Top Microsoft Interview Questions

Review this list of 201 Microsoft interview questions and answers verified by hiring managers and candidates.
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'Design a risk management plan for a data center.'
    Technical
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'Design Uber Eats.'
    +5

    "basic drew the diagram"

    Aswath B. - "basic drew the diagram"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    System Design
    +2 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +3

    "The question refers to a very specific event: "step into the back for a few minutes, return and see a lot of people waiting"... I might try to clarify goals and scenario: Before I stepped back, there were no ppl waiting? If so, we might be talking about a very specific, even uncommon scenario, in which optimizations for the complete serving system in the long term might not be needed. Maybe they even arrived all together and this is expected behavior. Are people waiting for something specif"

    Alfredo M. - "The question refers to a very specific event: "step into the back for a few minutes, return and see a lot of people waiting"... I might try to clarify goals and scenario: Before I stepped back, there were no ppl waiting? If so, we might be talking about a very specific, even uncommon scenario, in which optimizations for the complete serving system in the long term might not be needed. Maybe they even arrived all together and this is expected behavior. Are people waiting for something specif"See full answer

    Execution
    Analytical
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'How would you design and launch a TinyURL-like product?'

    "Missing launch. Only design is covered."

    Miguel C. - "Missing launch. Only design is covered."See full answer

    Product Design
  • "The customer's business needs and requirements. The technical aspects of their legacy system. The budget and timeline constraints. The risks and mitigation strategies. The customer's specific concerns. Assess the feasibility of migrating their legacy system to the cloud - This will involve evaluating the technical aspects of their legacy system, as well as the business impact of the migration. Develop a migration plan -This plan should outline the steps involved in migrat"

    Praful B. - "The customer's business needs and requirements. The technical aspects of their legacy system. The budget and timeline constraints. The risks and mitigation strategies. The customer's specific concerns. Assess the feasibility of migrating their legacy system to the cloud - This will involve evaluating the technical aspects of their legacy system, as well as the business impact of the migration. Develop a migration plan -This plan should outline the steps involved in migrat"See full answer

    Solutions Architect
    Customer Interaction
    +2 more
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  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'Product of Array Except Self'
    +39

    "Javascript solve: function productExceptSelf(nums) { // your code goes here if(nums.length < 1) return nums; let totalMaxProduct = 1; for(let i=0; i<nums.length; i++) { if(nums[i]!==0) totalMaxProduct*=nums[i]; } for(let i=0; i<nums.length; i++){ if(nums[i]!==0){ nums[i] = totalMaxProduct/nums[i]; } } return nums; } `"

    Aman G. - "Javascript solve: function productExceptSelf(nums) { // your code goes here if(nums.length < 1) return nums; let totalMaxProduct = 1; for(let i=0; i<nums.length; i++) { if(nums[i]!==0) totalMaxProduct*=nums[i]; } for(let i=0; i<nums.length; i++){ if(nums[i]!==0){ nums[i] = totalMaxProduct/nums[i]; } } return nums; } `"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Data Structures & Algorithms
    +3 more
  • "First, I'd like to ask some clarifying questions and try to narrow down the scope of this question. Among them I would like to ask: Are we looking to optimize for a specific goal or metric? Eg: we want more users/queries or are we looking to increase revenue? Are we testing over a specific aspect of Bing? EG: UI, search quality results, recommendation engine, etc. Duration and size of the test. Available resources or constraints (teams, technology, budget) Now, to ass"

    Alfredo M. - "First, I'd like to ask some clarifying questions and try to narrow down the scope of this question. Among them I would like to ask: Are we looking to optimize for a specific goal or metric? Eg: we want more users/queries or are we looking to increase revenue? Are we testing over a specific aspect of Bing? EG: UI, search quality results, recommendation engine, etc. Duration and size of the test. Available resources or constraints (teams, technology, budget) Now, to ass"See full answer

    Technical Program Manager
    Analytical
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +1

    "Situation - A time I dealt with conflict while on a team was while I was working at Shopify on physical and digital gift card refund point of sale solutions. The situation was that we were dealing with complex technical constraints including not changing particular UI components behavior to act as they should be intended. On the refund screen, the existing design was using a toggle on the same screen to bring up a modal for gift card selection to either select digital or physical options. Thi"

    Ben G. - "Situation - A time I dealt with conflict while on a team was while I was working at Shopify on physical and digital gift card refund point of sale solutions. The situation was that we were dealing with complex technical constraints including not changing particular UI components behavior to act as they should be intended. On the refund screen, the existing design was using a toggle on the same screen to bring up a modal for gift card selection to either select digital or physical options. Thi"See full answer

    Product Designer
    Behavioral
    +2 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +2

    "When I transitioned from the Analytics team to the Product team, I faced challenges in gaining the trust of the engineering team. Having previously worked with them in a role where I provided insights rather than defining their priorities, they were initially hesitant to accept my inputs in my new role. This led to some misalignment, as they chose to focus on tasks independently rather than incorporating my recommendations. Recognizing the need to build credibility, I took a proactive approach."

