Microsoft Ireland

1. Microsoft Ireland

2. Agenda Overview of Microsoft Our graduate and intern programs What employers look for in graduates Typical graduate application process Interview tips CV preparation tips Prospects for graduates in 2011

3. Our mission and values are to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.

4. Microsoft Ireland European Development Centre (EDC) Research, development, and engineering organization shaping and creating features and services for key Microsoft products such as Windows , Azure & Office. European Operations Centre (EOC) Delivery and support of products to over 10 Million customer annually. Responsible for more than 40% of Microsoft’s global revenue supporting customers, partners, and sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Sales, Marketing & Services (SMSG) Driving the Sales and Marketing of Microsoft Products, Solutions, and services to Commercial and Private sector customers for the Island of Ireland. • EMEA Data Centre

5. Internships • Roles are for students who will return to University after placement • Flexible to match to various College/University timelines – 3, 6, 9, 12 month internships available • €21,789 Salary • Fantastic Benefits • Real-world projects and challenging work scoped specifically for Interns • Great experience to help you get into Graduate Programme

6. Graduate Programme • For students who will Graduate in 2012 • Full-time Permanent Career opportunity • 36 Month Training Programmes • €33,000 Starting Salary • Access to all full-time employee benefits like Stock Awards and yearly bonus

7. Employers are looking for… “Communication skills in all forms (written, interpersonal, social media/online) are considered to be hugely important by graduate recruiters, and the frequency with which the importance of these skills were referenced in this survey should act as call to action for students and graduates embarking on their careers. Other softer skills highlighted as being important in graduate recruitment over the next five years included the need for graduates to be flexible in relation to on going learning, IT-savvy and commercially aware. And self-motivation, ambition, drive and resilience will be as important as ever for graduates as they make the first steps on their career path.” Graduate Salary & Graduate Recruitment Survey, Trends Survey 2011

8. What we look for! • Smarts – but what does this mean? • Customer Focus • Passion for technology • Creativity • Communication & Collaboration skills + Specific technical or business knowledge: Finance, Marketing, C++, C#, Java, etc.

9. Application Process • Apply online • Complete the online application or evaluation form • HR Phone Screening • On-site/Off-site Interviews & competency based questions

10. Online Evaluation Forms • General questions • Be succinct and clear • Check and re-read • Watch for spelling/grammar errors • Think through questions • Approach logically • Make sure to fill in all fields if possible • Include details such as extra projects, summer employment, what differentiates you? • Review the information before submitting and check for errors • SPELL CHECK!

11. Phone Interview • Be prepared • Study up on your perspective employer • Get a good nights sleep • Use a landline number where possible • If using a mobile chose a quiet area with good reception • Communicate clearly • Think before you speak • Are you answering the question being asked? • STARR

12. Face-to-Face Interview • Be prepared • Study up on your perspective employer (their business, values, etc.) • Get a good nights sleep • Wear something that makes you feel your best! • Be yourself • It’s more about how you think and communicate vs. just getting the right answer • Confidence is key – don’t waffle! • Show them what you’re passionate about • Communicate clearly • Think before you speak • Be succinct • Are you answering the question being asked? • STARR • Rehearse presentation if required for the interview

13. CV formatting tips • Personal Details Ensure they are correct, especially your email and mobile/phone numbers • Educational Details Starting with the most recent and work back. Provide your grades. • Work Experience Again, most recent working backwards. Summaries key experiences gained or skills developed on any work experience you have. Use bullet points. • Personal Interests e.g. Music, any activities you are involved in. • USE SPELL CHECK!!

14. Prospects for 2011 • A third of employers surveyed will be recruiting more graduates in 2011, with both an actual growth in business and an increased strategic focus on graduate recruitment cited equally as the reasons for this change. Even in a downturn, top talent is still key to ensuring a company’s success. • The median graduate salary for Ireland projected for 2011 is unchanged at €24,000–€25,000. This reflects the fact that while there may be fewer graduate jobs overall, there is still considerable competition amongst leading employers for the cream of the graduate crop. Graduate Salary & Graduate Recruitment Survey, Trends Survey 2011

15. How to stay in touch with us! • Website: www.microsoft.com/careers • Online: Graduate application process commences in October 2011 Internship recruitment is on going