33
eNPS Score
Q&A With Microsoft Employees
One of the most important drivers of our success is our culture. We fundamentally believe that we need a growth mindset culture. This starts with the belief that everyone can grow and develop; potential is nurtured, not predetermined; and anyone can change their mindset.
How employees describe working at Microsoft
great awesome. this is the best company
Review from Product Dept
Microsoft pays for a part of it.
Too many things to list!
Review from Marketing Dept
Challenges and Hiring Process really needs improvement.
Review from IT Dept
Microsoft has been hands-down the best place to work. It's hard to find a company that has a great brand, bright future, world-class employees, a generous compensation package, and positive culture.
Review from Engineering Dept
What it's like to work at Microsoft
- Microsoft employees generally work 9.2 hrs a day
- Employees at Microsoft report the work pace is comfortably fast
- On a typical day, employees at Microsoft have 2 meetings
- 84% of Microsoft employees look forward to interacting with their team every day
- Microsoft employees most often take 20-30 paid vacation and sick days each year
- 73% of Microsoft employees report they are happy with their work life balance
- Microsoft employees typically get valuable feedback on how to improve at work Once a quarter
- 82% of Microsoft employees call their work environment positive
Q&A With Microsoft Employees
IDX: 75 TOT: 163
What was the most difficult question that was asked during your interview at Microsoft?
I didn't consider any of the questions to be particularly difficult, but I have a lot of experience.
Usually, "what problems did you not solve at your previous position?".
Since I did a fair amount of hires in MS, I believe I can answer on behalf of a few. I worked in engineering and obviously asked both simple and complex questions related to coding. But I also brought up questions that I had myself to get an extra set of eyes. For Program Managment I love Feynman asked”you created a new product for Microsoft, how do you make it a success, purely to see how the think, don’t go into any question expecting you can do it all, play along with the “one microsoft methodology “ and praise teamwork
What's the vibe like in the Sales dept at Microsoft? How many hours are you working?
40, great vibe, like a family. We are very well treated.
WFH varies widely depending on what team you’re on, who your boss is, whether you’re in Redmond or some field office, how you’re doing with respect to quota, seniority and so much more. Most people who are succeeding are working 40 hours a week, but W/L balance is respected.
Depends on your manager like any role. Hours can be crushing at times, or very light at times depending on deals you have working. If you choose you can work 100 hours a week and still have more to do.
What's one thing you wish you'd known before joining Microsoft?
the 5% good attrition target (it ruins teamwork and collaboration)
that'd I'd be in a stinky office.
Promiotions are slow
Describe the most exciting or fun day you've ever had at work.
Really interesting analysis regarding segmenting customers and strategically selling to them.
I'll never forget the day they added eggnog to the company fridge. Long will that day be burned in mind and in my heart.
offsite events are fun and generous
How long ago was Windows introduced?
26 years? Final Answer!
I think it was November 20, 1985
great
How long does it take to hear back after applying to Microsoft?
2 weeks
2 weeks
Usually get answer that day
How hard is it to get promoted at Microsoft?
It depends entirely on your manager and management chain. You get put on a career path by your management and it is hard to break off whatever that path is. That path could get you promoted every 6 months or every 3 years. In my experience, it rarely has anything to do with what you delivered or how you conduct yourself at work. It's a very very very broken system.
It depends mostly on you. There's a loose policy that says you need 2 years in level before getting promoted. There's always exceptions to the rule. I've seen a very, very small number of people consistently move up faster than that. Over a 15 year span I've averaged a promo every 3 years. You will have more velocity the lower your level, on average. Once you get to level 64, most people stall out permanently. The jump to 65 will require that you know how to be competent politically and potentially wait through a few attempts. For the most part, you will be managed to averages. I've had great years where I did not get promoted. And so-so years where I got promoted. If you fall into a diversity bucket, based on my own observations, you have a better shot at moving faster than the average.
Must be new hire or new in career. Flatline at level 64.
What is the PTO policy at Microsoft?
Very liberal
3 weeks per annum for the first 6 years
It’s all written on me crosier career website
Does Microsoft have a volunteer program?
Yes
Yes
Yes, but and a whole lot of them!
How are the healthcare options at Microsoft?
Great
free massages, sometimes happy endings on weekends.
I’d say good, not perfect but very good.
What makes you the most proud about working at Microsoft?
Being proud of what my company was innovating for our overall world collective.
It’s worn off. Salary low. Pay you well at first, and then barely get enough for cost of living increase. Between stock, cash and salary still below industry and new hire at lower levels. Always peak performer too. This year 1% raise equals to one hour pay additional a month.
