I started by applying online on a Saturday. I received an email from the recruiter wanting to chat by Monday. We set up a time a couple of days later where I was asked some basic object-oriented programming questions, such as access modifiers.

Two days later, I received an email to set up a technical screen with one of the senior SDETs. I scheduled it a week out to give myself time to study. I didn't think I did so great, but I received an email saying they would like to move forward with an on-site interview! Yay!

I went on-site, and based on most interview stories, I knew that if I didn't make it past the third interviewer, I was screwed. I was so nervous as we ended the third interview, and at the end, he said, "Someone else would like to meet you." I did a little dance when he turned his back! The first three interviews were technical in nature, each lasting 60 minutes, except for the lunch interview, which was 90 minutes.

I must say that Microsoft has the best interview process. The interviewers were nice, cordial, and really trying to help me succeed, unlike some of the other tech company interviews I've been to. They also had senior people interview me, so I guess having experienced interviewers makes a difference.

After the fourth interview with the hiring manager, I met another senior engineer from a different team who was there to validate all that the other interviewers had said. I was sure that was the last, then I was told I was to meet one more person: the hiring manager's manager!

I was burnt out at this point. One look at my face, and he said, "It's obviously been a long day; I won't keep you for long." I was relieved to hear that.

From the fifth interview onwards, it was all general chatting about the school I graduated from, behavioral questions, how many apps are on my phone, passions, and so on.

In all, I had seven interviews, including the recruiter's. My day started at 9:45 AM and ended at 5:00 PM. It was well worth it because I got the offer the next business day! I'm so excited!

Good luck to everyone trying to get in. Just keep working at it and don't give up. I have been rejected at Amazon, Google, and Facebook, and on my first try with Microsoft, I got it!

Algorithm questions, design questions, test automation, projects, behavioral.

I say just be yourself; otherwise, you come across as phoney.