Microsoft's JobsBlog

Angela- Welcome!!

So good to read your post here. I think this is great to have someone like you with a lot of Insustry hiring background join us on the blog!

Priya

Hi Angela & Priya,

Let me introduce myself as Ranjit Subramani a software engineer based out of washington dc area. i have a couple of questions, hope you will be able to help me.

Ive been doing extensive research on microsoft jobs since last thursday, when i got an email from the server and tools business notifiying that they had seen my resume (not sure how i dint apply) and are interested in talking to me about opportunities with MS, specifically an SDET role.

giving you a brief of my background i had a Bachelors in Information Tech from india and a Masters in software engineering at Illinois Inst of technology, then moved to research for a couple of years at  Oakridge national labs and then moved to a small company to work as a SW design/dev engineer. overall i have 4 + yrs of experience.  

My current role is kind of broad with various responsibilites like coding, building automation tools for test, analysis and design, specs creation, coordinating with offshore teams as a lead developer.

My career aspirations were to proceed doing an MBA (in the prep work) and move myself into the technical management side of software industry. i have the flair for envisioning a product and transforming the picture in mind to specs and so forth, like more interested on putting into paper what needs to be created, how it needs to work, technical know how to back development , interface with clients and dev teams, coordinate and facilitate dev activities.

While researching MS jobs i found the title Program Managers. I have questions on what level of experience PM's require at MS. do they hire candidates with many years of Management experience or do they hire candidates with relevant background PM management knowledge (i.e via education)  and sound technical background via work experience. Am i too soon to check out PM roles? should i have exhibited management experience in my work to try for PM roles with MS.

Although my current role fits into the SDET profile, moving forward i aspire to do more of design and analysis and management further down. i would really appreciate any suggestions in this regard , my interview with the recruiter is on Tuesday March 27th.  I was hoping to give the recruiter a brief of what im doing at my current role and also my career aspirations for design and analysis.

Thanks guys for the help.

Ranjit.S

Hi Angela, really enjoyed reading your blog. I was wondering if I can pick your brain for a minute. I have just recently discovered what career path I want to pursue, no it is not a career in programming, my level of computer knowledge is average, definately not Microsoft programmer material. The career path that I am referring to is one in Human Resource Management. I am 2 years away from obtaining my Bachelors in Bus. Admin with a concentration in Management, my goal is to one day be able to obtain a full time position with the HR dept. at MSFT.  What do you suggest I start doing now to little by little start building a MSFT HR quality resume?? I understand that many HR reps start as contracted reps through staffing firms (Spherion, Volt, etc, etc) Do you think this is good way for me to start, or would you suggest a different route??I really feel that if I can in anyway get my foot in the door of the MSFT HR dept. I can lay the groundwork for my HR career, what would you suggest the best way to get that foot in be?? Oh I forgot to mention, when I do obtain my bachelors and I begin working full time in HR (whether it be at MSFT or not) I plan on continuing my education by attending evening and weekend courses to obtain my Masters in Organizational Behavior/ Human Resource Management. Your thoughts??

Angela,

I applied for a Senior Industry Public Relations Manager position based in Washington, DC about 3 weeks ago.

I noticed that the position was still posted on your site.  Do the positions remain on your site until it is actually filled?  I haven't been contacted or called for a preliminary screening of any kind so I'm just wondering the status.  How can one gadge whether or not you've made the 'first cut'?  Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for your help.

Elsie

H.A Marq,

Getting your foot in the door through agencies is definitely a good way to go!  It is how I landed at Microsoft.  

My first question to you is what part of HR are you interested in?  If you are more interested in the recruitment piece of HR I definitely have some thoughts and opinions.  If you are more interested in other aspects of HR then I would defer to someone in that space (and would be willing to connect you with some people in those areas).

Let me know!  Mail me at msdjobs@microsoft.com

Elsie Hasting,

Do you still have the job ID number?  Mail me at msdjobs@microsoft.com

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