    Shahrukh K. - "When I transitioned from the Analytics team to the Product team, I faced challenges in gaining the trust of the engineering team. Having previously worked with them in a role where I provided insights rather than defining their priorities, they were initially hesitant to accept my inputs in my new role. This led to some misalignment, as they chose to focus on tasks independently rather than incorporating my recommendations. Recognizing the need to build credibility, I took a proactive approach."See full answer

    BizOps & Strategy
    Behavioral
    +1 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 

    "Clarifying Questions: Do we have any specific goal in mind for this new product, for example targeting new audience, expansion to new places , catering to new need etc. · I am going to assume targeting new audience Do we have any constraints? · No constraints When you say restaurants does it mean casual restaurants, pubs, food joints 5 star hotels etc. · I am going to assume all kind of restaurants who have already registered there establishments on Swiggy Structure User Segme"

    Gaurav C. - "Clarifying Questions: Do we have any specific goal in mind for this new product, for example targeting new audience, expansion to new places , catering to new need etc. · I am going to assume targeting new audience Do we have any constraints? · No constraints When you say restaurants does it mean casual restaurants, pubs, food joints 5 star hotels etc. · I am going to assume all kind of restaurants who have already registered there establishments on Swiggy Structure User Segme"See full answer

    Product Design
    Analytical
    +1 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +1

    "For any project based questions, it is important to structure your response clearly, showcasing your thought process, technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how your work added value. Besides the STAR method, you can also use this kind of framework: 1. Start by selecting a relevant project (related to the role) Give the project background and what specific problem it solved. 2. Align the project's objective and your role Be specific about your role: were you the le"

    Malay K. - "For any project based questions, it is important to structure your response clearly, showcasing your thought process, technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how your work added value. Besides the STAR method, you can also use this kind of framework: 1. Start by selecting a relevant project (related to the role) Give the project background and what specific problem it solved. 2. Align the project's objective and your role Be specific about your role: were you the le"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Behavioral
    +5 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'Find the number of rotations in a circularly sorted array.'
    +8

    "function findRotations(nums) { if (nums.length 0 && nums[mid] > nums[mid-1]) { left = mid; } else { right = mid; } } return rig"

    Tiago R. - "function findRotations(nums) { if (nums.length 0 && nums[mid] > nums[mid-1]) { left = mid; } else { right = mid; } } return rig"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Data Structures & Algorithms
    +1 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 

    "I'd like to clarify the question here for better understanding. Are we targeting any location? Assuming WW Do we have any demographics of the users? Assuming overall users Did we see any drop recently in TV watching users metrics for which we want to improve the watch time on TVs? No, in general we want to improve this area. Are we looking to improve the overall Netflix watch time on TV, not to acquire new users? Correct. As Netflix is offering content of so many genres of con"

    Vijendar K. - "I'd like to clarify the question here for better understanding. Are we targeting any location? Assuming WW Do we have any demographics of the users? Assuming overall users Did we see any drop recently in TV watching users metrics for which we want to improve the watch time on TVs? No, in general we want to improve this area. Are we looking to improve the overall Netflix watch time on TV, not to acquire new users? Correct. As Netflix is offering content of so many genres of con"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +16

    "We can use dictionary to store cache items so that our read / write operations will be O(1). Each time we read or update an existing record, we have to ensure the item is moved to the back of the cache. This will allow us to evict the first item in the cache whenever the cache is full and we need to add new records also making our eviction O(1) Instead of normal dictionary, we will use ordered dictionary to store cache items. This will allow us to efficiently move items to back of the cache a"

    Alfred O. - "We can use dictionary to store cache items so that our read / write operations will be O(1). Each time we read or update an existing record, we have to ensure the item is moved to the back of the cache. This will allow us to evict the first item in the cache whenever the cache is full and we need to add new records also making our eviction O(1) Instead of normal dictionary, we will use ordered dictionary to store cache items. This will allow us to efficiently move items to back of the cache a"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Data Structures & Algorithms
    +6 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 

    "When I look to join a company, I think of long term association. Hence, I put a lot of focus on the team that I am going to work with, the culture, the value that I will add to the company & the opportunities for me to learn & grow. Microsoft is one of the pioneers in the tech industry touching the lives of many corporate and consumer clients and helping them to achieve more. To answer your question specifically, i would say -: Microsoft will provide me a platform to work with some of the sma"

