If you’re interested in becoming a product manager, odds are you’ve thought about working at a company like Microsoft. Microsoft, along with other large tech companies like Google and Amazon, is a strong leader in the product management field. Although the interview process and job responsibilities of a Microsoft Product Manager are intense, the salary and benefits make it all worth it (we think). Keep reading to learn more about Microsoft’s product manager role and how you can ace their interview process.
What Does a Microsoft Product Manager Do?
Because Microsoft is such a large company, there is no universal job description among its product managers. A PM’s responsibilities depend on the particular team and project they are on. However, across the board, Microsoft PMs tend to be more technologically savvy than the average PM because they are dealing with lots of software. Additionally, because their software impacts millions of users worldwide, Microsoft implements a heavily customer-driven approach in their product management sector. This means PMs at Microsoft have a uniquely global impact and therefore must be interested in the needs of their customers above all else.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
It may surprise you that most product management roles at Microsoft only require a bachelor’s degree. Having an MBA or a masters in computer science (CS) is a plus, but it’s not necessary for many roles. Similarly, there is no universal job requirement in order to be qualified; however, this doesn’t mean your past job experience isn’t important. Your prior roles should demonstrate that you are a passionate problem solver who can work in an interdisciplinary environment. Given that Microsoft is an extremely competitive firm for aspiring PMs, the company typically expects 3-10+ years of experience doing some sort of product or software-related work.
Although a technical degree isn’t required, having past experience in a technical role is often preferred. Because PMs on certain teams at Microsoft frequently interact with complex software, a foundation in programming, data analytics, and/or software is required for certain roles. For instance, a product manager working on Office 365 should definitely know how to use Excel, and probably Python/SQL as well. Be sure to read the preferred qualifications on any job posting before applying.
Microsoft PM Roles
Because Microsoft is such a large company, they offer a wide range of product management roles. As a PM at Microsoft, you could be part of any number of teams: Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, etc. If you’re interested in the up-and-coming field of artificial intelligence, you may want to check out the role of AI/ML product managers. AI/ML PMs lead initiatives in developing AI technologies, collaborating with other Microsoft teams to deliver AI-powered solutions. Other common roles include:
- Microsoft AI Product Manager
- Microsoft Associate Product Manager
- Microsoft Leap Product Manager
- Microsoft Azure Product Manager
- Microsoft Principal Product Manager
- Microsoft Teams Product Manager
- Microsoft Technical Product Manager
Check out Microsoft’s career page for any open Product Manager positions.
Career Progression
The progression of a Microsoft PM is pretty comparable to the typical product management career path. New hires typically start out as PM 1 before advancing to a PM 2, a Senior PM, a Principal PM, and lastly a Partner PM. Get more info about the career path of a product manager here (insert link to MC’s PM Career Path article when it comes out).
How To Become A Microsoft Product Manager
If you’re looking to become a Microsoft product manager, we recommend that you:
Strengthen your Technical Skills
Because PM roles at Microsoft are more technical than the average PM role, we recommend brushing up on your technical skills. Research the exact position (i.e. the Microsoft product) you want and note what is listed under the job requirements. These roles typically look for candidates with experience in programming, data engineering, data analytics, and/or software. If you’re rusty on your Python or Excel skills, now is the perfect time to start practicing them.
Get Experience
As with most jobs, product managers with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. If you're just starting out in your career, look for opportunities to get involved with product development, such as internships or entry-level jobs (scroll down for info on the Microsoft PM internship).
Case Prep
Microsoft requires aspiring PMs to go through a series of case interviews and technical interviews. Running some consulting cases can be a great way to brush up on your business acumen and problem solving skills. Check out our website for practice consulting cases, and stay tuned for some product management-specific interview prep!
Microsoft Product Manager Resume
Before submitting your resume for a Microsoft PM role, it’s important to ensure that it is tailored for the exact position you’re interested in. This may require a few minor tweaks. Be sure to include a section which outlines your technical skills (Excel, Python, Tableau, Azure Data Explorer, etc.) and include product management keywords. For further instructions on how to build a standout product management resume, click here. Management Consulted also offers premiere product manager resume services—work with us today!
Microsoft Product Manager Internship
If you’re looking to get into product management early on, the Microsoft Product Manager Internship is a great option that you should consider. Available to both undergraduate and master’s students, the Microsoft PM internship is a 12-week program that exposes aspiring PMs to high-priority projects, often involving products like Azure, Microsoft 365, Teams, or Xbox. Microsoft interns are typically paired with mentors and managers who provide guidance, feedback, and career advice. This internship is an incredible opportunity to develop your professional network and get your foot in the door in the product management world.
Salary Microsoft Product Manager
If you’re lucky enough to land an offer as a Microsoft PM, you’re in luck—the compensation is extremely generous. Product managers at Microsoft can expect to earn around $230,000 a year, including bonus and stock options. However, it’s important to remember that salaries differ depending on the person’s role and experience. Here’s a breakdown on the average salary for each category:
- Product Manager 1: $160,000
- Product Manager 2: $190,000
- Senior Product Manager: $230,000
- Principal Product Manager: $320,000
- Partner Product Manager: $550,000+
Microsoft Product Manager Interview
The Microsoft product management interview process consists of 3 main parts: initial screening, HR screening, and on-site interviews. First, the initial screening simply involves submitting your resume and cover letter. Second, the HR screening will take place in the form of a phone call with a recruiter who will likely ask you behavioral questions, as well as a few general product-related questions. Lastly, the on-site interviews are by far the most rigorous, and often consist of 4-5 separate interviews. You may be interviewed by a senior PM or executive, and will be asked a good amount of technical questions.
Microsoft Product Manager Interview Questions
Throughout the interview process, you’ll be asked a mix of behavioral, technical, and product-related questions. Here are a few examples:
- Why do you want to be a product manager at Microsoft?
- What is your favorite product at Microsoft and why?
- Tell us about a time you used data to influence others.
- How would you improve Microsoft Teams?
- Design a supermarket for the elderly population.
- Explain A/B testing to an eight-year-old.
Microsoft Product Manager Interview Tips
Is there a specific product management team at Microsoft you want to work for? If so, research their products and brainstorm various ways that those products can be improved. Demonstrate to your Microsoft interviewer that you have a solid understanding of their product and that you would bring unique insights to the table. Make sure to highlight any technical experience you have as well.
Microsoft Project Manager Interview Coaching
Want a PM role at Microsoft, but wishing you had someone to guide you through the process? Look no further—Management Consulted has expert interview and job search coaches who can help you navigate every step towards this lucrative career path. Book your first 1:1 session here.
Conclusion
As a global leader in technology, Microsoft offers a wide range of product management roles. As our business landscape becomes more technology-focused, demand for Product Managers continues to grow, as does interest in PM roles at companies like Microsoft. Be sure to check out Management Consulted’s PM coaching and resume review services before submitting your application—we’re here to help you nail down one of these coveted roles.
Additional Resources:
- Product Manager Resume
- Product Manager Internship
- Product Manager Salary
- Product Management: Overview, Skills, Interview Questions, & More