Interview Experience: Microsoft | SDE 2
Summary
I recently went through the Microsoft hiring process for an SDE 2 role, which included an Online Assessment, two technical coding rounds focusing on C++ fundamentals and algorithms, a system design round for an Alert Monitoring System, and a final Hiring Manager round, ultimately leading to an offer.
Full Experience
I recently attained the Microsoft hiring drive. Online Assessment (HackerRank) Two coding questions focused on data structures and algorithmic efficiency. Result: Received feedback after week. All subsequent rounds are in a single day.
Received the invite for R1 and R2. If these are positive, then R3 will be scheduled. R1: Technical Loop (Coding & C++ Fundamentals) Problem Solving: Implementation-heavy question based on LRU Cache. The problem was framed as a HackerRank-style story rather than a direct request. Follow-up: Discussion on optimizing the cache and handling edge cases. C++ Basics: Questions on C++ standards (STL, memory management, and modern C++ features).
R2: Technical Loop (Algorithms & C++ Standards) Coding: Story-based problem involving Priority Queues (Heaps). Implementation: Required a clean implementation with a focus on time and space complexity.
Cleared both R1 and R2 and got call from HR to R3. R3: System Design (HLD/LLD)
Problem: Design an Alert Monitoring System.
Requirements:
The system monitors multiple machines, each equipped with various sensor types (e.g., Temperature, Pressure).
Each sensor has a defined lower and upper threshold.
If a value falls outside this range, an alert must be triggered and sent to the monitoring system.
User Interaction: Users must be able to view alerts and manually update the state of the alert (e.g., Acknowledged, Resolved, Ignored).
Immediately get a call that clears the R3 from HR and schedule the Hiring Manager round on the same day. R4: Hiring Manager (AA Round)
Project Deep-Dive: Detailed discussion on the architecture and impact of the current project.
Behavioral & Scenario-Based:
How do you handle critical customer issues and high-pressure escalations?
Conflict resolution within a team.
Coding: One foundational coding question to check quick problem-solving skills under pressure.
Interview Questions (5)
LRU Cache Implementation
An implementation-heavy coding question based on the LRU Cache data structure. The problem was framed as a HackerRank-style story rather than a direct request. Follow-up discussion on optimizing the cache and handling edge cases.
C++ Fundamentals Discussion
Questions on C++ standards, including STL, memory management, and modern C++ features.
Priority Queue/Heap Problem
A story-based coding problem involving Priority Queues (Heaps). The implementation required a clean solution with a focus on time and space complexity.
Design an Alert Monitoring System
Design an Alert Monitoring System. Requirements: The system monitors multiple machines, each equipped with various sensor types (e.g., Temperature, Pressure). Each sensor has a defined lower and upper threshold. If a value falls outside this range, an alert must be triggered and sent to the monitoring system. User Interaction: Users must be able to view alerts and manually update the state of the alert (e.g., Acknowledged, Resolved, Ignored).
Handling Customer Issues and Conflict Resolution
Behavioral and scenario-based questions covering how to handle critical customer issues and high-pressure escalations, and conflict resolution within a team.