The interview took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus it was conducted through video conferencing.

I applied through the Cisco job portal and received a test link. The test consisted of four coding questions, and I could choose to code in C, C++, or Java.

I cleared this round and received a call from HR a week later regarding the next steps.

HR scheduled the interviews and clearly communicated that there would be two technical interview rounds. Depending on my performance in those two rounds, a managerial round might follow.

All rounds were conducted via video calls through Webex.

Round 1: This was a pure technical round. The interviewer was very cool, and it was a pleasure to interact with them. They made me feel very comfortable and were encouraging. The first round went well.

Round 2: This was also a pure technical round. The interviewer was cool, and I answered every coding question.

In both rounds, numerous OS concepts were asked, including OS internals, memory, virtual memory, paging, semaphores, and the dining philosopher's problem, among others. They also focused heavily on array-related coding puzzles and some general programming.

After the first two rounds, I was confident that I had performed well.

I was later called for the managerial round after an hour.

Managerial Round: The manager was very cool, and the conversation went well. They asked many questions about the information I had included in my resume.

TIPS: Do not fake anything on your resume. Be bold and be genuine. Be yourself. Do not try to portray a different version of yourself just to impress.

Make sure you are clear about everything you have mentioned in your CV.

After the managerial round concluded, I was informed that HR would be in touch.

Within two days, I received an email from the HR team asking for further details to proceed with the recruitment. After waiting for 4-5 days, I received an offer letter.

Cisco HRs are very professional; they manage time effectively, are approachable, and respond to concerns nicely.

I accepted the offer.

Array Data structures Design patterns Bit programming OS concepts