Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Msft, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I got referred by a former colleague who’d had a great experience at Microsoft, and the whole process started with a technical phone screen. On that call I ran into some tough DSA questions, including reversing a linked list and finding the kth largest element in an array. It felt like the kind of screen where you can’t be vague—you have to be crisp.
My process started with a recruiter screen, and then the interviews turned into more standard algorithm practice—DSA first, followed by what felt like LLD. The questions weren’t weird or novel; the difficulty came from needing to be thorough rather than trying to outsmart the prompt. I remember feeling that the interviewers wanted solid reasoning and careful execution more than speed.
The interview process typically begins with a technical screening that emphasizes data structures and algorithms (DSA), often including medium-level coding challenges. Candidates should prepare for a variety of DSA problems, including linked lists, strings, and recursion, as these are common themes across rounds.
Several candidates reported a system design round that evaluates the ability to architect scalable solutions, such as building a URL shortener or discussing security considerations. Familiarity with system design principles and the ability to articulate design choices are crucial.
Interviews often include discussions about past experiences and behavioral questions, where candidates are evaluated on their problem-solving approach and how they connect their background to the role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their projects and how they handle various work scenarios.
The interview loop generally consists of multiple rounds, including an online assessment followed by live coding interviews. The structure can vary in intensity, with some candidates experiencing back-to-back technical interviews, which requires maintaining focus and clarity throughout.
Interviewers place significant importance on candidates' ability to communicate their thought process and reasoning clearly, rather than solely focusing on arriving at the correct answer. Candidates should practice articulating their approach and reasoning during problem-solving.
Candidates noted variability in difficulty across rounds and the impact of different interviewers on the experience. Some found certain rounds easier or more challenging based on the interviewer’s style, indicating the importance of adaptability and maintaining composure.