Remember to include a mix of technical, business, and soft skills in your response. Program managers at Microsoft are hybrids who blend these areas together to be successful in the role. Also, it adds value to expand your answer to include specific skill sets if the position you are applying for is related to a specified Microsoft product. For example, a program manager applying for an Xbox related role might describe a love of gaming as an attribute that would contribute to success.

"Generally speaking, program managers need a mix of technical and business expertise paired with excellent soft and organizational skills. Program managers often serve as a bridge between worlds, and it is imperative they understand how things operate on all sides.

On the technical side, I feel a solid understanding of system analysis and design is important. These skills obviously contribute to an understanding of technology and how it works, but they also help to establish an understanding of business needs, user needs, user experience, and customer service. Additionally, experience in engineering is a huge plus. This takes the technical skills to another level.

Project management experience is key, and it is important to understand various methodologies and the concepts behind them. As a program manager, I like to follow a particular methodology, but use best practices from other methods as it makes sense. Program managers are experts in scope management, budget management, resource management, and implementation management. Additionally, they have experience leading cross-functional teams.

In addition to the basics of technology and project management knowledge, an ideal candidate should have facilitation experience, strategic analysis skills, presentation skills, and experience working with business partners such as marketing, legal, finance, etc. They should have experience in contract negotiation. They should be able to navigate stressful scenarios and bridge teams together to create alignment and execution against shared objectives.

Successful program managers have the ability to lead through influence, set a strong page, serve others, remove roadblocks, and resolve conflicts. They understand how to mentor and have the ability to empathize and connect with others. They are great problem solvers and have a tenacious spirit.

Finally, program managers are organized. They know how to manage their work and be accountable for the end-to-end success of their portfolio. They know how to properly look ahead and develop sound strategies and ensure they are executed properly on a day-to-day basis. They know how to make sure everyone is focused on the right things at the right time for the right reasons."