Becoming a Software Engineer at Microsoft [Q and A]
Tags: programming, webdev, career, womenintech
Published: 2021-05-17 14:10:56

---
title: Becoming a Software Engineer at Microsoft [Q and A]
published: true
date: 2021-03-29 07:30:37 UTC
tags: Programming,Webdev,Career,WomenInTech
canonical_url: https://elaintech.com/2021/03/29/becoming-a-software-engineer-at-microsoft/
---

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1qfn3xkr4zaoykf5ovo0.png)

There is a lot of advice online for people interested in joining Microsoft as a Software Engineers. In this post, I decided to share with you the most common questions I’m receiving throughout my career from Developers interested in working at Microsoft, together with my answers.
\*please note that the below answers are based on my work experience and refers to Engineering teams in Europe.

###1. I’ve never worked with Microsoft Teams / Dynamics / Bing.com / Office365, etc. products / Microsoft technologies. Can I apply for the Software Engineer role?
Yes! What we’re always looking for are strong programming skills and a passion for technology. You don’t have to know C# / .NET to become a Software Engineer at Microsoft. **Our Engineers work with various programming languages & tech stack**. I’m part of the Microsoft Teams team and I code in TypeScript.



###2. Do I need a certificate in advanced English to work as Software Engineer at Microsoft?
No, you just need to pass the recruitment process in English and be able to work in this language 🙂




###3. Can I change teams/locations?
Yes, you can grow your career within MS across different product groups as well as different disciplines if you choose to! I was a Talent Sourcer based in Warsaw and working as part of the EMEA Engineering Recruitment team and now I’m a Software Engineer (I live in Prague). One of my colleagues moved from recruitment to sales team, another one made a switch from software engineering to a PM role.


###4. Are working hours at Microsoft flexible or do I have to work 9-5?
Working hours at Microsoft are flexible and it’s up to you how you plan your working day/week.


###5. Do you offer visa sponsorship?
Yes, if you require a visa we will help you with the application process.


###6. Do you help with relocation?
Yes 🙂


###7. I don’t know the local language. Is it a problem?
No, **English is the main language used at Microsoft and teams are international and multicultural**. I’m based in Prague and as part of the benefits, I’m having Czech lessons once/week (this is totally up to you if you want to learn the local language).



###8. What if I apply and then fail the interviews? Can I take part in the recruitment process one more time?
**Don’t be afraid to apply!** First, you’ll have a call with someone from the recruitment team who will tell you more about the role, the team as well as will help you prepare for the next steps. **If you won’t pass the interviews, you can always re-apply in the future** (my recommendation: stay in touch with your Recruiter / Talent Sourcer and contact them once you’re ready to try one more time). **Some of my candidates made in on the 2nd or even 5th try!**



###9. Do you hire only Developers with a CS degree? I don’t have one but I already have several years of professional working experience.
This might depend on the team and requirements, but yes, **Microsoft is hiring Software Engineers without a CS degree.** I don’t have such a degree and I’ve met many candidates who didn’t have it as well when going through a recruitment process.



###10. I work only on Mac, so I guess I won’t be a good fit for a Microsoft.
It’s up to you what you’re coding on and yes, **you can work on a Mac 😉**


###11. I’m a C++ / Linux Engineer, do you think there’s a role for me at Microsoft?
Definitely! You can check all openings on our [career website](https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en).


###12. Do you offer internships?
Yes! We have a special section on the career website dedicated to Students and graduates, [you’ll find all details here](https://careers.microsoft.com/students/us/en).



###13. How do I prepare for a remote interview at Microsoft?
**More details will be shared with you by someone from the recruitment team**, but you can check some of the general information before you decide to apply and take part in the recruitment process:

-[Interview guidance](https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/interviewtips),
-[Virtual interviewing](https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/virtual-interview),


###14. What can I expect during the interview process for a Software Engineer role at Microsoft?
**Interviews at Microsoft for software engineering roles check both technical as well as soft/professional skills**. Depending on your level of seniority you can expect to receive questions related to e.g., Design, Coding, Testing, Problem solving, Algorithms & Data structures. **Always make sure to ask your Recruiter / Talent Sourcer what you should prepare and focus on.** Here you can read more about [Technical interviewing at Microsoft](https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/technical-interviewing).



###15. I’m a Senior Software Engineer and I’m not interested in becoming a Manager. Do you offer a career path for ICs?
Yes, you can grow your career as an IC from a Junior Software Engineer up to a Distinguished Engineer or even a Technical Fellow.


**Interested in joining Microsoft? [Make sure to check this post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elamoscicka_microsoft-engineering-hiring-activity-6794890196346302464-JlvG), I’ll be happy to recommend you.**

Thanks for reading & have a nice day,
Ela
————-
Connect with me: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elamoscicka/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/elamoscicka), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ela_in_tech/)