I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Microsoft in Feb 2008
Interview
Very good process, although a little slow. the initial response to the online application took about 4 weeks, followed by an email questionnaire that the recruiter wanted back "immediately". Then it took about 3 weeks for communication on an interview date. After face to face interviews, there was another gap of 4 weeks, before a "final" phone interview by a Director. Wait again for 4 weeks before HR contacts you for discussing an offer. Negotiations were fairly positive. Of course, they want you to join "immediately" :-)
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Behavioural question - give examples where your communication skills were tested
I applied online. I interviewed at Microsoft (Hyderābād) in Jan 2026
Interview
Not a great experience with interviews taking 1 month to complete. Despite ongoing communication, the role did not move forward, reportedly due to approval constraints. The overall experience highlights a gap in aligning internal approvals before progressing candidates to advanced stages.
Clearer communication and better alignment internally would improve the candidate experience
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions on Project Experience and Thought process
The interview process is grueling and I get why people do it but its more awareness, know that you'll spend an entire day and meet several people, so it's important to be mentally and physically prepared. Eat a good breakfast but not heavy stay hydrated. This was just for a PM role it's their standard process I imagine executive level is another thing altogether
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you didn't agree with someone who was a stakeholder on your project and how did you handle that?
Very smooth, thoughtful interview process. It showed the recruiter really cared what I had to contribute and asked great followup clarifying questions. Would definitely recommend everyone try an interview with them even if it doesn't pan out.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Name one project that you have worked on and tell us the outcomes?
Program Manager applicants have rated the interview process at Microsoft with 3.3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 68% positive. To compare, the company-average is 66.4% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Program Manager roles take an average of 28 days to get hired, when considering 553 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Microsoft overall takes an average of 30 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Microsoft as a Program Manager according to 553 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 39%
Phone interview: 22%
Skills test: 9%
Background check: 7%
Group panel interview: 7%
Personality test: 4%
Presentation: 4%
IQ intelligence test: 3%
Drug test: 2%
Other: 1%
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