As the world becomes increasingly digitized, major tech companies like Microsoft continue to grow rapidly, launching offices all over the world and creating new job opportunities daily. The company’s hiring process is tough, but one of the ways to raise your prospects of being hired is to understand how to get a job at Microsoft.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to land entry-level jobs at Microsoft. We will discuss common Microsoft job openings, how to apply for them, and what it’s like to work for this top tech company, which was listed in Forbes as one of the top five tech companies people wanted to work for in 2020.
Given the company’s impressive salaries, benefits, environment, and culture, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many want to know how to get a job at Microsoft. With office locations in more than 200 countries and various careers at all levels, there are plenty of opportunities for you to grab.
To launch a career at Microsoft, the best way to start is by looking at Microsoft job openings posted on their website, selecting a position, and applying. Having clear long-term career goals and a deep understanding of the company will help improve your chances of success. The company is looking for driven team players who are willing to work hard and have a passion for technology, so ensure to highlight these qualities in your application.
Is It Hard to Get a Job at Microsoft?
Yes, it is hard to get a job at Microsoft. This company receives millions of applications annually, and with an applicant pool as vast as this, competition is tough. It also has one of the hardest job interview processes in the market consisting of several rounds. Having the right education, experience in your field and a passion for technology can improve your chances of succeeding as an applicant.
How to Apply for a Job at Microsoft: Microsoft Hiring Process
When applying for a Microsoft job opening, the first thing you should do is check for available positions. For complete job listings from all over the globe, the best place to check is Microsoft’s careers page. You can create a profile on the company website, set up job alerts, apply for available roles, and track the status of your applications.
In addition to visiting the company website, you can also use third-party websites like Indeed or Glassdoor to find openings. You can also build personal connections with a Microsoft recruiter on LinkedIn to land a job without applying. When using LinkedIn, make sure you highlight your career development experiences or projects that show your desire to learn.
If you have already identified a position that you are interested in, you can begin your application process. Keep reading to find out about the steps you need to take to apply for a job at Microsoft.
Application
The first step to getting a job at Microsoft is to complete your application and submit your resume. Before you apply, make sure you update and tailor your resume to match the job description. Keep it concise but don’t forget to showcase your strengths, skills, and experience, and explain how they relate to the job.
Phone screening
If the recruiter thinks you’re a good match for the job, you will likely be contacted after a week or two for a phone screening interview. During this short call, the interviewer will ask questions to assess your level of understanding, willingness to learn, and interest.
If you’re applying for a tech job, you can expect a 45-minute interview. This interview will entail more technical questions involving data structures, algorithms, and other concepts related to your field of expertise.
Phone interview
If you pass the screening stage, the next step in the Microsoft interview process is an invitation for a phone interview with the hiring manager. You will usually be provided with a list of the topics for discussion in advance. If you applied for a role that involves engineering, this phone interview will be with an engineering manager or senior developer.
On-site interview
The next stage consists of up to five rounds of on-site interviews. Each session lasts about an hour, and you will be interviewed by a panel of Microsoft developers or managers. They will give you a mix of behavioral questions and coding exercises.
If you do well, you will make it all the way to the last interview. This is possibly the most important step of the process, as the last interviewer will make the ultimate hiring decision.
HR interview
In some instances, you might be invited for an interview with HR. The HR team may ask additional behavioral and technical questions to ensure you’re the right candidate for the job. This interview will also help the HR team determine whether you are a good fit for the company in terms of its culture and values.
Formal offer
If you complete all interview rounds and succeed, you can expect Microsoft to contact you with a formal offer. You will have an opportunity to discuss and negotiate your salary and benefits. If you don’t hear anything from them within a couple of weeks, you can try applying again after six to 12 months.
