What questions do you have for me?
It's always a great idea to come to your interview prepared with questions for your interviewer to show that you genuinely care about the role that you are interviewing for. Prior to your interview, be sure to review Microsoft's corporate and career websites and other online resources to ensure the queries you have are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers for from merely watching a video on Microsoft's website. To show a genuine interest, it is okay to ask questions regarding the timing of the recruitment for the role and how long the role has been vacant. You can also ask if this is a vacated position or a newly created position. Some people will also look to gain more insight into working for Microsoft by asking their interviewer what their favorite part of their job is. No matter what questions you decide to ask, be sure that they are thought provoking and show you have a desire for the role.
"Thank you for asking because I do have a few questions. First, what do you see as the main challenges in the first year for the person accepting this position? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
"What are the three biggest challenges you face in your average day?
What is your favorite and least favorite part of working at Microsoft?
I've noticed that Microsoft has shifted over the past few years with your CEO Satya Nadella. Particularly, it seems that Microsoft is prioritizing the expansion across all devices of its office and cloud products while steering away from Windows. How do you see Microsoft changing in the next five years? Do you think there will ever be a Window-less Microsoft?"
Kevin's Feedback
These are all EXCELLENT questions. Very well thought out and insightful. Nice work! I've adjusted your answer slightly and added just a couple more questions to really drive your answer home.
“What does an average day at work look like for this position? What are the three biggest challenges this position will face on an average workday? Is this a new position, or a vacated one? What can you tell me regarding my predecessor, and how will that affect the dynamic of relationship building during the onboarding period? What is your favorite and least favorite part of working at Microsoft? I’ve noticed that Microsoft has shifted over the past few years with your CEO, Satya Nadella. Microsoft seems to be prioritizing their expansion across all devices of its office and cloud products while steering away from Windows. How do you see Microsoft changing in the next five years? Do you think there will ever be a Window-less Microsoft?”
Anonymous Answer
Describe the day-to-day activities of the role I would be in? How long would I stay in this role? How soon would it start? Timing on a decision.
Amanda's Feedback
Having a question or two ready to ask shows the interviewer that you're engaged with the conversation, and eager to learn more. You've done a good job asking an open-ended question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Remember, you don't want to ask a question that could easily be answered with a quick online search or by glancing at the job description or company website. Interviewers will expect you to have done research on the school and familiarized yourself with the basics. If you're interested in advancement opportunities with the company, consider rephrasing your second question to ask, "What kind of advancement opportunities would this role prepare me for with your company?" This shows the interviewer that you've thought about your career path and are viewing this role as a key part of your future.
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