Microsoft | L62 | April 2024 [Ghosted]

Microsoft | L62 | April

Status: 4 Years Experience Position: SWE3/AVP at Investment Bank

Interviewed at Microsoft in April

ROLE 1 EXPERIENCE

Online Screening round: 1 Easy question, 2 Medium questions.

Coding Round: 2 Medium problems.

Low level Design: Create classes and functions for a Phonebook Search feature on feature phones.

High Level Design: Design a system for file uploading and searching records from those files. This included discussion of caching, load balancing, server placement, batch processing, and delays.

Behavioral: General behavioral questions such as introduction, reasons for interest in Microsoft, passion, flexibility, and technical experience were discussed.

HR Feedback: POSITIVE

Most rounds went well, and HR confirmed multiple times that the feedback was positive. In early May, I received an email from HR requesting all my documents but never heard back. On follow-up, I learned the team had frozen the position and would not be extending offers soon. This was unexpected, as my High-Level Design interviewer had mentioned they were expanding with 5-6 positions in multiple locations.

ROLE 2 EXPERIENCE

HR forwarded my resume for another role. I completed three more interview sets (Coding+LLD+Behavioral) in early June. Feedback was again positive, and HR collected my documents approximately 10 days ago, stating they were preparing an offer. Upon further inquiry, HR indicated they were still preparing and needed more time due to system upgrades.

Microsoft's interview scheduling and feedback communication are slow. HR responses often consisted of 'positive feedback' and requests for more time, with the process potentially taking 2-3 months.

ROLE 3 EXPERIENCE

I also spoke with another hiring manager who stated that Microsoft does not offer L62 to candidates with less than 5 years of experience. This was surprising, as the first and third teams were interviewing for L62. I discussed the possibility of an L61 offer, but it was not feasible for me. Several hiring managers were willing to offer lower levels if my years of experience were less than 5. I provided honest answers to the hiring managers. The meeting concluded after approximately 30 minutes, and the hiring manager decided not to move forward.

I will update if I hear back from HR regarding system upgrades.