Acing Your Microsoft Interview (Tips + Common Questions)

If you’re looking for a career in technology, Microsoft is one of the biggest names in the industry.

The tech giant has been shaping the world of computing since 1975, and their software and hardware products are used by millions of people around the world. With such a reputable and prestigious company, it’s natural to be curious about what the Microsoft interview process entails. 

In this article, we’ll go over the difficulty level of the Microsoft interview, how to prepare for it, common interview questions you may be asked, and some insights on the interview process.

What to Know About the Microsoft Interview

Congrats on your upcoming Microsoft interview! Still, it’s likely you have a few lingering questions. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about Microsoft interviews.

What Percentage of Microsoft Applicants Get Interviews?

It’s challenging to determine the exact percentage of applicants who receive interviews at Microsoft since it varies based on the role and the specific hiring team. Still, Microsoft does have a 4.4/5 rating for interview difficulty, with 57% of interviewees reporting a positive interview experience, according to Glassdoor.

How Hard Is the Microsoft Interview?

To start, let’s address the question on everyone’s minds: how difficult is the Microsoft interview? The answer is: it depends. 

As with any interview process, the level of difficulty varies based on the role you’re applying for and the specific hiring team you’ll be working with. However, it is no secret that Microsoft’s interview process is known to be challenging.

That said, Microsoft is a company that prides itself on being inclusive, and they take great care to ensure their interview process is fair and unbiased. Candidates are evaluated on their technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall fit for the role. To do this, Microsoft uses a combination of behavioral and technical questions, as well as coding challenges.

How Many Interview Rounds at Microsoft?

The number of interview rounds at Microsoft can vary depending on the position and the hiring manager. However, it’s common for candidates to go through several rounds of interviews, including phone screens, technical interviews, and behavioral interviews. 

Some candidates may also be asked to complete a coding challenge or other technical assessment as part of the interview process. It’s important to prepare for each stage of the interview process and to stay positive and focused throughout the process.

How to Practice for Your Microsoft Interview

The best way to prepare for a Microsoft interview is to practice. The more you practice answering interview questions, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be during the actual interview. 

There are several resources available that can help you improve your interviewing skills, including books, online courses, and mock interview services. One such service is Yoodli, an AI-powered interview coach that helps you improve your interviewing skills in a judgment-free environment. By using its interview simulator, you can practice real Microsoft interview questions and get instantaneous feedback and actionable suggestions to improve.

Yoodli provides AI-powered feedback on your body language, filler words, rambling, and other aspects of your interview performance. During your actual interview, Yoodli will give you private and gentle nudges (without the interviewer knowing) to help you hit your main talking points, make eye contact, slow down, and more. You can get started for free at http://www.yoodli.ai.

Common Microsoft Interview Questions

Now, let’s take a look at some common Microsoft interview questions. While every interview is different, knowing some common questions can help you prepare and feel more confident on the day of your interview. Here are some examples.

Behavioral Questions

Most Microsoft interviews have behavioral questions, such as: 

• Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it.
• Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult coworker or manager, and how you resolved the situation.
• Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?

Technical Questions

As mentioned above, Microsoft really values technical skills, so you should also expect questions like:

• How would you design a scalable database for a high-traffic web application?
• Explain the differences between TCP and UDP.
• Write code to reverse a string in C++.

Culture Fit Questions

Culture fit questions are also a typical part of a Microsoft interview. Examples of these types of questions include: 

• Why do you want to work at Microsoft?
• What do you know about our company culture?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies?

Microsoft Interview Tips and Tricks

To increase the odds of you nailing your Microsoft interview, here are some applicable tips and tricks straight from the company itself.

Before the Interview

Before the interview, you’ll want to make sure you:

• Do your research about Microsoft, including the position you’re apply for, and what’s going on in the tech industry (and how well Microsoft is doing)
• Can picture your future with Microsoft and what that could look like
• Understand Microsoft’s core company values, namely: adaptability, influencing for impact, drive for results, judgment, customer focus, and collaboration
• Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture

During the Interview

Now, you’ll want to keep in mind a few things to do during your conversation with teh interviewers. During the interview, make sure you:

• Be specific 
• Use the STAR(R) method for interviewing
• Showcase both your skills, excitement, and curiosity
• Be yourself 

After the Interview

It doesn’t end after your interview. You’ll still want to do a few things. After your interview, be sure to:

• Ask about the timeline of the interview process, so you know what to expect and when you should be hearing back from Microsoft
• Follow up with the recruiter and your interviewers with a thank-you note

The Key Takeaway

In conclusion, preparing for a Microsoft interview requires a combination of research, practice, and confidence. By knowing what to expect, practicing common interview questions, and improving your interviewing skills with tools like Yoodli, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to highlight your relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving and teamwork. 

With dedication and preparation, you can ace your Microsoft interview and potentially secure your dream job at one of the most innovative and influential tech companies in the world. Good luck!