    Amit A. - "When I look to join a company, I think of long term association. Hence, I put a lot of focus on the team that I am going to work with, the culture, the value that I will add to the company & the opportunities for me to learn & grow. Microsoft is one of the pioneers in the tech industry touching the lives of many corporate and consumer clients and helping them to achieve more. To answer your question specifically, i would say -: Microsoft will provide me a platform to work with some of the sma"See full answer

    Technical Program Manager
    Behavioral
    +1 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +7

    "Honestly, In addition to having the right expertise and skills required for this job, I am really looking forward to being part of this organisation’s journey. I am really confident that I will really exceed your expectations in achieving both mine and the company’s goals. I have worked with different teams in different capacities, managed a team of engineers successfully from very early part of my career and that has made me a very easy person to work with. I get things done easily. I am passio"

    Piyush D. - "Honestly, In addition to having the right expertise and skills required for this job, I am really looking forward to being part of this organisation’s journey. I am really confident that I will really exceed your expectations in achieving both mine and the company’s goals. I have worked with different teams in different capacities, managed a team of engineers successfully from very early part of my career and that has made me a very easy person to work with. I get things done easily. I am passio"See full answer

    Sales Representative
    Behavioral
    +2 more
  • +1

    "As always, I'd start this discussion by asking a couple clarifying questions. In particular, I'd like to learn more from the interviewer about what "not pulling as hard" looks like. Does it mean: lower code output relative to the rest of the team lower velocity per sprint in terms of story points less participation in code reviews minimal participation in meetings and ceremonies Or perhaps it's a combination of these. As others have pointed out, I'd also want to confirm that I am not ma"

    Seth W. - "As always, I'd start this discussion by asking a couple clarifying questions. In particular, I'd like to learn more from the interviewer about what "not pulling as hard" looks like. Does it mean: lower code output relative to the rest of the team lower velocity per sprint in terms of story points less participation in code reviews minimal participation in meetings and ceremonies Or perhaps it's a combination of these. As others have pointed out, I'd also want to confirm that I am not ma"See full answer

    Business Analyst
    Behavioral
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    +7

    "Question: Design a CookBook app A few questions I’d ask the interviewer are: what’s the purpose/goal of the app, who are the user segments, and any primary geography we’re targeting as the first launch of the product. Answers/assumptions to the questions: let’s say below are the answers the interviewer provides: what’s the purpose/goal of the app: to help people to follow a recipe, follow it while cooking, and also request a recipe who are the user segments: considering people who’r"

    Anamitra - "Question: Design a CookBook app A few questions I’d ask the interviewer are: what’s the purpose/goal of the app, who are the user segments, and any primary geography we’re targeting as the first launch of the product. Answers/assumptions to the questions: let’s say below are the answers the interviewer provides: what’s the purpose/goal of the app: to help people to follow a recipe, follow it while cooking, and also request a recipe who are the user segments: considering people who’r"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 
    Video answer for 'How do you select the value of 'k' in the k-means algorithm?'
    +1

    "As an interviewer, I have asked this question to candidates in the past. Here are the major topics I am looking for in an interview The candidate should understand that there are ways of measuring the loss of a particular clustering. For example, we can take the average distance of each point to it's cluster center. The candidate should understand that this loss will always decrease as the number of clusters increases. For that reason, we can't just pick the value of K that minimizes the l"

    Michael F. - "As an interviewer, I have asked this question to candidates in the past. Here are the major topics I am looking for in an interview The candidate should understand that there are ways of measuring the loss of a particular clustering. For example, we can take the average distance of each point to it's cluster center. The candidate should understand that this loss will always decrease as the number of clusters increases. For that reason, we can't just pick the value of K that minimizes the l"See full answer

    Machine Learning Engineer
    Concept
    +1 more
  • Microsoft logoAsked at Microsoft 

    "The biggest factor that excites me about technology is its ever changing and dynamic trend. In my life, I have seen the transition from landlines to simple mobile to smartphones, from Cathode tube desktop screen to super slim TFT and many more. I think technology has now (with time) become integral part of human life and getting in-sync with it is like a normal and very cool phenomena."

    Sagrika S. - "The biggest factor that excites me about technology is its ever changing and dynamic trend. In my life, I have seen the transition from landlines to simple mobile to smartphones, from Cathode tube desktop screen to super slim TFT and many more. I think technology has now (with time) become integral part of human life and getting in-sync with it is like a normal and very cool phenomena."See full answer

    Technical Program Manager
    Technical
    +1 more
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