Understanding Microsoft Recruitment Process For Software Engineers

For any computer user, Microsoft has been a familiar name for decades. And for any computer engineer, working at Microsoft is a dream come true. Headquartered in Washington, United States, Microsoft Corporation is involved in the development, manufacturing, and selling of a range of products such as personal computers, software, consumer electronics, and services. 

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Microsoft recruitment process to help you get your dream job. 

How to apply at Microsoft?

Before applying to Microsoft through any of the means available, one must check the eligibility criteria for working at Microsoft as a software engineer.

Eligibility Criteria 

Modes of applying at Microsoft

For candidates that meet the eligibility criteria, the following modes are available for applying at Microsoft:

• Hiring challenges: Keeping up with the new trend in hiring, Microsoft conducts hiring challenges for various positions from time to time. Anyone who meets the eligibility for the competition can participate and get a chance to win a job at Microsoft. 
• Employee referral: Microsoft has an employee referral program and encourages candidates to reach out to an acquaintance who works at Microsoft regarding job postings so that they can submit their information to the company. An employee from Microsoft India can refer your application and make it stand out from all other applications. This is a faster way to get your job application noticed. 
• Online application: One can visit the Microsoft career page on their official website and apply directly for the job vacancies mentioned. For fresh engineering graduates, Microsoft also conducts on-campus placement drives. 
• Mailing directly to HR: If you somehow manage to get the e-mail address of HR at Microsoft, you may directly mail your resume to them. You can also try to connect with them on LinkedIn. 
• Internships: This is one of the best ways for freshers for getting to work with Microsoft. Based on the performance, Microsoft may extend a job offer to an intern post completion of his/her internship. For more information regarding an internship at Microsoft, you may visit this link.

Microsoft Recruitment and Interview Process

Microsoft conducts the following selection rounds for software engineering positions:

• Online Round which includes Logical Reasoning Test and Technical Aptitude Test
• Technical Rounds (2-3 interview rounds)
• AA Interview Round ('As Appropriate' Interview Round)
• Hiring Committee Review
• Final decision

Salary details of Software Engineers at Microsoft 

Microsoft offers one of the highest salaries to freshers recruited as software engineers. Apart from a good in-hand salary, Microsoft also ensures world-class health care benefits and generous well-being benefits for its employees. The break in the salary of a software engineer in Microsoft India is as follows:

Points to remember for cracking Microsoft's hiring process

• Focus on your resume. An impressive resume will surely help you go far in the selection process.
• Practice coding on a paper or whiteboard. This will greatly help you in the interview rounds. 
• Practice an ample number of design and test case questions. 
• Revise all the basic concepts of computer science such as operating systems, data structures, DBMS, algorithms, and OOPS concepts thoroughly. 
• Lastly, confidence and good communication skills and interpersonal skills will help you score well in the interview.  

FAQs regarding the Microsoft recruitment process

1. What information is Microsoft expecting in a candidate's resume?

To frame your resume well, one must include your strengths, latest accomplishments, skills that will help you add value to your work, information about your past projects, internships, etc. 

2. Does Microsoft offer any entry-level positions?

Yes, Microsoft posts various entry-level positions on its website's career page where candidates can apply directly.  

3. How long will it take for me to know the final hiring decision?

During the selection process, the recruiter will brief you regarding the specific timelines for the job role that you have applied for. Generally, in case a candidate is selected, HR will inform them within a week of the last round of the interview.

4. What benefits does Microsoft offer to its employees?  

The following benefits are offered by Microsoft to its employees:

• Industry-leading healthcare
• Savings and investments
• Giving programs
• Educational resources
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Opportunities to network and connect
• Discounts on products and services
• Generous time away

5. What traits is Microsoft looking for in a candidate?

The skills will vary as per the job profile, however, Microsoft generally seeks a candidate who has a strong will to learn, has a passion for technology, is willing to work hard and excel, and has an entrepreneurial spirit.

About Microsoft

Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 and is best known for its operating system-Microsoft Windows, computer software package-MS Office Suite and its web browser- Internet Explorer. In 2021, Microsoft was reported to have a revenue of USD 161 billion, having the third-largest brand valuation.

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