Company: Microsoft
Date: 2008-05-08
Overall rating: 5/5
Employment status: current

A happy Microsoftie
Pros: The people.  I have interviewed at more than 10 top tech companies and the openness and level of collaboration within Microsoft are second to none.  The par is set pretty high for hiring and it shows.  I have met and worked with some of the smartest and most talented people that I have ever experienced working at Microsoft.  In addition to great peers, I have found that people in senior roles are always happy and willing to share with you their experiences and give advice when you ask, thus creating a very open and "warm" work environment.  These things, in my opinion, create for a truly world-class work environment.
Cons: Microsoft is a huge company.  Getting things changed is feels like it is nearly impossible.  In addition, sometimes just finding the proper resource is difficult simply because of how large the company is.  I often feel like Microsoft doesn't value or recognize talent as much as it used to and that seniority is the key to success within the company.  This does not sit well with me since it seems like the key to job growth within the company is stamina and endurance rather than truly brilliant work.  I was really hoping for more of a meritocracy within the company.