Are you aware that all Microsoft employees take unconscious bias training? Do you understand what unconscious bias is?

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Unconscious bias has certainly been a hot topic in the workplace in recent years. By proposing this question, your interviewer would like to see that you have an idea of the importance that understanding unconscious bias plays in the workplace. They would also like to hear that you see how it's forming onboarding and workplace strategies today. Unconscious bias refers to the social stereotypes that many people believe without even realizing it. These biases could be in regards to women being a weaker gender, all the way to 'Asians are the best at coding.' Take some time to research Microsoft's Unconscious Bias training, and educate yourself on how the company is working to combat its adverse effects.

"I read a report from a few years ago when Microsoft first launched its Unconscious Bias training, publicly and worldwide, and was thoroughly impressed. What jumped out to me was what your former GM of Global Diversity & Inclusion said. She spoke about how countering unconscious bias will help us to create a world of empowerment. She also addressed how critical it is that we begin to see differences as a tool for innovation rather than a hindrance. Having never had formal unconscious bias training, I would look forward to taking part as an employee with Microsoft."

"From my understanding, unconscious bias refers to the stereotypes that most of us have, ingrained in us from a very young age or an incredibly formative experience. These stereotypes are ones we are often unaware of, making them 'unconscious.' These types of biases can have a major negative impact on the workplace in leading to narrow-minded hiring and promotion practices and unfair employee treatment. Over the past four years, I have taken part in annual unconscious bias training with my current company and feel very appreciative that I've gotten to learn so much about myself and how I work with others."

Anonymous Answer

"I wrote my final paper for my writing class on unconscious bias! I am compassionate about social justice and inclusivity. I find Microsoft's Unconscious Bias training program to be an amazing step in the right direction. I think this training program aligns with Microsoft's mission to empower everyone, regardless of gender or color, to achieve more."