Microsoft's Interview Process (2025)

Blog / Microsoft's Interview Process (2025)
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The Microsoft interview process is a structured big tech hiring pipeline designed to evaluate technical expertise, problem-solving, and cultural fit. It typically unfolds as follows:
  • Resume screening
  • Recruiter call
  • Online Assessment (OA) (Typically 2-3 LC DSA questions)
  • Technical interviews (Typically 4-5 rounds, including DSA, system design, and occasionally domain-specific questions)
  • Decision (Emphasis on technical skills and alignment with Microsoft’s culture)
To prepare effectively, focus your study plan on three core areas:
  • Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)
  • System Design
  • Behavioural questions
1. Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)Microsoft places a strong emphasis on coding and problem-solving, often through LC-style questions. Study the most frequently asked problems, prioritizing medium and hard difficulty levels.
  • Prioritize topics like arrays, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming - favorites in Microsoft interviews.
  • Speed matters, but clarity is key: aim to solve problems in 25-30 minutes while explaining your logic concisely.
  • Optimization isn’t always required, but be ready to discuss trade-offs and alternative approaches.
2. System DesignSystem design at Microsoft often ties to their product ecosystem—think designing a feature for Azure, Teams, or Windows. Common standalone questions include file sharing services or notification services.
  • Expect a focus on scalability, performance, and practical trade-offs.
  • Core concepts to master include API design, caching, distributed databases, and cloud infrastructure (bonus points for familiarity with Azure).
  • Interviewers value a collaborative approach—treat it like a discussion, not a monologue.
3. Behavioural questionsMicrosoft’s behavioral interviews assess how you align with their culture, emphasizing growth mindset, collaboration, and impact. Questions often fall into three themes:
  • Growth & Adaptability (e.g., “Tell me about a time you learned a new skill to solve a problem”)
  • Collaboration (e.g., “Describe a time you worked with a challenging teammate to deliver a project”)
  • Impact & Initiative (e.g., “Give an example of when you went above and beyond to improve something”)
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep answers structured and to the point.Luckily for you we’ve already done all the heavy lifting of compiling the list of most frequently and generating solutions for each of the above 3 categories. You can check them out here.Studying these materials will ensure that you are being as efficient as possible with your time as possible, which in turn will maximize the possibility that the interview goes well and you get the offer!

About TechPrep

TechPrep has helped thousands of engineers land their dream jobs in Big Tech and beyond. Covering 60+ topics, including coding and DSA challenges, system design write-ups, and interactive quizzes, TechPrep saves you time, build your confidence, and make technical interviews a breeze.