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## Interview Structure

Mock Interview

Program Managers typically handle a set of projects (and in some situations, a team of project managers) that are related by a common aspect, such as a single company aim. They are also responsible for strategy, making certain that everything is moving in the right direction and on time. For additional insights into similar roles, consider reviewing the guides for [Amazon Program Manager](/content/interview-guides/amazon-program-manager/index.html), [Uber Program Manager](/content/interview-guides/uber-program-manager-interview-guide/index.html), and [Meta Program Manager](/content/interview-guides/facebook-program-manager/index.html).

An effective program manager will aid in the formation of a more cohesive and successful team. Therefore, when organizations seek candidates to manage various projects and teams, they go through a thorough screening process to ensure that the candidate has a good impact on individuals as well as the company.

This guide will walk you through the Microsoft Program Manager interview process, including useful tips and tricks to help you ace the interview.

### Overview

The Microsoft interview process begins with a phone call from an HR recruiter. Following the acceptance of your application, you will begin your interview process with Microsoft by interacting with a recruiter over the phone. They want to know how well you'll fit into the role and Microsoft, so be prepared to talk about your background and why you're a perfect match. Typical behavioral and resume-related questions can be expected. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. Some questions on basic product thinking can also be expected to pop up in this interview.

### What the interviewer will assess

- Your experience with program management.
- Your flexibility to fit in the profile.
- Your role-related knowledge and experience.
- Cultural fit.

### Tips

- You cannot become a program manager at Microsoft unless you are knowledgeable about the company's products and organizational structure. Therefore, you'll need to perform extensive research before your interviews.
- It's worthwhile to spend some time renewing your memory on fundamental program management concepts like delegation and problem-solving. For another perspective on program management, explore the [Google Program Manager](/content/interview-guides/google-program-manager/index.html) and [Facebook Program Manager](/content/interview-guides/facebook-program-manager/index.html) guides.

### Interview Questions

- Tell me about yourself and how you’re a good fit for this company?
- Can you tell me about a product or feature you launched in any of your previous roles?
- How would you define an ideal workplace?
- Which Microsoft product is your favorite, and how would you improve it?
- What do you consider to be the most important skills for a program manager?

### Overview (Continued)

Following the initial phone screen with the recruiter, the next stage is a video interview with a hiring manager and one or two program managers. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes and will consist of a variety of Product Design and Behavioral questions.

This interview will be followed by a 10-minute debriefing session during which you will be able to clarify any questions you have about the position.

### What the interviewer will assess (Continued)

- How clear your fundamentals are.
- Your potential to come up with ideas in a short period of time.
- How you evaluate a program’s performance.
- Your strategy and risk management skills.
- Your knowledge and research about Microsoft.

### Interview Questions (Continued)

- Why do you want this job, and what can you bring to the table that we don't already have?
- How do you persuade others to agree with your point?
- Consider a product you've just begun using a lot. How can you improve the user experience by creating a new UI/UX?
- How will you explain to a child about Cloud?
- Suppose that you work as a program manager at a startup that uses big data. How do you best use it?

### Interview Questions (Additional)

You will be invited for an additional interview at the end of the day if you have completed all of the on-site interviews and have received enough positive recommendations from the interviewers. This is referred to as an ‘as appropriate' interview by Microsoft because it is only scheduled if you receive enough affirmative votes. This interview is largely an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm for working at Microsoft, as well as to ask insightful questions about the firm.