CNN and CareerBuilder recently published a list of the 43 weirdest things said in job interviews, and we asked for your stories. We also asked our JobsBloggers. Here is Matt's answer.

I knew this interview was going to be a memorable one when I picked the candidate up in the lobby and he had his sunglasses (Yes, even in Seattle!)  resting on the top of his head.

I always encourage my candidates to stay comfortable and relaxed, but when we got back to my office his posture in the chair was more appropriate for a day of couch surfing instead of intense interviews.

He quickly snapped out of his lounging however when his cell phone rang. This happens every so often, no big deal.

While I expected him to quickly turn it off, he asked me to “hold that thought” while he took the call! When the call was over, he did have the grace to apologize with this classic line: “Sorry about that, but you never know when someone is going to offer you a job!” 

I was glad he had a backup plan, as needless to say, he didn’t get an offer from me!

-Matt 

CNN and CareerBuilder recently published a list of the 43 weirdest things said in job interviews, and we asked for your stories. We also asked our JobsBloggers. Here is Lisa's answer.

 I actually had to think hard about this one because I block those crazy memories from my head.  :)

A few years ago, I was interviewing someone onsite for a Software Development Engineer (SDE) role for Messenger.  The last question I asked him was “Why are you interested in working at Microsoft?”  I thought it was a pretty easy question to ask.

There are many different motivations to want to come here, so I like to find out what interests potential future employees.  Without typing out the exact response I got (since it’s not exactly appropriate for this blog), he made a figurative, negative reference about Microsoft and then stated, “Windows is nasty.” 

He then said he doesn’t “use Messenger much but can see how it’s widely used because it’s better than…” he then puts his hands in the shape of a megaphone and yells, “…screaming across the room!”  Suffice it to say that he did not get the SDE job for Messenger.  :)

-Lisa 

CNN and CareerBuilder recently published a list of the 43 weirdest things said in job interviews, and we asked for your stories. We also asked our JobsBloggers. Here is Anne's answer.

My best stories are from the students I interviewed for our high school internship program a few years back. The stories still make me smile to this day!

1.  During an interview, I asked the candidate, "What is your favorite Microsoft product?"

The candidate was stumped, trying hard to think of any Microsoft product.  He nervously looked around my office and then asked, “Um, do you guys make keyboards?” (We do! But it was clear he was just guessing.) He unfortunately missed a big clue: all of my Windows and Office posters hanging on the wall. Lesson here is that preparation is key ... or own up if you aren’t sure of the answer.  :)

2.  This was listed on a candidate’s resume in the special skills section:

20/20 vision

Definitely a must have for roles where perfect vision is required, but not necessary for Microsoft roles.  :)

-Anne

For years, Microsoft’s product ship parties have celebrated the great work of the diligent men and women involved in the finish products.

The Windows 7 team recently hit their release to manufacturer (RTM) milestone and rejoiced the occasion on our main campus with a carnival theme while Presidents of the United States of America rocked out with thousands of employees on a Friday afternoon.

I stopped by to check it out.  We had a rock climbing wall, delicious snack and kettle corn stations, face air-spraying,  fortune tellers (which had the longest lines), and a beer garden featuring local breweries.

Even in tougher economic times, it’s still important to celebrate hard work and amazing accomplishments.

Congrats to the entire Windows 7 team! Can’t wait until we see Windows 7 in stores in October!

--Ginny

You may have heard about our plans to open Microsoft retail stores in cities around the world. Well, I know a lot of you have heard because the JobsBloggers have been getting peppered with questions. :)

We’ve recently announced our first two stores in Scottsdale, AZ and Mission Viejo, CA. And we’re now hiring!

We’re looking for new store employees who love technology and teaching and helping others.  In particular, we’re looking for people with technical backgrounds who can help customers choose the best Microsoft products and services for their needs and troubleshoot any technical issue they may have.

You can find more information at http://microsoft.talentrecruiting.com/. This is a special page set up just for the current store openings in partnership with an outside firm who is recruiting on behalf of Microsoft. Store employees will work directly for Microsoft.

Our other store locations have not been announced yet, but as soon as we know more, we’ll update it here and add the jobs to the website.

Happy hunting!

Gretchen

PS -  8/21: We're hiring for more than just store jobs ... Check out http://microsoft.com/careers to explore even more Microsoft opportunities anywhere in the world.

8/25: Over on Microspotting, meet the Store Manager for our Scottsdale location.