I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA) in Apr 2011
Interview
The interview consisted of two one on one interviews with a team lead and manager. It was a very pleasant conversation and all my questions were answered. The best part was getting in front of the computer and dissecting things with one of the interviewers.
The excitement of the division was palpable and the energy felt great.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Truly we just had conversations there were no difficult or even typical interview questions.
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA) in Jul 2007
Interview
The hiring process at Microsoft varies depends on the business unit you are interviewing with and the position you are looking to fill. I had been a FTE at Microsoft before interviewing for this contract so I only spoke with my direct manager and the manager of the entire team. If you are interviewing for a FTE role, the process can include an initial phone screen and then a technical screen. If you "pass" those initial conversations, you are brought in for a full round of interviews that can last all day and include up to 7 interviews. It is tiring and in some respects intellectually strenuous - but also fun.