# Microsoft Hiring Notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-24

Primary sources:

- Microsoft Careers, How we hire: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/interviewtips
- Microsoft Careers, Interview tips:
  https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/hiring-tips/interview-tips.html

## What to know

Microsoft describes a structured recruiting lifecycle: explore jobs, submit application, application
review, interview, offer, pre-onboard, and hired. Interviews vary by role and may include phone,
Teams, or in-person conversations. Microsoft says most interviews include two to four conversations,
each up to about an hour, with potential teammates or cross-functional colleagues.

Microsoft emphasizes role requirements, competency-based questions, resume discussion, examples of
past experience, ideas for approaching the work, and how the candidate's skills translate to the
role. Some roles may require code, a creative portfolio, or work samples.

## Signals to prepare

- Respect, integrity, accountability, and growth mindset.
- Collaboration and communication across teams.
- Drive for results and accountability.
- Curiosity, structured thinking, and ability to explain rationale.
- Authenticity and specific STAR(R) examples.

## Agent coaching prompts

- "What evidence shows growth mindset and collaboration?"
- "Which examples show measurable impact across teams?"
- "What questions should this candidate ask about team charter, manager expectations, and success
  measures?"
- "Does the candidate need a work sample, portfolio, or coding prep plan?"