Microsoft - SDE II Interview experience
Summary
I recently completed a 3-round interview process at Microsoft for the SDE II role, which focused heavily on Low-Level Design (LLD) and the reasoning behind architectural choices. I am currently waiting for the results.
Full Experience
Round 1: DSA (60 min) - Feb 27, 2026
Problem: Meeting Rooms II (Finding the minimum rooms required) - https://leetcode.com/problems/meeting-rooms-ii/description/.
Discussion: We explored three approaches: Priority Queue, Two-Pointer, and an Array-based solution (for specific time ranges). I was asked to implement both the PQ and Two-Pointer versions.
Round 2: System Design/LLD (75 min) - Feb 27, 2026
Task: Design a Multi-floor Parking Lot.
Focus: After a project deep-dive, we spent the bulk of the time on the implementation details and class structures.
Round 3: System Design/LLD (60 min) - March 02, 2026
Task: Design an Undo/Redo mechanism for a text editor with configurable limits.
Focus: Heavy emphasis on choosing the right data structures to handle history efficiently.
Key Takeaway: The design rounds weren't just about diagrams; they were about the "why" behind DSA choices and actual code implementation.
Currently waiting for the results.
Interview Questions (3)
Meeting Rooms II
Given an array of meeting time intervals consisting of start and end times, find the minimum number of conference rooms required. I was asked to discuss and implement solutions. We explored three approaches: Priority Queue, Two-Pointer, and an Array-based solution (for specific time ranges). I was asked to implement both the Priority Queue and Two-Pointer versions.
Design a Multi-floor Parking Lot
Design a Multi-floor Parking Lot. After a project deep-dive, the focus was primarily on the implementation details and class structures of the system.
Design an Undo/Redo mechanism for a text editor
Design an Undo/Redo mechanism for a text editor that supports configurable limits on the history. The focus was heavily on choosing the right data structures to efficiently handle the history of changes.