the information without any response. Once my contact responded to me, they apologized, noting that they were out of the office and did not put a backup contact on their voicemail and email. I learned from this that when I do not get the information I need from a vendor, I should contact other individuals within the organization. I also make it a point to set up secondary and tertiary contacts for each of my suppliers to prevent this same thing from recurring. I would continue to do this if hired by Cisco."
19. Can you discuss the most complex hardware system you have designed, including how long it took you to build it?
How to Answer
The Cisco interviewer will ask you about the most complex piece of hardware you designed to understand the scope of the work you can perform. When describing your most complex design, you should make sure not to disclose any proprietary information. Not only will this violate your employment agreement with your current or former employers, but it would indicate to the interviewer that you're not careful about sharing industrial secrets. Also, make sure to give credit to your other team members for the contributions they made in completing the complex design.
Answer Example
"The most complex hardware system I have designed involved a computer with dual processors, a large bank of memory, several different types of IO slots, and advanced USB ports. It wasn't easy to fit all of these components within the designated footprint. Additionally, I had to design a complex interrupt process within the CPU so that each of the components could access the processor when needed. Fortunately, I was working with a very creative team of hardware engineers. Together we were able to design the system as specified within the time and budget allotted."
20. Can you walk me through what you do as a hardware engineer daily?
How to Answer
The Cisco interviewer will ask you this question to better understand how you view this role, the tasks you typically perform, and the accomplishments you focus on. They are also interested in determining if your perspective of the job aligns with that of the organization. You can prepare for this question by researching the job and the organization. Sources for this information are the job posting, Cisco's website, and speaking with both current and former Cisco employees.
Answer Example
"Hardware engineers perform a wide variety of tasks, and no two days are alike. However, there are some typical tasks that I regularly work on. These include creating designs for computer hardware, verifying my design using different testing procedures, identifying any defects in the design, correcting them, and creating cost estimates for the hardware production. My other activities involve supervising junior team members, documenting the work, creating manuals for the support organization, and attending periodic training. The balance of my time is spent collaborating with other project stakeholders to ensure that the hardware design meets their requirements. Does this sound similar to what your engineers here at Cisco do during a typical day?"
21. How would you go about evaluating a hardware component you have never used before for inclusion in your Cisco hardware design?
How to Answer
Computer hardware engineers must constantly evaluate new technology for inclusion in their designs. This will ensure that the hardware they build will be state-of-the-art and perform the most demanding tasks. Cisco interviewers will be interested in the process you use to evaluate new technologies and components to determine if it is efficient, effective, and aligns with the processors their current design team utilizes. As with any operational question, discuss the process you use in a series of discrete steps with little detail. You should anticipate follow-up questions from the interviewer.
Answer Example
"My process to evaluate new hardware components starts with researching the most recent developments in the particular components I am interested in. Next, I narrow the field to two or three of the most promising technologies. I would then contact the vendors and meet with their sales and technical teams to discuss the components' features and benefits. I will select one or two components and test them for compatibility, operational effectiveness, and other features to ensure that they work in my design. Finally, I will select the one that is best suited for the design and meets the cost parameters I am working with."
22. What is a heat sink, and why is it used for?
How to Answer
Computer hardware systems contained hundreds if not thousands of components. As a computer hardware engineer, you need to be familiar with each of these and their function. Interviewers at Cisco can ask you about any of these during the interview and expect you to know about them. Your experience should allow you to do this easily. However, reviewing the common components of a computer hardware system before the interview will help refresh and prepare you. Practicing questions like this one will also enhance your ability to respond to the Cisco interviewer's questions.
Answer Example
"A heat sink is a component within the computer hardware system that helps to dissipate the heat of the component which it is attached to. Typically, this will be a microprocessor that runs at high speeds using lots of electricity and produces much residual heat. Heat sinks are typically metal components designed to direct heat away from the processor. Not having a heat sink would result in the processor failing and the computer shutting down."
