Microsoft Interview Process – Everything You Need To Know

Have you received an invite for an interview with Microsoft?

If you are successful in moving forward, the next interview steps will differ depending on the position you are applying for. Prepare to illustrate how you fulfill the requirements of the job. This can involve presenting concrete examples from your personal or professional experience or suggestions about how you would go about doing a particular task.

Make a point of explaining how the talents you have gained throughout your career will apply to the position for which you are interviewing.

Some positions may require you to write code, submit a creative portfolio, or offer examples of your work in other ways. You’ll spend up to an hour with each of your potential coworkers to discuss their backgrounds and qualifications. During the interview process, the hiring team gets to know you better.

Following the interview, your recruiter can assist you in understanding the specific timeline for when you can expect to hear from the hiring committee on the decision.

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What to do before the interview with Microsoft

If you have been invited to an interview with Microsoft, there are several things you should do before sitting down with a recruiter to make the most of your time during the interview.

Do your research

Keep learning about the position you’re applying for after you’ve gained a grasp of it. You should know what is happening in the technology sector, what Microsoft is doing well, and how you believe Microsoft can differentiate itself from the competition. Make a list of questions that you’d like to ask during your interview. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to confirm if the opportunity is what you’re looking for.

Use preparation materials

This handy guide with resources from Job Test Prep can help you prepare for the Microsoft interview. It explains what you might face and gives you more details on any interviews you may face, all based on the real thing.

Know Microsoft’s Core Competencies

The interviews will include competency-based questions and questions on your previous work experience and qualifications. Keep the essential competencies in mind when deciding. Consider what kinds of examples you might give or incorporate into your discussion. These are the core competencies we possess:

Collaboration – Communicating efficiently with your team and on Teams
Drive for results – Holding yourself and others accountable while working to meet commitments and always pursuing bigger challenges
Customer focus – Microsoft’s mission is to enable every individual and every organization to achieve greater success by enabling them to work together
Influencing for impact – Persuading and influencing others successfully through effective communication
Judgment – Knowledge-based judgments are made by effectively scoping complicated challenges and employing achieved great success
Adaptability – The ability to act quickly and decisively in the face of uncertainty

Accelerate Culture

Microsoft believes that being true to its culture is essential to its mission. Selecting the most qualified candidates with the abilities and mindset is critical not only for the company as it exists but also for the company that they desire to become.

The growth-mindset culture should promote creativity and collaboration among its members. Being a learn-it-all rather than a know-it-all company encourages curiosity, encourages us to be inclusive, and encourages the company to seek fresh ideas.

For the Microsoft interview process, the company focuses on these key aspects:

• Growth Mindset
• Diverse and Inclusive
• One Microsoft
• Customer Obsession
• Values
• Manager Expectations

Envision your future

Microsoft encourages applicants to have a vision that extends beyond the position for which they are applying.

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During your interview with Microsoft

Be yourself

Microsoft places high importance on authenticity and the ability to think beyond the box. They want you to come in your natural form. As a result, you are not required to dress up in order to impress them. Dress in whatever manner makes you feel most comfortable.

Demonstrate your thinking and curiosity

Microsoft is interested in not only what you know but also how you think. Prepare to explain your thought process and the reasoning behind your judgments, and be prepared to express your reasoning. Requesting clarification questions, stating your assumptions, and being prepared to offer your ideas or explain your decisions are all good practices when faced with a challenge or coding assignment.

Microsoft aspires to evaluate foundational knowledge, capability, and learning potential throughout the evaluation process. Microsoft does not expect you to be an expert in every field. When you find yourself in a bind or don’t have prior knowledge of the subject area, we encourage you to ask clarifying questions that show your integrity, willingness to collaborate, and ability to be creative.

Be specific

Whenever you are addressing questions, Microsoft suggests you use the STAR(R) model. It will enhance the clarity and structure of your response as a result of this step.

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result
• Reflection

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How to prepare for a virtual interview

COVID is being closely followed by Microsoft, which means they have taken steps to create processes that improve applicant and staff safety. Microsoft has shifted all in-person interviews to be held virtually until further notice.

They’ll make every attempt to advise along the way and minimize any disturbances in order to provide a positive applicant experience throughout the entire process.

Once your interview is confirmed, you need to make sure you have Microsoft Teams installed and if you don’t, do so before your interview. It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to download. Ensure you test your computer, audio, and video. If, for some reason, you need other accommodations, reach out to your recruiter for further information.

One the day of your interview, make sure:

• Find a well-lit, quiet area that is as free of distractions as is possible throughout your interview. We work from home while taking care of our families, and finding a quiet place to concentrate and not be interrupted might be difficult. However, it is advised that you find a quiet place where you can concentrate and not be disturbed.
• Make sure your devices are fully charged.
• Dress comfortably but make sure it’s appropriate.
• If you experience technical difficulties during your interview, close the app and re-join.
• If you are still having trouble, dial in from the phone number that was provided to you by your recruiter
• Still having trouble after troubleshooting, call or send an email immediately.

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Questions in the Microsoft interview

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why Microsoft?
• How does your background fit the role you’re applying for?
• Tell me about a time when you had to persuade senior management or a direct manager for a project. Talk about a situation where you provided some type of data or fact to steer the project how you wanted versus how they told you to.
• What type of role would you take on a group project and why?
• What do you think the roles are like day-to-day? (The one you apply for)

Each question will be geared towards the role you have applied for.

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Microsoft interview process and preparation

There are a variety of strategies you can use to prepare for your Microsoft interview and land the position of your dreams. Prepare by conducting research that indicates your knowledge about the position you’re seeking and your qualifications for it. For more information and practice, visit Job Test Prep, which has great resources for you.

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