My recent interview experience with Cisco left me deeply disappointed.

Before diving into the specifics, I want to clarify that I did not actively apply for this position. Instead, I was approached by the Director of Software Engineering (Cybersecurity), who asked me to apply via LinkedIn as part of their formal process. I complied and submitted my application.

Initial Interaction:

Two weeks later, on a random Thursday afternoon, I received an unscheduled call from the same director. While I aced the impromptu conversation, it felt more like a casual screening rather than a formal interview. At the end of the call, I was informed that my profile would be shared with the hiring team.

The Unexpected Technical Interview:

Weeks passed with no communication. Then, out of nowhere, I received another unplanned call, this time from a representative of the hiring team. As someone who is currently unemployed and navigating the challenges of daily life, I was caught off guard when they called mid-afternoon. Despite being unprepared, I answered the call.

What initially seemed like another screening quickly escalated into a full-blown technical interview. Without any prior notice or time to prepare, I struggled to provide answers. To make matters worse, another interviewer joined the call, intensifying the pressure. Unsurprisingly, the interview went poorly, leaving me feeling defeated and undervalued.

Feedback on the Process:

Cisco’s hiring process was chaotic, unstructured, and lacked basic professionalism:

• Unscheduled Calls: None of the interactions were planned or communicated in advance. This lack of respect for candidates’ time is unacceptable.
• Unclear Expectations: There was no transparency about the interview stages or what to expect at each step.
• Unprofessional Approach: Conducting a surprise technical interview without prior notice is not only unprofessional but also sets candidates up for failure.

Impact on Candidates:

As someone facing the challenges of unemployment and striving for a breakthrough in my career, this experience was particularly disheartening. The uncertainty and disorganization amplified my anxiety and frustration. For a company of Cisco's stature, such a flawed process is shocking and deeply disappointing.

Recommendation to Cisco:

Please establish and follow a structured and respectful hiring process. Scheduling calls and providing candidates with clear expectations and timelines should be the bare minimum. Unstructured and ad-hoc interviews reflect poorly on your organization and discourage talented individuals from wanting to be part of your team.

This experience has left me questioning Cisco's commitment to candidate experience and respect for prospective employees. For a company that prides itself on innovation and excellence, this was a glaring failure.

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