Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) Interview Experience - Redmond, Washington
Process
Once you get in contact with a Microsoft recruiter, they ensure a fast response and a very clear hiring process. I knew what to expect, and the recruiters were quick to answer questions.
The first round of interviews was basic. They then offered to fly me out and pay for everything. The interview day was quite long, but exciting and high-intensity. I actually enjoyed it very much and got to meet many other candidates.
At the end of the day, I met up with some people I had met, and we went out to explore Seattle. We went to an amazing seafood restaurant, which was delicious. Microsoft paid for everything; they really want you to have a great experience and sell the company to you.
I was given an offer one or two hours after my last interview, which was both surprising and exciting. The recruiters are very prompt and eager to hear your response. I ended up accepting the offer the next day.
In the end, it was a very pleasant and amazing experience, and I am looking forward to the summer!
Questions
All basic algorithm and data structure questions, with some talk about design and testing.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 128 interview experiences for the Microsoft Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) role in Redmond, Washington.
Success Rate
Microsoft's interview process for their Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) roles in Redmond, Washington is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Microsoft's Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) interview process in Redmond, Washington.
Microsoft Work Experiences
- 4.0Very relaxed environment. Great benefits. Exciting technology, depending on which team you are inSoftware Development Engineer In Test (SDET) • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesSeptember 4, 2008Pros: Microsoft has a very relaxed environment. I go to work whenever I want and leave whenever I want, as long as I get my job done and make it to meetings. I can talk to my manager and take vacation with very little hassle, all this as long as you know you will finish your work. Microsoft gives great benefits. Depending on the team you work in, the technology you work on can be exciting. Finally, there are lots of very smart people from whom you can learn.Cons: I am not too fond of the stack ranking, where someone is bound to end up at the bottom of the rank. I think the bonuses and merit increases could be larger. This also depends on which team you are in. Different teams seem to give different amounts for bonuses for the same level and same rating.
- 2.0Cool Tech, Windows BureaucracySoftware Development Engineer In Test (SDET) • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesJuly 20, 2012Pros: Cool technology and internal toolingCons: You have to really enjoy bureaucracy to work on a team like Windows.
- 4.0A slightly better than average large corporate company to work forSoftware Development Engineer In Test (SDET) • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesJune 25, 2008Pros: Health benefits, various perks here and there. Excellent job security, especially compared to other companies in the same industry. Very flexible work hours; you don't actually have to work very hard if you don't really want to get back much. Generally speaking, you are surrounded with intelligent people, which is not necessarily true at other companies. If you want to, it's possible to learn and grow well, at the lower levels at any rate (entry level to minorly senior levels).Cons: My guess is the downsides are similar to working at many other large corporate companies. Slow processes, a very slow climb up the career ladder generally speaking. Pay also grows in a generally slow and steady manner; don't expect sudden jumps in pay and level as is possible in smaller environments. Bureaucracy and processes abound, as well as politics, as close as even 1 or 2 levels away from entry-level. Generally speaking, Microsoft isn't the best place to be if you want to be a superstar, quickly advance in your career, or just plain have a lot of energy. Not if you want to get well-rewarded at any rate.
Microsoft Interview Questions
