I applied through college or university. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Microsoft in Oct 2012
Interview
Questions I was asked:
If you could, redesign your favorite Microsoft product.
Nine marbles riddle.
Technical project you completed and why it was challenging, how you solved it.
largest program you wrote, what did it do?
What language are you most fluent in? (I said Java)
Advantages and disadvantages of using java. Other technical skills I know.
Two questions about where I wanted placed, where I'm interested in working within Microsoft.
What is the difference between a thread and process.
Why did you chose the university you are currently studying at?
What does good code look like to you?
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is the difference between a thread and process.
I applied online. I interviewed at Microsoft (Melbourne)
Interview
After submitting an online application, I received a HackerRank assessment after passing the resume screening stage, then I was rejected after completing the assessment and did not proceed to further interview rounds.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The assessment consisted of two LeetCode-medium-level coding questions to be completed within 75 minutes.
45 mins technical interview with a member of their San fran team. Very relaxed and informal but questions were focused and lots of follow ups. Easy to schedule as was over video conferencing platform
Straightforward technical loop overall, with strong interviewers at every stage. I genuinely enjoyed the in-depth conversations around technical challenges and algorithmic problem-solving — the entire process felt well-structured and genuinely engaging.