Who is Recruiting Top Talent for Cisco Security? This Team!

Recruiting isn’t just a job for us, it’s a passion.

Our talent acquisition team at Cisco’s Security Business Group (SBG) for America’s Engineering is here to do one thing – change lives for the better.  That’s right, we’re here to change your life – and your family’s life – and even on the toughest days, that keeps us going.

We start our days by identifying the security industries top talent, no matter where they are on the planet.  Then, we present them with the ultimate dream – to work for the largest cyber security vendor in the world that has one of the (if not the) best cultures in the industry.

Security is one of the fastest growing and rapidly evolving technical landscapes.  But we’re not just placing these professionals to be part of the evolution – oh, no!  As part of the Cisco team, you’re CREATING the evolution and driving the security landscape for every other security firm in the world.

Our recruiting team is excited to be the ones tasked with not only finding the best of the best but welcoming them into the Cisco Life too.  Not to mention, this is one of the most family orientated teams I have ever been a part of!

Who is this team, and what are some tips and tricks when it comes to landing your dream job in Cisco Security?  Get to know us here:

Name: Christopher Langer

Role at Cisco: Talent Acquisition Lead for America’s Engineering at Cisco’s Security Business Group

Location: Columbia/Fulton, MD

Why do you #LoveWhereYouWork? One of the things I love most about working on the SBG team is because we’re a start up within Cisco.  We’re comprised of and built upon the foundation of security startups, and so we maintain a level of excellence and continue to keep that startup culture alive.

It’s not just about the free lunches, video game rooms or foosball tables that are found throughout all security offices – it’s the fact that we are such a family-oriented team with an open-door environment.

From our engineering leadership to our executives, they will always make time to speak with you and help you grow.  After all, we’re one team with one dream and to be successful – that requires individual and team success, which is exactly what you’ll get at Cisco.

Best Cisco Security Tip: A lot of times we hear that someone is interested in security, but they don’t have the background – have no fear!  There’s an easier way to get into security than you think, and it doesn’t necessarily require you to go back to school or spend a ton of money on certifications (although those all help, of course).

My advice would be to start going to meet ups (like Northern Virginia Hacker’s or Women in Cyber Security) and attend Hackathons or Capture the Flag type events to partake in the activities you’ll find there.  Some of the best talent we’ve hired weren’t security gurus, but rather individuals who had the passion to be in security and started simply by attending these events.  Don’t forget to put those meetups and events on your resume too!  It goes a long way with recruiters and hiring managers in showing your dedication and passion to the field – trust me!

Name: Jessica Sherman

Role at Cisco: Senior Technical Recruiter

Location: Sunnyvale, California

Why do you #LoveWhereYouWork? I feel empowered!  Cisco has created an amazing culture and part of that culture is being empowered and trusted to do your job.  I also have great support around me as my teammates are always willing to lend a hand!  Of course, you can’t beat the work/life balance and getting to work remotely with my pup is awesome too – even if she hates taking pics with me!

Best Cisco Security Tip: We really care about the human element here at Cisco.  Finding a new job is about the fit on both sides – ask thoughtful questions and share with us your personal self and what you’ll bring to the team.

Name: Diana Duong

Role at Cisco: Senior Recruiter

Location: San Francisco, CA

Why do you #LoveWhereYouWork? Definitely the people!  I’m surrounded by smart, humble, and creative individuals who support, challenge, and encourage me to be the best version of myself every day.  I also love that I have a supportive manager and team.  They are truly a blessing and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Best Cisco Security Tip: Do your diligence and research the people, company, culture, and role beforehand. Come up with out of the box questions that would challenge the interviewer so that you can stand out among your peers – but most of all, have fun and be your authentic self!

Bonus Tip: What are some out of the box questions to possibly ask?

Given all the information I’ve shared regarding my background, what stood out the most?

What would my 30/60/90-day plan be?

How will I be measured to ensure success?

What’s one thing that’s key to this company’s success that somebody from outside the company wouldn’t know about?

Name: Chris Carpenter, but everyone calls me “Carp”

Role at Cisco: Lead Recruiter, Talos

Location: Boston, MA

Why do you #LoveWhereYouWork?  I came to Cisco through the CloudLock acquisition where I supported our Cloud Access Security Brokerage (CASB) product.  After about four years of supporting Cloud Security, I moved over to the Talos team where I lead the recruiting efforts here.  I love that I am surrounded by people smarter than me and I have a chance to grow and learn every day.

As a father of two toddlers, the culture and work/life balance keeps me motivated to do my best work while also providing the time at home with my kids and in my community as a hockey coach for our local high school team.  With our world class products, especially Talos, it makes recruiting for something you believe in fun.

Best Cisco Security Tip? Interviews can be a nerve-racking experience, we get it.  We are a down to earth team so just be yourself.  Before an interview, do some research about the products and ask specific questions throughout the day.  We understand the interview process is a two-way street so want to make sure people are just as knowledgeable and excited about our team as we are about their potential fit.

Now that you know us, want to join us?  We’re hiring!  Apply now.