23. Can you discuss the difference between multiprocessing and multitasking?
How to Answer
Multiprocessing and multitasking are both concepts used within a computer hardware system. While the terms sound synonymous, they are actually different. Knowing this and describing the differences to the Cisco interviewer will demonstrate your knowledge of microprocessors and their functions within a computer hardware system. This enhances the interviewer's perception of your qualifications for this job.
Answer Example
"While multiprocessing and multitasking sound the same, they're different. Multiprocessing describes the ability of a central processing unit or CPU to execute multiple computer programs simultaneously. Computer hardware systems contain CPUs with multiple processors to enhance their multiprocessing capabilities. Multitasking is the ability of one multiprocessor, which can either stand-alone or be one of several processors within a CPU to switch between multiple programs that are running at the same time."
24. Tell me about a crisis you encountered at work and how you handled it.
How to Answer
This is an example of a behavioral question. A crisis in the workplace is not common, but they do occur. The Cisco interviewer will ask you about a crisis to better understand how you behave when faced with this situation. They are less interested in the actual solution you used to overcome the crisis and more about your ability to remain calm, develop creative solutions to the problem, and work your way through the crisis. You can use the STAR format to frame your answer to this question. Talk about the Situation or crisis, describe the Tasks you needed to accomplish to resolve it, discuss the Actions you took, and review the results you achieved. One of the results may be what you learned that could apply to similar situations if hired by Cisco.
Answer Example
"The pandemic severely impacted my last organization. All work was stopped, and all employees were sent home in the early days of the crisis. This left many projects unfinished and the possibility of us missing critical deadlines. It occurred to me that our development team could function remotely if provided the right tools. I created a list of the technology we would need and distributed it to the team for their review and input. Once the list was finalized, we purchased and installed the technology in each team's home offices. We were back to our former levels of productivity within a week of the shutdown. We all worked extra hours to get caught up, and no deadlines were missed. This proved that with a little innovation and creative thinking, we could overcome the most challenging issues."
25. Tell me about an unsuccessful problem you faced and why you couldn't complete it.
How to Answer
Unfortunately, we all fail from time to time, even though we don't like admitting it. Interviewers at Cisco know this and are likely to ask about your failures during an interview. What they're looking for is for you to acknowledge that you failed, take responsibility for the failure, and describe what you learned. This demonstrates your ability to be self-aware, take responsibility for your actions, and turn a failure into a lesson.
Answer Example
"While it's hard to admit, I have failed several times during my career. One of the more recent failures was when I was assigned to develop a more efficient enclosure for our company's new computing device. Even though enclosures were not my main area of expertise, I accepted the assignment with the idea that I could learn the skills needed to complete the task. Unfortunately, the enclosure I developed did not allow the fan and heat sinks to properly cool the system. The project was turned over to somebody with more experience in this area. I learned to acknowledge my lack of experience and skills required to complete an assignment early so that my management team could either reassign the project or provide me with the training needed to complete the job. I can apply these lessons to my work here at Cisco."
26. Walk me through your troubleshooting process when you are developing a new computer system.
How to Answer
When interviewing candidates for a hardware engineering job, Cisco hiring managers prefer individuals who are analytical and are good problem solvers. The interviewer will ask you about your troubleshooting process to see the steps you take to identify the root cause of an issue and then resolve it. Since this is an operational question, your answer should detail of series of steps. You don't need to go into much detail about each step or the results. Just present them in a logical order which leads to a conclusion.
Answer Example
"When troubleshooting an issue with one of my computer hardware designs, I start with the most logical and easy-to-fix issues. I test each of my hypotheses, and if not successful, move on to the next one. Once I've exhausted these, I begin to think about some of the more unlikely causes. I consult several resources to locate these, including online documentation, manufacturer databases, and my notes. Finally, if I still haven't solved the problem, I work with the other computer hardware engineers on my team to leverage their knowledge and experience. This usually leads to resolving the issue. The last step is to document the solution so it can be easily resolved if it recurs,"
27. What new innovations have you read about? How did that impact you?
How to Answer
One of the qualities organizations like Cisco look for in computer hardware engineers is their curiosity and interest in new technologies. The IT industry moves at a rapid pace, and there are new developments daily. Having an interest in using them to bring innovative ideas to Cisco will make you a valuable employee to the organization. You should easily be able to speak about innovations in the industry that you are interested in and would like to work with in this role.
