Microsoft SWE-2 Interview Experience
Summary
I recently completed my interview process for a Software Engineer 2 role with Microsoft's Azure team. The multi-stage process included an initial HackerRank, a technical screening, and three comprehensive final rounds covering Low-Level Design, Data Structures & Algorithms, and System Design.
Full Experience
I applied for a position through the Microsoft Career Portal and quickly received a callback from a recruiter for the Azure team, which is actively building a new unit. The recruiter was very helpful, detailing the entire process and addressing my expectations. The first step was a HackerRank test where I successfully solved both coding questions, achieving 100% pass rates. Following this, I had a technical screening with a senior Microsoft developer. This round involved solving a coding question based on queues and an in-depth discussion about my projects and resume highlights. About a week later, I was contacted by another recruiter to schedule the final interviews. I requested to have all three rounds on the same day, which they accommodated.
My first final interview was an LLD round with a senior developer. The task was to design a password validator for different user roles (admin, regular user, super admin). It was a highly interactive and collaborative session. Although the interviewer suggested a regex-based approach, they confirmed my design was perfect and met all requirements.
The second interview focused on DSA and real-world design with a very senior engineer. The problem involved designing a system to store and query files within a given date range precisely. I explained and implemented an optimal solution, which the interviewer validated, even sharing insights into Microsoft's own solution.
The final interview was with a Principal/Hiring Manager and was my favorite. We spent the first 20-25 minutes discussing my past experience and technical projects. This was followed by a coding round, where I tackled a medium-level problem similar to a search suggestion system (like auto-complete). Despite a Trie being the ideal solution, I used a sorting-based approach efficiently, which was accepted. The round concluded with a 20-minute system design overview to architect a WhatsApp-like application. I felt confident in my ability to outline the architecture and trade-offs. The interviewer ended the call on a very positive note, wishing me luck.
Overall, each interview felt progressively better, demonstrating good technical depth and a genuine interest in my experience. I'm optimistic about the outcome and grateful for the entire process.
Interview Questions (4)
Design a password validator for different user roles: admin, regular user, and super admin. The interview was interactive and collaborative. The interviewer preferred another regex-based approach, but my design was still considered perfect and met all requirements.
Given a date range and access to storage, design a system to store and query files so you get exactly the files within that range — nothing extra. I explained and implemented an optimal solution. The interviewer confirmed my approach worked, shared how Microsoft solved the actual problem, and seemed genuinely interested in my reasoning.
A medium-level problem similar to a search suggestion system (like auto-complete for “GOOGLE”). Although a Trie would be ideal, I solved it efficiently using sorting, which was accepted.
A short 20-minute overview to design a WhatsApp-like application. I outlined the architecture and trade-offs clearly and felt confident about my approach.