How I Prepared for My Microsoft Interview and Secured the Position
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Chapter 1: My Journey to Microsoft
I’m penning this on April 5, 2022. Just yesterday, April 4, marked my inaugural day as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, and it was an incredible experience!
It's well-known that interviews at major tech firms can be lengthy and challenging. For further insights into the hiring methodologies of such companies, feel free to explore my article on software engineering hiring processes.
Section 1.1: Preparation Strategies
In preparation for securing a highly sought-after software engineering position, it’s typical to encounter coding challenges similar to those found on LeetCode.
In the three months prior to submitting my applications, I tackled around 100 LeetCode problems. While this number may seem modest compared to what you might hear in online forums, the focus should be on truly grasping the fundamental concepts of computer science rather than simply memorizing questions. Adopting a “quality over quantity” mindset is vital.
If you're unsure where to begin with these challenges, I recommend checking out resources like “A Beginner’s Data Structures and Algorithms Study Plan” and “An Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms Study Plan.”
In addition to coding practice, I engaged in personal projects and showcased them on my GitHub profile. I developed a personal website using React to enhance my frontend skills, created proof-of-concept applications with backend tools I had yet to explore, such as Podman, and refreshed my existing projects. This approach allowed me to familiarize myself with trending technologies that might not be part of my current job.
Section 1.2: Crafting Your Resume
I’m not a professional resume writer, but if you're struggling to create an attention-grabbing resume, consulting an expert might be beneficial. Here’s what worked for me.
The key to crafting an effective resume lies in understanding your audience. Who will be the first to review your document? Most likely, it will be automated resume screening software, a recruiter, or a human resources representative. Therefore, your resume must appeal to all these parties, not just software engineers. Avoid using templates for ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility; instead, design your resume from scratch. There are various online tools available to evaluate how well your resume performs against these systems.
Quantifiable achievements are particularly compelling. Here are examples of impactful resume points:
- Enhanced an API developed with .NET Core, reducing response time from 4 seconds to 0.5 seconds, thus improving vendor satisfaction.
- Streamlined AWS resources, leading to a 12% decrease in monthly expenses for the organization.
Don’t hesitate to make your resume visually appealing, while remaining professional. Incorporate icons, colors, and ensure it’s easy to read—not just a dense block of text. Use clear headers and sub-headers, and select a font that maintains readability with appropriate spacing.
Chapter 2: Final Thoughts
The first video, "What is the Microsoft Interview Process Like? (With Sample Questions!)" provides valuable insights into what to expect during the interview process.
The second video, "How to Get into Microsoft! Advice from Recruiters!" offers essential tips on navigating the recruitment landscape.
As you prepare for coding assessments, consider developing a personal project to gain proficiency in modern technologies that may not be part of your current experience.
Create a resume that captivates the entire hiring team, not just the software engineers, and ensure it's engaging.
Lastly, prioritize self-care. Avoid overwhelming yourself with practice questions. Ensure you’re well-rested, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!