Software Development Engineer II Interview Experience - Redmond, Washington
December 1, 2009
Neutral ExperienceNo Offer
Process
First, I received emails from the group asking for information. I went and met with two guys.
It actually became some sort of interview because they started asking me non-technical questions right away.
I then received an email from HR to arrange the formal interview.
It started with the Dev Lead, which was not unusual based on others' experiences, and it went well. Then, four more guys came, and one of them asked me to write code on his computer.
I missed probably two of the questions.
Questions
How will you write a function to merge two sorted arrays, assuming one of them has enough space to hold all the members?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 38 interview experiences for the Microsoft Software Development Engineer II role in Redmond, Washington.
Success Rate
61%
Pass Rate
Microsoft's interview process for their Software Development Engineer II roles in Redmond, Washington is on the easier side as most engineers get an offer after going through it.
Experience Rating
Positive63%
Neutral24%
Negative13%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Microsoft's Software Development Engineer II interview process in Redmond, Washington.
Microsoft Work Experiences
4.0
Exciting things happening here!
Software Development Engineer II • Current Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
November 7, 2015
Pros: There is a lot happening; no day is ever dull. Working on the back end, your customers are usually down the hall from you. Everyone I know was promoted after a year. Main campus is like going back to college again, except with free drinks and more impact.
Cons: Some teams seem to be in maintenance mode; I would avoid those teams. It's not clear if Windows Phone will survive.
4.0
Smart Team, Slow Advancement
Software Development Engineer II • Current Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
April 27, 2016
Pros: A lot of very smart people to work with.
Life-work balance has become good.
The compensation and benefits are excellent.
If you can tolerate working on preexisting messes and remain productive, you can move up and on to working on some amazing stuff.
Cons: Advancement can be difficult, especially if you don't fit the mold. It's very dependent upon your immediate manager's opinion of you versus the level.
A lot is influenced by their ability to sell you to their peers and management.
A lot of legacy exists; you often have to earn your stripes per team, trudging through that before being allowed to significantly contribute on a design level.
Lots of employees who have been there for years get the choice assignments.
4.0
Opportunity to effect millions of people
Software Development Engineer II • Current Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
August 30, 2014
Pros: Diversity and variety of products to work with. Lots of opportunities within the company. Great benefits. Currently, there are lots of changes going on with a new CEO, and for the good.
Cons: A company of this size brings in so many managers, which slows down the decision process. The new review model lacks transparency, and all depends on your immediate and skip-level manager.
- 4.0Exciting things happening here!Software Development Engineer II • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesNovember 7, 2015Pros: There is a lot happening; no day is ever dull. Working on the back end, your customers are usually down the hall from you. Everyone I know was promoted after a year. Main campus is like going back to college again, except with free drinks and more impact.Cons: Some teams seem to be in maintenance mode; I would avoid those teams. It's not clear if Windows Phone will survive.
- 4.0Smart Team, Slow AdvancementSoftware Development Engineer II • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesApril 27, 2016Pros: A lot of very smart people to work with. Life-work balance has become good. The compensation and benefits are excellent. If you can tolerate working on preexisting messes and remain productive, you can move up and on to working on some amazing stuff.Cons: Advancement can be difficult, especially if you don't fit the mold. It's very dependent upon your immediate manager's opinion of you versus the level. A lot is influenced by their ability to sell you to their peers and management. A lot of legacy exists; you often have to earn your stripes per team, trudging through that before being allowed to significantly contribute on a design level. Lots of employees who have been there for years get the choice assignments.
- 4.0Opportunity to effect millions of peopleSoftware Development Engineer II • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesAugust 30, 2014Pros: Diversity and variety of products to work with. Lots of opportunities within the company. Great benefits. Currently, there are lots of changes going on with a new CEO, and for the good.Cons: A company of this size brings in so many managers, which slows down the decision process. The new review model lacks transparency, and all depends on your immediate and skip-level manager.
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