How we hire

Searching for your next role at Microsoft should feel simple and empowering. Here’s how you can make the most of our tools:

• Get personalized recommendations enabled by AI, based on your skills and experiences.

• Stay informed by creating job alerts once you’ve set up your Microsoft Careers profile—so you never miss an opportunity.

• Search by keywords, location, or job ID—and apply filters to narrow down results. Save jobs for later if you’re not ready to apply today.

Personalize your job search with AI: 

Use one of these two methods: 

Option 1:  Search 

For single session job searches, you may upload your resume on the Search page to see personalized job recommendations based on your skills and experience. Your resume details will be purged from the system within 24 hours. 

Note: If you return to the site after 24 hours, you’ll need to re-upload your resume. To apply for a job, you’ll need to create a profile.

Option 2: Create a profile

Click “Sign in”, navigate to “Create a new account” and follow the steps provided. By creating a profile, you can:

• View personalized job recommendations

• Set up job alerts

• Apply for open roles

You can unlock richer personalization by registering for a Microsoft Career site login, which will give you access to enhanced profile editing options and deeper engagement opportunities with our recruiters

How AI recommendations work

When you upload your resume or create a profile, we use AI-powered job recommendations to show you jobs that are a “good” or “strong” match based on your skills and experience. You’ll see a match indicator on job postings. This shows how closely your skills, title, and work experience align with the role. It’s meant to guide you, not decide for you. Use it as a reference point but trust your judgement when choosing the right job to apply for. And remember, this indicator doesn’t guarantee any outcome for your application. These recommendations help identify roles that you might be interested in, so you can spend less time searching and more time finding opportunities that fit.

For additional information refer to the Microsoft Careers Site Transparency FAQs.

Heads up! We’re launching a new recruiting system on November, 17 and while we make the switch, it may take a while for all of our job postings to show up on the Microsoft Careers Site. If you don’t see the role you’re looking for right away, hang tight—it’s on the way!

For more info, check out the FAQs.

Once you’ve discovered a role that feels like the right fit, here’s how to get started.

1. Make sure you’ve created a profile by clicking on “Sign in.” If you have an existing account, you will be asked to log in. If you are creating a new account, please complete the steps provided when prompted.
2. Check the data in your profile to make sure it accurately reflects your skills and experience.
3. Confirm that you meet the required qualifications outlined in the job posting, before applying
4. From the job posting, you can click “Apply,” complete responses to all required questions, upload your resume and then click “Submit” to complete your application. You also have the option to apply for multiple jobs through the Job Cart feature. 
5. Once your application is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. 

After applying for a job, you can track your application status in the Action Center.

Your application is in good hands. After you submit your application, we’ll review it carefully. You can always check your Action Center for updates on your application status. Depending on the role and the number of applicants, hiring teams may approach interviews differently. In some cases, after reviewing resumes, the team might schedule a brief screening conversation to help decide who to invite for interviews.

If you need any accommodation during the process, please submit an accessibility request through the Microsoft Careers site—we’re here to support you.

Please note: Because we receive a high volume of applications, we’re usually unable to provide individualized feedback to candidates who aren’t selected for a screen or interview.

Please note: due to the volume of applications received, we are typically unable to provide individualized feedback to candidates that have applied for a role and are not selected for a screen or interview.

Interviews are a chance for us to get to know you—and for you to get to know us. If you advance in the process, next steps vary based on the role you're applying for. 

• Most interviews include 2-4 conversations with potential teammates and cross-functional colleagues, each lasting up to an hour. 
• Interviews may take place over the phone, on Microsoft Teams, or in person.
• After your interviews, your recruiter will share the timeline for next steps.
• Find helpful resources on our Interview Tips page.

Be prepared to show how you meet the job qualifications by sharing: 

• Specific examples from your past experiences related to the role you are interviewing for
• Ideas about how you would approach tasks in the role 
• How your skills translate to this position

For some roles, you may be asked to: 

• Write code
• Share a creative portfolio
• Provide work samples in other formats

If you are not selected for the role:

We truly appreciate the effort you put into the process and the opportunity to get to know you. We’d love to stay connected and help you find the right fit in the future. Here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:

• Continue to explore job openings on the Microsoft career site, other roles may be a better match for your skills. Don’t hesitate to apply.
• Join our Talent Network to keep in touch for future opportunities.

If you’re offered a role, your recruiting team will email you the documents to review and sign. In some countries, you’ll find your offer paperwork in your Action Center for easy access. In others, you may receive your documents by email or through a secure link. While the method of delivery may vary, you can count on your recruiter to guide you on what to expect.

We believe in “Total Rewards” because your success matters to us. Take time to explore the full value of your offer—not just the salary, but everything designed to support you: bonuses, health benefits, pension contributions, wellness programs, and onsite perks. These rewards reflect our promise to invest in your growth and well-being, so you can thrive personally and professionally and do your best work every day

Once you confirm that you’re joining us, we’ll kick off your onboarding and get everything ready for your first day!

After you accept your offer, someone from our recruitment team will reach out. They’ll work with you and your new manager to confirm your start date and guide you through any pre-hire steps—like relocation, work authorization, or completing paperwork. 

We want your transition into your new role to be smooth and empowering. When you start at Microsoft, your manager will share a personalized onboarding plan. Your manager or a member of our Talent team will pair you with an onboarding buddy to guide you through your first weeks. You’ll also have access to resources designed to equip you to do your best work from day one—helping you feel confident and ready to contribute. And remember, the AskHR team is always available to answer any questions you have throughout your transition. Your first steps on a new journey matter. Start strong—because when you do, we all win, thrive, and achieve more together.