I applied for the program over the summer with the help of a referral. I heard back two months after I applied to do an on campus interview. Normally those would be behavorial but with referrals, we dove to the technical round
The interview process was great and they were really easy to communicate with. I enjoyed the entire process since things were very organized and clear. The questions I was asked were also just at the right level for me. I was able to show my skills.
The process took 3 days. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA) in Jan 2011
Interview
I originally applied for a regular internship. I got the phone screening and did not pass on to the final round. My school recruiter suggested that I re-apply immediately into the "Explore Internship Program" which is a special program only for college freshman and sophomores. Aside from that, it also differs from a regular internship in that you will be trying out all three roles (SDE, SDET, PM) in the 3 month period instead of just doing one role for the 12 weeks.
I got a phone screen and got invited to Washington for final round interviews. I did very well and got an offer. The people were incredibly nice...everyone from HR (they really try to get you comfortable for the interview) to the actual interviewers to random people in the office. Very, very welcoming and friendly.
Keep in mind that since this is a program intended for freshmen and sophomores, the coding questions are much, MUCH easier than what you'd expect in a full time interview. However, I'd say the "design" questions (customer focus for PM role etc.) were about the same.
Also, the interviewers look for enthusiasm both about software AND Microsoft itself. Even if you get all the questions right but you don't show passion, you probably won't get an offer. Fortunately passion is pretty hard to fake properly so there's no need to practice for it. If you're passionate it'll come out naturally, and if you aren't...then well...try your best anyways!
Interview questions [5]
Question 1
How would you improve the clip art search on office.com?