I applied through other source. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Microsoft (Redmond, WA) in Oct 2008
Interview
Interviewed with direct hiring manager, a peer from the team, a hiring manager from another team, and the manager of the IT group that this team worked with
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Had to write a SQL query on the board to show I had that skill; had to describe how to create a pivot table linked to a SQL db or an Access DB, had to display expertise in MS Project.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Microsoft (Shanghai, Shanghai) in Aug 2012
Interview
Referred by Senior HR Manager. Preliminary interview took place a couple of evenings later at city centre office with senior manager.
Called back to main campus a week later. First three interviews very professional. Technical questions, lots of white boarding. Had an interesting discussion with programmer about optimising code. he was wrong,but could have been looking for a reaction.
Fourth interview was over lunch with a manager. He turned up clutching lunchbox and confessed he'd forgotten he had a lunch interview. Headed to canteen and had generic interview style discussion. Returned to conference room where he confessed that he hadn't prepared any questions either. Still had good discussion about restructuring efforts and company culture. Throughout discussions, he referred to 5th interview with senior manager as if it was going to happen. Very positive.
At end of one hour, he left to find senior manager (the same that carried out preliminary interview) to hand over for 5th and final interview. Left me fairly sure that I was through to the 5th interview and that an offer was therefore likely. He returned 30 minutes later and apologised that they seemed to have some logistical problems and he had been unable to find 5th interviewer so they were going to cut the day short. Would be in touch.
Left, stunned and increasingly angry with the unprofessionalism of the 4th interviewer. Needless to say, have heard nothing further from the company.