Answer Example
"One of the things I am closely following is developments in the field of artificial intelligence. While this technology got off to a slow start, it has built momentum and is advancing rapidly. I'm especially interested in how artificial intelligence can be used to predict the behavior of computer users, anticipating their next actions. I can envision using this information to cache data they are likely to request. This will improve the performance of the hardware I design for Cisco and make the user interface is more intuitive."
28. What attracts you to Cisco?
How to Answer
This is a common question that a Cisco interviewer will ask you during the interview for a computer hardware engineer role. Many candidates will go to an interview without properly researching the company, the job, and even the people interviewing them. When asked this question, they are at a loss. The best way to prepare for a Cisco interview is to research everything about these three topics thoroughly. This will provide you the information you can use when asked a question like this and frame any answer to any question in the context of what Cisco does, what the job involves, and what you will contribute to the organization.
Answer Example
"One of the reasons I applied for a hardware engineering position with Cisco is that I admire your leadership in the computing marketplace. My research confirmed that the organization has won many awards for its innovative designs. I also spoke to some of your current hardware engineers. They talked enthusiastically about the working environment, Cisco's support for their work, and the culture of collaboration and innovation you promote. I'm also excited about your continuing education program and the opportunity to further improve my computing hardware engineering skills."
29. Tell me about a difficult engineering problem you have encountered and how you made it through it.
How to Answer
Being able to overcome complex challenges is a critical skill computer hardware engineers need to possess. Not only is the Cisco interviewer interested in your ability to do this, but they also want to hear about the details of how you accomplished it. When answering questions like these, you can use the STAR format. Briefly state the Situation, talk about the Task you needed to complete, discuss the Actions you took, then provide details of the Results you achieved. Using this framework will help you respond to any question which requires you to tell a story. Additionally, having your stories prepared in advance will make the Cisco interview easier and more effective.
Answer Example
"Once when designing a new control unit for an HVAC system, my team and I encountered an anomaly involving a voltage drop. As hard as we tried, we were unable to discover the cause of the problem. It occurred to me that we had recently switch vendors for some of the components on the motherboard. I went back to our old inventory and used some of the original components instead of the new ones. This solved the problem. We contacted the new vendor and learned that the components they provided did not meet our specifications. Once we cleared up this issue, the voltage drop went away, and we were able to complete the hardware design."
30. What innovations have you made that will help you contribute to Cisco's IT operations?
How to Answer
Companies like Cisco prefer to hire employees who bring new ideas, innovations, and improvements to their organizations. The Cisco interviewer will ask you about your previous innovations to determine what you've contributed to the organizations you work for in the past and to try to establish a metric, such as money or time saved, to determine its value. Having a story prepared for this question will enable you to demonstrate how you can help Cisco improve a process, reduce the time it takes to do something, or cut costs without compromising quality. This will differentiate you from the other candidates.
Answer Example
"In my last position, I noticed that my team was producing redundant documents which detailed similar aspects of a hardware development project. It occurred to me that each engineer was working in their own silo and was unaware of what other team members were focused on. I researched several collaboration tools and recommended to the management team how we could reduce redundancy, increase collaboration among the team, and shorten the time it took to design a piece of hardware. Management agreed to a trial of the systems. We found that the software would be effective in accomplishing each one of these objectives. The organization implemented the collaboration tool and realized immediate benefits. We were able to cut hardware development times by 25% and reduce the cost of developing a new hardware piece by 15%. I would continue to look for opportunities like this to help Cisco optimize its IT operations."