I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Microsoft (Reading, England) in Sep 2013
Interview
2 interviews. 1 with a peer the 2nd with the Manager. Standard questions. Very relaxed experience. In all a positive experience. Very professional and respectful experience. Was made to feel very relaxed during the process
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Microsoft
Interview
If you make it to the finals process; you can expect a series of interviews; typically the hiring manager will have 3-4 candidates in the loop. You can expect to have 3-4 interviews during the session. (Some could be remote via Lync conference). The goals of the interview team will be to determine if they have a "hire". Once the determination is made the team will individually stack rack the candidates and see if they can determine consensus. It is typically the hiring managers final decision, unless the GM has an active interest in the position.
I applied through other source. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA)
Interview
Quick after shortlisted. Hiring mgr/team put in a lot of work to put together the onsite interview. All interviewers were prepared and addressed specific areas of the role. Friendly people and put me at ease immediately. Hiring mgr and recruiter spent time preparing me for the day.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The interview which isn't on the agenda and not prep'd for. You get there only if you get the thumbs up from all the previous interviews.