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Microsoft·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Senior

Senior
Jun 2026

Summary

Solutions architect screen at Microsoft, one scenario-based question about migrating a legacy system to the cloud and how you'd pitch it. Pretty open-ended, which I wasn't fully prepared for.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

A new client wants to move their legacy system to the cloud. Walk through how you'd approach the migration and how you'd customize a demo for them.

System DesignStakeholder ManagementTechnical Trade-offs
Author's notes

I started with discovery questions, which felt right, but I think I spent too long on the technical assessment side and barely touched the demo tailoring part.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by demonstrating a structured discovery process: assess the legacy system's architecture, dependencies, and business goals before proposing a migration strategy. Then outline a phased migration plan (e.g., assess, plan, migrate, optimize) with clear milestones, and explain how you'd tailor a demo to the client's specific pain points and success metrics.

Pro tip: Emphasize the importance of a 'discovery workshop' with the client to align on goals and constraints before proposing solutions—this shows you prioritize understanding over pitching. Also, mention that you'd include a rollback plan and cost optimization in your migration strategy to demonstrate risk awareness and business acumen.

1. Discovery and Assessment

Conduct a thorough assessment of the legacy system, including architecture, dependencies, performance bottlenecks, and business objectives. Identify key stakeholders and their success criteria.

2. Migration Strategy Design

Propose a phased migration approach (e.g., rehost, replatform, refactor) based on the assessment, with clear timelines, resource requirements, and risk mitigation plans. Align the strategy with the client's budget and compliance needs.

3. Demo Customization

Tailor the demo to the client's specific use cases by highlighting how the proposed cloud solution addresses their pain points, integrates with existing systems, and delivers measurable business value (e.g., cost savings, scalability).

4. Validation and Iteration

Outline how you'd validate the migration plan through proof-of-concept or pilot, gather feedback, and iterate. Include success metrics and a rollback plan.

Key Points to Mention

  • Cloud migration strategies (rehost, replatform, refactor, repurchase, retire, retain)
  • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and cost optimization
  • Security, compliance, and data governance in the cloud
  • Stakeholder management and communication plan
  • Demo customization based on client's industry, pain points, and success metrics
  • Risk mitigation and rollback strategies

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.