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Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Question 3 of 30 for our Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Microsoft was written by on May 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 30

How would you explain the cloud to your grandmother?

Program managers at Microsoft often act as a bridge between various groups. They are required to explain concepts and foster the understanding necessary to create alignment and move their programs forward. This question is asked to test a candidate's ability to explain a complex technical concept to a technology novice.

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How to Answer: How would you explain the cloud to your grandmother?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.

  • 3. How would you explain the cloud to your grandmother?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Program managers at Microsoft often act as a bridge between various groups. They are required to explain concepts and foster the understanding necessary to create alignment and move their programs forward. This question is asked to test a candidate's ability to explain a complex technical concept to a technology novice.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Remember To

      Remember to use a relatable metaphor within your answer. Figurative language is a powerful way to convey complex concepts quickly.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I like to use figurative language when explaining complex concepts to others. I find this is very successful when teaching others about technical concepts that a person has little to no frame of reference for.

      In this instance, I would explain to my grandmother that the cloud allows individuals and companies to take advantage of centralized storage and processing. I would then ask her to imagine that she stores all of her money in her mattress, and she does not have a bank account. It would be difficult to pay her bills in today's world. However, if she deposits her money with a bank, she has access to checks, a check card, and other services that make it easy to connect with others and pay for goods and services.

      I would then explain that the cloud works similarly. Companies are able to store and process massive amounts of information and assets easily using shared services as opposed to having to buy their own 'bank' and manage all of those services on their own. They are able to learn on expertise and the best practices that would cost them a lot of money to build internally."

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022