Frequently Asked Questions About Careers at Microsoft

Q.What’s the best way to find available positions at Microsoft in the EMEA region?

A.Search for jobs in your local subsidiary

If you would like to apply for a job in the United States or the Asia Pacific region, please visit either http://members.microsoft.com/careers/mslife/faqs/default.mspx or http://www.microsoft.com/asia/careers/findoutmore/faq.mspx for more information.

Q.Where can I find information about where I might fit in at Microsoft?

A. You can find general information about careers that might suit you at www.microsoft.com/emea/careers. For more detailed information, you should have a look at local job opportunities at Microsoft—these will help you find out about the skills we look for in specific roles.

Q.What is the best way to send my application to Microsoft?

A. The Microsoft application process varies from country to country. Check out the local career site of the country in which you wish to work. In most cases, applicants will either be required to apply through an online application submission site or they may be asked to send their curriculum vitae (CV) via e-mail to their local Microsoft Human Resources (HR) team.

Q.How am I evaluated for a role at Microsoft?

A. The Microsoft Recruitment team will carefully assess your profile, CV, and expertise related to the role for which you have specifically applied and any additional roles that might match your background and expertise. If you complete an online application, please take the time to carefully reflect on your own skills and translate that information into your profile—it will really help us to understand your strengths and specific areas of interest.

Q.How long should I expect to wait to hear from Microsoft?

A. Candidates are likely to receive an update from Microsoft within around two weeks of their application. Your CV will be entered into our database and made available to recruiters who specialise in the areas matching your skills, strengths, and areas of interest. A Recruiter will contact you if an open position matches your skills and background.

Q.What does the interview process involve?

A. The Microsoft interview structure is designed to prepare candidates for each additional round of interviews, which can include the Recruiting Team, Human Resources, Hiring Manager, Director, and Peer evaluations. One of the benefits of going through each stage of the interview process is that candidates will have the opportunity to interview current Microsoft employees and learn more about the position, business, and the Microsoft culture.

Q.Does Microsoft check references?

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

Q.Who should I talk to about package and remuneration information?

A. 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.

Q.Who will see my application? Is it confidential?

A. Your application will be treated with utmost respect and confidentiality. Initially, the only person(s) to see your details will be members of our fully-trained Recruitment team and the Hiring Manager. If, after a confidential screening with the Recruiter, there is mutual agreement that you are to progress to interview meetings, your details will be shared with the relevant interviewers helping us hire for 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.