We all know Microsoft as one of the most influential tech companies. Since its founding in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft has helped shape the technology landscape with household names like Windows, Office, Azure, Xbox, and Microsoft 365. From software and cloud to AI and hardware, Microsoft continues to drive innovation and transformation across government, education, healthcare, etc. With a strong focus on cutting-edge technology and social responsibility, Microsoft is a true leader in the global tech community.
This blog will discuss what to expect from the Microsoft interview process, including application tips, interview rounds, and preparation strategies.
Why join Microsoft?
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Landing a role at Microsoft means stepping into an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and growth are part of the culture.
- Company culture and values: Expect a “come as you are, do what you love” atmosphere that celebrates authenticity.
- Opportunities for advancement: Microsoft encourages structured learning, mentorship, and participation in projects that impact people worldwide.
- Diversity, inclusion, and social impact: Diversity, accessibility, and ethical tech are major priorities, ensuring everyone can benefit from Microsoft’s innovations.
- Benefits and career progression: Enjoy top-tier compensation, excellent healthcare, flexible work options, and well-defined paths for career growth.
Microsoft’s interview process
Microsoft’s interview process is designed to gauge your skills and see if you fit the work and culture well. It generally consists of the following steps:
The process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the role and team. Microsoft aims for transparency, keeping you updated via emails or calls. While you may not always get detailed feedback, recruiters are approachable and will try to offer helpful insights when they can.
Step 1: Application and recruiter screen
Objective: To match you with the proper role and assess initial alignment with Microsoft’s hiring criteria.
You can apply to Microsoft either through:
- The Microsoft Careers portal
- A referral from a current employee
- University recruiting (for new grads/internships)
- LinkedIn or other platforms where recruiters may reach out
Once your resume is shortlisted, a recruiter will contact you to discuss:
- Your background and experience
- The role and its expectations
- The interview process
- Preferred timeline
Tips
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills (especially those mentioned in the job description).
- Be clear about what role you’re looking for (e.g., frontend/backend/full stack, infra, ML, etc.).
- If you’re applying for multiple roles, ensure each application is targeted, not just a mass upload.
Step 2: Online assessment (Optional)
Objective: To evaluate your problem-solving and coding skills in a standardized, time-bound setting.
Structure
- Primarily for university hires, internships, and entry-level roles (sometimes for experienced candidates).
- Delivered via HackerRank or Codility platforms.
- Lasts 60 to 90 minutes, typically includes:
- 2 to 3 coding questions (DSA-focused)
- Occasionally, a multiple-choice quiz on CS fundamentals or logic
- Automated grading with test cases
Question topics often include:
- Arrays, strings
- Trees and binary search
- Hash maps and sets
- Recursion and backtracking
- Greedy algorithms
- Dynamic programming
Tips
- Practice on platforms like LeetCode and Educative.
- Focus on writing clean, bug-free code with efficient time/space complexity.
- Learn to code in a shared or plain-text environment (no syntax highlighting or autocompletion).
- Simulate timed practice to get comfortable under pressure.
Step 3: Technical phone screen(s)
Objective: To assess your technical problem-solving ability, clarity of thought, and communication.
What to expect
- 1–2 interviews, each 45–60 minutes
- Conducted on Microsoft Teams, with a shared online editor (no IDE)
- Format:
- 1 to 2 coding problems
- Verbal explanation of your thought process
- Code optimization discussions
- A few behavioral/experience-based questions
Tips
- Clarify the problem before jumping into code.
- Talk through your logic and consider edge cases.
- If stuck, verbalize your thinking—interviewers may give hints.
- Practice mock interviews with a friend or use platforms like Pramp.
Step 4: On-site or final virtual interviews
Objective: To evaluate your end-to-end technical skills, design thinking, problem-solving, and cultural fit.
What to expect
- 4 to 5 rounds over a full or half day (virtually or on-site)
- Interviewers may include engineers, leads, and a hiring manager
- Typical structure:
- 2–3 coding/DSA rounds
- 1 system design round (for experienced candidates)
- 1 behavioral/interview with hiring manager (“As Appropriate” or AS-APP)
Tips
- For coding: Review common patterns like BFS/DFS, sliding window, and recursion.
- For design: Be ready to break down high-level components, scalability, and trade-offs.
- For behavioral: Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure stories.
- Expect follow-up questions in each round. Prepare to iterate.
Step 5: Team matching (for some roles)
Objective: To find the best-fit team based on your skills, interests, and Microsoft’s current needs.
Structure
- Happens after final rounds, especially for new grads or general pool candidates.
- You’ll meet one or more hiring managers from different teams.
- They’ll evaluate your:
- Technical background
- Interest in specific domains (e.g., Azure, Office, Xbox)
- Working style and team fit
Tips
- Be honest about what kind of work excites you.
- Read about Microsoft’s teams/products beforehand.
- Ask the manager what problems their team is solving right now.
- Check out the Microsoft 2025 annual Work Trend Index for insights on how teams evolve and what skills are in demand.
Step 6: Offer and negotiation
Objective: To finalize your compensation package and prepare you for onboarding.
What to expect
- If selected, your recruiter will present an offer that typically includes:
- Base salary
- Signing bonus (sometimes)
- Annual bonus
- RSUs (Restricted stock units)
- Comprehensive benefits (health, 401(k), relocation, etc.)
- You may also get different offers from different teams if you have multiple matches.
Tips
- Don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially if you have competing offers.
- Use tools like Levels.fyi or Blind to benchmark offers.
- Ask questions about growth opportunities, performance reviews, and promotion paths.
Tips and best practices for success
- Preparing for each interview stage: Solid preparation can set you apart.
- Resources: Use books like Cracking the Coding Interview and practice with LeetCode, Pramp, or Interviewing.io.
- Mock interviews: Run practice interviews using code-sharing platforms or online whiteboards for a realistic feel.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Steering clear of these pitfalls can boost your odds.
- Red flags: Not preparing, poor communication, or neglecting soft skills can all hurt your interview.
- Recovery strategies: If you get stuck, talk through your logic aloud, ask clarifying questions, and stay calm—showing resilience matters as much as finding the answer.
- Following up after interviews: Good follow-through leaves a strong impression.
- Thank you notes: Send a genuine thank you email and reaffirm your interest in the role.
- Handling feedback: If things don’t go your way, ask for input and treat the experience as a stepping stone for future growth.
Recommended resources
- Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns: Master 24 essential coding patterns to solve thousands of LeetCode-style questions. Efficiently prepare for coding interviews with the ultimate course created by FAANG engineers.
- Grokking the Low-Level Design Interview Using OOD Principles: A battle-tested guide to Object-Oriented Design Interviews, developed by FAANG engineers. Master OOD fundamentals and practice real-world interview questions.
- Grokking the Product Architecture Design Interview: The essential guide to API Design and Product Design Interviews—developed by FAANG engineers. Master product design fundamentals and get hands-on with real-world APIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most challenging part of the technical interview process?
System Design and behavioral rounds are the toughest because they test broad problem-solving and communication skills.
Can I reapply if I am rejected?
Yes! Typically, after a 6–12 month wait. Take the time to address any feedback you receive.
Does Microsoft hire recent graduates?
Absolutely. Microsoft offers many internships and new graduate roles worldwide.
What support does Microsoft provide during onboarding?
New hires get structured onboarding, mentorship, technical ramp-up, and plenty of support to help settle in.
How do I negotiate my offer?
Research salary benchmarks, be transparent, and communicate your value openly.
Company Interview Process