Giving back and the current culture
Is it possible to switch teams at Microsoft? If so, what is the process?
Difficult. Hire from external easier. No increase moving to another role and get dinged at rewards - lowest in team.
You apply through career.microsoft.com and apply as internal applicant
You have to show a good team fit. Usually being White helps the most.
What is the onboarding process like at Microsoft and how long does it last?
Firehose. Unless you are entry level not much of an onboarding.
Anything from a day to months
They like to play mindgames and test you at every second. being sarcastic and doubtful about Microsoft products ensures permanent hiring potential. They don't like "yes" people. They want people that can scrutinize their products for the better.
How often do promotions happen at Microsoft?
It depends on your impact reach
they happen secretly. nobody really knows.
Politics above talent
What is the best advice you could give someone during their first month at Microsoft?
Smile and be a good listener, feel it out and find your place, and own it.
Show you're a leader by managing others. Show your potential at every meeting by being the most advising. Make suggestions at every possible moment. Be Loud and Proud. Show your technical prowess. Be the Leader of all things. Remember, even though Bill Gates was technically arrogant, it's what the company remembers to be the best employee persona, so be technically arrogant. Show them you know your stuff.
if you don't like your alias, CHANGE IT ASAP
What skills do you need to be successful in the Engineering department at Microsoft?
Lack of concern for quality code.
The same skills as most large technology companies. A background in data structures and algorithms is helpful. Specific experience in the area you are working in is helpful. A general thirst for knowledge and a deep desire and aptitude to solve problems is essential.
A willingness to be methodical, even at the expense of speed and/or creativity. Microsoft's customers expect solid products, and Microsoft expects stable code from its engineers.
How's the leadership on the IT team at Microsoft?
It's average. This is true across Microsoft, with the exception of Microsoft services where leadership is below average at best.
In my team, pretty bad. We brought in an incompetent, but opinionated manager, who proceeded to decimate the team. I don't see any positive outcome from that persons work yet.
Constant churn
What's the pay like for Marketing roles at Microsoft?
Sr. Roles at level 62 are around $115k, L63 is around $135k and $160-170k for L64. Bonus starts around 10% and goes up to +40% for higher performers.
really good compared to other tech companies in our area
Above average given the workload.
What's the IT team like at Microsoft?
collaborative in general, but the 5% attrition target keeps total teamwork from taking hold.
In conflict
always helpful and efficient
What's the pay like for Sales roles at Microsoft?
Varies wildly depending on experience, tenure and position, but generally generous.
slightly above average
Base and stock equal a good start. OTE earnings of 220-250. Unfortunately, you have to hit 75% of your quota or you do not get any commission. It has been a problem many times over the last 5 years for sales people to get to 75% and there only received their base and stock.
If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?
more fairness in opportunities. being a white male at microsoft is the kiss of death
Less travel, wider variety of work, less politics.
more direct control of job, better and more consistent feedback of what the real goal is rather than hidden agendas
Do you see coworkers typically caring about the work they do?
No, just enough to keep out of management sight
Generally everyone is excited about the work they are doing. There are very few people who are not here to do awesome work every day.
Depends on the team. Clearly, if you work for a passion area you will care more. If you don't care, find a new role. There are some that coast along and collect a paycheck for mediocre work.
How often do employees get raises at Microsoft?
Nobody gets promoted every 3 months (not sure where that person got their info). Average promotion is probably every 3 to 4 years until most people permanently stall out at level 64. Early in your career you may get promoted every 2 years. Of course there are always a very small number who get promoted faster. If you perform somewhat close to average, expect around a 2% raise each year regardless of promo. A promo usually comes with a 7% to 10% raise. As you move up to different level "bands," your bonus potential and stock potential increases quite a bit. Lower band max bonus is 20% (expect to get right around the mid point), then 30%, and 40%. If you ever get to the really high bands, bonus and stock potential get much larger and will be the majority of your earnings.
One a year is the normal cycle within level/band. This said people may get promoted every 3 months and hence a raise will come with that.
How's the leadership on the Product team at Microsoft?
Very political
Depending on the people that runs the team. I am care for empathy others don’t...
What perk or benefit should Microsoft have?
The same perks that other tech companies of that size have.
Their benefits are, frankly, awesome.
Curious about what work's like at Microsoft?
Anonymously Ask Microsoft Employees Any Question
Should I work at Microsoft?
54% of Microsoft employees would encourage their friends to become coworkers, whereas 25% are neutral and 21% would not recommend working at Microsoft to their friends.
| 54% | Promoters |
|---|---|
| 25% | Passive |
| 21% | Detractors |
Recently Asked Questions about working at Microsoft
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