I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA) in Sep 2014
Interview
At Microsoft, as a throwback to the good old days there is a draconian approach to interviews. They last a day and you meet with 5-6 people for an hour apiece. Those people get together and vote. The hiring manager then decides whether to move forward. If you do, you meet with the hiring manager, and then, if you pass, you often meet with their manager. The process takes all day. It can take months to get an interview and many more months to hear anything back if you are accepted. If you aren't accepted, you don't hear anything back. Not a really great experience. HR/recruiting is spread too thin to really be able to offer any insights or value.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
For this role, the days of "trick" interview questions are over. The questions focus on your experience and value and seeing if you are fit for the team.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Microsoft (Chicago, IL) in Feb 2010
Interview
Cumbersome, crazy questions (how would you test an ink pen). I have been doing my job for 15+ years, getting these questions made me wonder about the company.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Ethics - If you are out of country, and the norm is to bribe to get the deal done, do you bribe?
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 6+ months. I interviewed at Microsoft (Washington, DC) in Mar 2010
Interview
Somewhat complicated and took longer than I anticipated. Microsoft may take a long time deciding where you fit, but eventually they'll steer you straight. For my first role at Microsoft, I had to talk with several people about a few different job opportunities before finally meeting with my hiring manager and landing it.