Software Development Engineer Interview Experience
Process
I met with Microsoft at my university's career fair and gave them a copy of my resume.
I also attended a few other events they held in the following weeks. Eventually, they reached out to me to schedule a first-round interview.
The interview was on campus at our career center and lasted about 45 minutes.
My interviewer asked behavioral questions for approximately 15 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of coding challenges.
Questions
I was asked about a very specific improvement I made to any of my projects. The interviewer wanted some quantitative answer, which was unexpected.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 634 interview experiences for the Microsoft Software Development Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
Microsoft's interview process for their Software Development Engineer roles in the United States is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Microsoft's Software Development Engineer interview process in United States.
Microsoft Work Experiences
- 5.0Very good company to work forSoftware Development Engineer • Former EmployeeHyderābād, Telangana, IndiaNovember 14, 2025Pros: Good peers. Very good work-life balance.Cons: As of this moment, I can't think of any cons.
- 3.0Good place to work, but so much wasted potentialSoftware Development Engineer • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesJuly 6, 2010Pros: Microsoft has a ton of smart people who are generally really nice to work with and, by and large, highly motivated to do a good job and deliver consumer value. The review process is generally pretty fair, with good work being recognized and rewarded. The company has great benefits and treats its employees well. The large size of the company gives employees the ability to pursue opportunities on a variety of projects without the hassle of changing employers.Cons: Microsoft leadership has been in a downward slide for the last 5 or so years. The amount of politics involved in decision making gets more extreme every year. It can be incredibly frustrating to be part of a company with so many resources but that is so hamstrung by its upper/mid-level management that it can't effectively act.
- 3.0Great if you have a good leadSoftware Development Engineer • Former EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesApril 28, 2014Pros: Great benefits including good insurance coverage, a prime card, and company store products.Cons: The old review system is awful. Maybe the new system is better.
Microsoft Interview Questions
