GenAI Best Practices and Permitted Uses

Updated November 10, 2025
At Cisco, we are committed to promoting fairness, integrity, and originality in all aspects of our hiring process. We value the skills, creativity, and unique perspectives that each candidate brings. As a leader in AI, we fundamentally believe in embracing innovation ethically and responsibly. To ensure the integrity and reliability of our evaluations, we require appropriate candidate input when using emerging Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and co-pilots. Any tools used to prepare yourself for the hiring process should not replace your authentic thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. 

Our philosophy
  • Responsible Use of Technology: While we acknowledge the advancements in technology, candidates are expected to use these tools responsibly. Leveraging resources like ChatGPT and Generative AI to enhance their understanding, brainstorm ideas, or seek guidance to prepare effectively is acceptable. 

  • Originality is Key: Candidates are expected to submit responses, resumes,  and/or cover letters that reflect their own work, ideas, and understanding at each stage of the hiring process. This includes assessments, coding tasks, and interviews. The use of AI tools should enhance, but not replace, a candidate’s capabilities. Candidates must ensure that the final submission represents their own skills and efforts.

  • Authenticity & Accountability: Candidates are accountable for the integrity and authenticity of their submissions. We know that with the right prompts and human guidance, AI can help candidates effectively communicate their unique experiences, thoughts, and skills, but directly copying and pasting AI-generated responses is a misrepresentation of the real candidate’s abilities and potential.

How to use

Good uses for GenAI:
  • Ask for tips on how to prepare for different types of tests and interviews
  • To structure thoughts, check readability, and enhance clarity of responses, emails, resumes, and cover letters
  • As a calculator
  • To review job listings to find keywords to use in your resume or cover letter that accurately reflect your personal experience
  • Brainstorming multiple approaches to solving a coding problem or system design question 
  • To review code for errors or suggest improvements  

Poor uses for GenAI:
  • Copying and pasting AI-generated responses to write your resume, cover letter, or writing sample 
  • Generating a scripted response to complete an assessment 
  • Creating and reading from an AI-generated script to respond to an interview question
  • Creation of imaginary, dishonest or inaccurate thoughts and experiences
  • Generating the solution to a coding problem or design question in real time
  • Generating entire code segments and presenting them as your own work

Our commitment

We are dedicated to fostering a transparent, respectful, and ethical hiring environment. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to provide equal opportunities to all candidates, while also upholding the integrity of our selection process. We encourage candidates to reach out to our team if they have any questions regarding the appropriate use of technology during the hiring process.  
 
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 
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