Initial Screening - Phone or video call to assess basic qualifications and fit
Application Review - Resume, cover letter, and portfolio evaluation
Technical/Skills Assessment - Tests, assignments, or practical demonstrations relevant to the role
Panel Interviews - Multiple rounds with different team members, managers, or stakeholders
Final Interview - Often with senior leadership or decision-makers
Reference Checks - Contacting previous employers or professional contacts
Offer and Negotiation - Salary, benefits, and terms discussion
The process typically takes 1-4 weeks, depending on the company size and role complexity. Each stage filters candidates based on qualifications, cultural fit, and role-specific competencies.
I applied online. I interviewed at Microsoft (Melbourne)
Interview
After submitting an online application, I received a HackerRank assessment after passing the resume screening stage, then I was rejected after completing the assessment and did not proceed to further interview rounds.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The assessment consisted of two LeetCode-medium-level coding questions to be completed within 75 minutes.
45 mins technical interview with a member of their San fran team. Very relaxed and informal but questions were focused and lots of follow ups. Easy to schedule as was over video conferencing platform
Straightforward technical loop overall, with strong interviewers at every stage. I genuinely enjoyed the in-depth conversations around technical challenges and algorithmic problem-solving — the entire process felt well-structured and genuinely engaging.