Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft prefers to receive electronic candidate applications via this website as it means, with your permission, we are able to store your details in our candidate database and stay in touch. If you build your application details through our online system, your details will be retained so you can update them at any time. There is no need to send us hard-copies of your application. As Microsoft has an in-house recruitment model, please be advised that we do not accept unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies on your behalf. Your application should include a summary of your employment, education and experience, plus any other information that you think we would be interested in knowing about. You may send us a general application to express your interest, or choose from one of our many advertised vacancies and make a specific application to a position. Please be advised that due to the volume of candidate applications we receive, those that are specific applications for an advertised 'current vacancy' will be given first consideration. We suggest that your application is no longer than five pages in length. Microsoft does not have specified selection criteria that you need to address in a written document. If we require any additional information from you, we will call you to let you know.

If you apply to Microsoft through this website you should see an 'acknowledgement message' appear in your internet browser confirming receipt of your details. (Please note: You will not receive an additional email acknowledgement).

General Applications: If you choose to send us a general application (that is, not relating to any of our currently advertised vacancies) we will retain your details in our system so that we may contact you again in future should a relevant vacancy become available in your preferred field and location. Due to the volume of general applications we receive across Asia, we are unable to provide everyone with 1:1 follow-up and suggest that you save our Careers Site address in your 'Favourites' so that you can check in on new opportunities regularly. You will be given a unique candidate number when you apply so you can log on in future you can access your private details.

Specific Applications: If you choose to send us a specific application (that is, relating to one of our currently advertised vacancies) we will retain your details in our system so that we may contact you again as we move through our candidate consideration process.

Note

If you have been short-listed to interview for a position your Microsoft Recruiter will contact you and let you know the process in place in the specific location for which you are based (the interview process differs slightly dependent upon role, location and availability of our interviewing teams). Typically, a short-listed candidate will be invited in for some initial discussions, progressing through up to four interviews. These interviews 1:1 or by panel, and can be face to face or by telephone or Video. Interviews are usually one hour in duration. Your Recruiter will remain your 'point of contact' throughout the process and provide you with interviewer feedback and information regarding your progression.

The interviews themselves are an opportunity for you to have an in-depth discussion with the interviewer about your background, demonstrated skills and experience. In particular, we are interested in having genuine and candid conversations with people about what they want to achieve in their careers, and deciding together whether or not Microsoft is an environment that matches your expectations. For this reason, Microsoft interviews are based on behavioural questions. Microsoft Asia Pacific does not conduct any psychometric testing of candidates. Technical candidates may be asked to complete some form of technical assessment.

Microsoft has a corporate casual environment - so candidates often ask, "What should I wear?" Quite simply, we just want you to wear whatever you are comfortable in and suggest smart business dress is appropriate attire for interviews.

How long the recruiting process takes depends on the role and how many people have been short-listed for interviews. If you have been unsuccessful at interview, your Recruiter will usually be able to advise you within 48 hours. We prefer to do this by phone so we have the opportunity to discuss the interview feedback with you and explain our decision-making process. Our aim is to inform you of any decision ASAP so that you are free to continue discussions with other employers you may be considering. If you have been successful at interview your Recruiter will let you know the anticipated time frame we expect for you to wait as we progress with our consideration of other candidates. Usually, decisions regarding a preferred candidate are made within a couple of weeks of interview, but this is a case-by-case scenario. Your Recruiter will discuss this with you.

Yes. Microsoft reserves the right to check references and educational qualifications extensively for any candidate at any point in the recruitment process.

If you are being considered for a role, your Recruiter will be happy to have a confidential discussion with you and explain the packages and benefits Microsoft offers. Your Recruiter is the best contact person for these discussions.

Your application will be treated with utmost respect and confidentiality. Initially, the only person(s) to see your details will be members of out fully trained Recruitment team and the Hiring Manager. If, after a confidential screening with the Recruiter, there is mutual agreement you are to progress to interview meetings, your details will be shared with the relevant interviewers helping us hire the role. All Interviewers are Microsoft employees and fully trained in our recruiting processes. All Microsoft employees work under a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement. Similarly, you may be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement so that we can discuss confidential information with you around remuneration and business strategy associated with the role. We will only retain your personal information and contact you again if you give us permission to do so.

MACH stands for 'Microsoft Academy of College Hires'. MACH is the name of our international program that recruits graduates from around the world into all regions within Microsoft.

No. The start date for all subsidiaries within Asia Pacific occurs on an ongoing basis. We encourage you to keep a look out for roles through our Job Search page.

APAC is an abbreviation of 'Asia Pacific'. Microsoft's presence in APAC (Asia Pacific) is reflected by a workforce of more than 4,000 employees. About 20% of Microsoft's global revenue comes from Asia Pacific, which has been the company's fastest growing region in compounded rate over the past 3-4 years. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/asia/about/ for more information

The MACH Program is a two-year course. Upon graduating from the program, MACH participants continue on as full time employees of Microsoft stationed at our regional subsidiaries. Graduates also become alumni of MACH.

A dedicated mentor accompanies each graduate for the duration of the program. Mentors are experienced Microsoft employees. Their role is to support your career development with advice and counseling. You’ll have regular scheduled meetings with your mentor, so that mutual feedback on the program will be guaranteed. If necessary, your mentor will help you to find solutions. In any case your mentor will do everything possible to ensure that the program is a successful step towards your career with Microsoft.

Our MACH hires come from all over the globe. They will become part of a diverse virtual team, sharing their personal and professional experiences throughout the year. In addition, the professional training sessions take place throughout Asia Pacific and the United States, encouraging regular international travel.

To provide graduate hires a framework to become successful in their careers at Microsoft.

The program is the perfect transition between academic and professional life. It is an excellent chance to develop your professional career, balancing skills, knowledge and in-depth insights into the practical day-to-day activities at Microsoft.

During your employment in the local subsidiary, you’ll gain professional knowledge and first-hand experience in areas such as project work, onsite client visits, licensing, presentation skills, and market solutions. You’ll be based in one subsidiary, but travel around internationally for your professional training.