Software Development Engineer Interview Experience
October 1, 2015
Positive ExperienceNo Offer
Process
Phone interview where brain teasers were asked. I had already heard the first question, so they immediately moved onto another. I expected more technical questions. The interviewer asked questions about my resume and personal projects as well. The overall experience was pleasant, but it felt like an interview for a Project Manager position rather than a Software Development Engineer.
Questions
Bound by NDA.
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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
29%
Pass 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
Positive57%
Neutral32%
Negative11%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Microsoft's Software Development Engineer interview process in United States.
Microsoft Work Experiences
4.0
Great company to work for, but not for all teams
Software Development Engineer • Former Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
November 30, 2016
Pros: - Diversified working environment.
- Many interesting projects and teams inside the company.
- Some smart people and some good teammates.
Cons: - Too many reorganizations.
- Need luck to land a good team, manager, or project.
- Diversity is decreasing, replaced by politics or political correctness.
- Microsoft is also adopting open-plan offices, and some rude people have become annoying.
5.0
Smart Team, Good Balance
Software Development Engineer • Current Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
October 28, 2015
Pros: - Very interesting and challenging tasks if you join the right team.
- Smart colleagues.
- Microsoft cares about its employees (health, dental, 401k, stocks).
- Good work/life balance.
- Hackathons.
Cons: - No free food! It sucks.
- You won't get the latest MacBook Pro and iPhone when you join.
- To get promoted, you often should be a friend of your manager.
- Comparatively low compensation.
- Might get some routine, boring tasks if you are not in the right team, though you can switch them pretty easily.
3.0
Smart people as individuals, led by idiots
Software Development Engineer • Current Employee
Redmond, Washington, United States
June 17, 2011
Pros: Smart colleagues (in programming disciplines)
Excellent benefits
Great opportunities/support to change career path (from development to program management, for example)
Technical learning opportunities
Fast promotions if you perform and are lucky to be in a group that is "in fashion"
Cons: Grading on a curve.
Slow promotions for an average developer.
Too much red tape, politics, and micromanagement at times.
- 4.0Great company to work for, but not for all teamsSoftware Development Engineer • Former EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesNovember 30, 2016Pros: - Diversified working environment. - Many interesting projects and teams inside the company. - Some smart people and some good teammates.Cons: - Too many reorganizations. - Need luck to land a good team, manager, or project. - Diversity is decreasing, replaced by politics or political correctness. - Microsoft is also adopting open-plan offices, and some rude people have become annoying.
- 5.0Smart Team, Good BalanceSoftware Development Engineer • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesOctober 28, 2015Pros: - Very interesting and challenging tasks if you join the right team. - Smart colleagues. - Microsoft cares about its employees (health, dental, 401k, stocks). - Good work/life balance. - Hackathons.Cons: - No free food! It sucks. - You won't get the latest MacBook Pro and iPhone when you join. - To get promoted, you often should be a friend of your manager. - Comparatively low compensation. - Might get some routine, boring tasks if you are not in the right team, though you can switch them pretty easily.
- 3.0Smart people as individuals, led by idiotsSoftware Development Engineer • Current EmployeeRedmond, Washington, United StatesJune 17, 2011Pros: Smart colleagues (in programming disciplines) Excellent benefits Great opportunities/support to change career path (from development to program management, for example) Technical learning opportunities Fast promotions if you perform and are lucky to be in a group that is "in fashion"Cons: Grading on a curve. Slow promotions for an average developer. Too much red tape, politics, and micromanagement at times.
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