Microsoft Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Microsoft Interview Process

Microsoft, a behemoth in the tech industry, offers vast opportunities for software engineers across various domains like cloud services, AI, gaming, and productivity software. Candidates should prepare for rigorous technical interviews focusing on coding, system design, and problem-solving skills. Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's collaboration tools, such as Azure and GitHub, which are often integral to their operations and development processes.

At Microsoft, the software engineering interview process begins with a resume screening, followed by one or two Online Assessments (OAs) focusing on coding and problem-solving skills. This initial screening is crucial to advancing to the next stages.

Successful candidates then proceed to a phone interview, often involving coding challenges and technical questions. Highly competitive, the process culminates in several onsite rounds that evaluate coding proficiency, algorithmic skills, and cultural fit with Microsoft's dynamic work environment.

Initial Screen

At Microsoft, the initial screening involves a thorough review of resumes, focusing on relevant experience and specific technical skills. Typically, candidates may also face automated online assessments (OAs) to gauge coding and problem-solving skills.

Following the resume and OA, a recruiter may conduct a preliminary screening call. This discussion usually touches on the candidate’s background, interests, and alignment with Microsoft’s core values and technology focus.

Phone Screen

At Microsoft, the interview process typically includes one or two phone screens. These initial calls are designed to assess your technical skills through coding exercises and algorithm questions, as well as a review of your previous projects and experiences.

The phone interviews are not just about coding; they also evaluate your problem-solving approach and your ability to communicate effectively. It's a great opportunity to demonstrate how you tackle challenges and think through solutions.

Onsite Rounds

During Microsoft's onsite interview rounds, candidates typically face four to five interviews. These sessions are a blend of coding, system design, and behavioral questions, designed to assess both technical proficiency and cultural fit.

The interviews are usually conducted back-to-back, with each lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. Candidates may also be asked to solve problems on a whiteboard, showcasing their ability to think and code under pressure.

Final Rounds, Negotiation, Offer

Post-interview at Microsoft, candidates may undergo team matching and final reviews. This phase could include meetings with executives, and the offer stage allows for negotiation on the terms of employment.

Microsoft Technical Interview Questions and Patterns

When gearing up for a Microsoft software engineering interview, it's crucial to acquaint oneself with a broad array of coding problem patterns. Basic DSA, Backtracking, and Two Pointers emerge as the most common problem types. However, Microsoft’s coding interviews seem to have a slightly higher than usual inclination towards Backtracking problems compare to other companies. It is also interesting to note smaller but still crucial segments like Graphs and Simulation, which are less frequently encountered but could be decisive in securing the job. This variety demands a well-rounded preparation strategy beyond the typical focus areas.

Microsoft Interview Coding Question Difficulty

At Microsoft, the coding interview problems generally lean towards a high but manageable challenge. Candidates frequently face questions involving Backtracking, Dynamic Programming, and Two Pointers. While rigorous, these problems are typically not as intense as those posed by Google or Apple, offering a slightly more accessible difficulty level for candidates.

Frequently Asked Microsoft Coding Questions

Problem + Solution	Patterns	Difficulty
Longest Happy String	Heap, Misc.	Medium
Minimum Deletions to Make Character Frequencies Unique	Basic DSA, Misc.	Medium
Integer to English Words	Backtracking	Hard
Sign of the Product of an Array	Basic DSA	Easy
LRU Cache	Basic DSA	Medium
Maximum Length of a Concatenated String with Unique Characters	Backtracking	Medium
Number of Islands	Adv. Data Structure, Breadth-First Search, Depth-First Search	Medium
Find N Unique Integers Sum up to Zero	Basic DSA	Easy
Count Good Nodes in Binary Tree	Breadth-First Search, Depth-First Search	Medium
Reverse Words in a String II	Two Pointers	Medium

Sample Classical Behavioral Questions and Answers

Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new technology to complete a project. How did you approach it?

• Discuss the process of identifying the technology needed, the resources used to learn it, and how it was implemented into the project. Emphasize adaptability, eagerness to learn, and problem-solving capabilities.

Describe a situation where you had to work collaboratively with others on a complex coding project.

• Highlight communication skills, the role in the team, conflict resolution if applicable, and the outcome of the project. Showcase teamwork and the ability to integrate into existing frameworks effectively.

Can you provide an example of a time when you faced a significant challenge in your project? How did you handle it?

• Explain the specifics of the challenge, the thought process involved in tackling it, and the solution. Focus on resilience, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to stay focused under pressure.

Sample Teamwork Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with a team to solve a complex problem. What was the challenge, what role did you play, and what was the outcome?

• Focus on a specific project where collaboration was key. Highlight your communication skills, your specific contributions, your ability to navigate through issues with your team, and the successful results from the collaboration.

How do you handle a situation where a team member is not contributing effectively?

• Discuss a situation where you've constructively addressed a lack of contribution from a colleague. Emphasize diplomatic communication skills, problem-solving to identify why the contribution was lacking, and how you helped create a pathway for better involvement and team synergy.

Microsoft values innovation. Can you share an experience where you innovated within a team setting to improve a process or product?

• Reflect on a time where your idea or initiative led to a significant positive change in a team project. Outline how you approached the team with your innovation, the steps taken to implement the change, and the impact it had on the project’s success.

Sample Role Specifc Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to use your engineering skills to solve a problem that had a tight deadline.

• Focus on describing the problem, the specific actions you took, and the outcome. Emphasize time management, your technical approach, and any innovative solutions you implemented to meet the deadline.

Can you talk about a project where you implemented a technology that was new to you? How did you ensure its successful integration?

• Discuss your learning process, how you gathered information, and your resourcefulness. Highlight collaboration with team members and any mentorship you sought out or provided.

Knowing that Microsoft prioritizes seamless user experience, describe how you have developed software in the past that anticipates and solves user needs before they become issues.

• Explain the method you use to anticipate user needs, perhaps referencing specific user feedback mechanisms or testing phases. Describe how this approach was applied in past projects and the impact on the end product.