How I Passed the Microsoft HackerRank Test in 2025 on My First Try

Microsoft HackerRank Test Questions

The Microsoft OA is completed on HackerRank, consisting of two questions with a 90-minute time limit, and the difficulty ranges from medium to hard. Here is my problem-solving process and the interview questions I captured:

Question 1: Circular Character Roll Operation

My first question was about a string s. For each element in the array roll, I needed to cyclically increment the first roll[i] characters of the string (with 'z' turning into 'a'). The task was to return the final processed string.

I solved it using prefix and suffix arrays. First, I counted how many times each prefix length k was requested. Then, since the character at position i is affected by all requests with k ≥ i+1, the total number of rotations is the suffix sum of the counts. Finally, I traversed backward, calculating the suffix sums while simultaneously applying the rotations.

During the HackerRank test, I used Linkjob.ai to help me answer the questions. It was incredibly useful, the answers were generated super fast, and the interviewers didn’t notice at all, nor did HackerRank detect anything. I finished the two questions in about 50 minutes following the AI’s guidance, leaving almost half of the time to review my answers.

See How It Works

Download for Free！

Question 2: Dual Intern Task Allocation

My second problem required finding the maximum total reward points for two interns, given arrays of reward points for each task. The first intern must complete k tasks, and the second intern completes the remaining tasks.

This problem mainly tests greedy algorithms and heaps. My approach was to first assign all tasks to Intern 2 and calculate the sum as the baseline score. Then, I computed how much gain would result from assigning each task to Intern 1. Since the problem requires Intern 1 to complete k tasks, we definitely pick the k tasks with the highest gains. I maintained a heap of size k to track these top k differences. Finally, the answer is the baseline sum plus the total of the differences in the heap.

At first, I wasn’t very confident about Microsoft’s OA because many people say their assessments are harder than most other companies’. I didn’t even dare to hope I could pass on my first try.

I have to say, I was really glad to have the Linkjob tool to help me. Its bullet points explained the answer framework very clearly, and for some parts I hadn’t reviewed, I just copied the code directly.

Microsoft HackerRank Test Overview

Test Format

The test is a key part of the remote interview process. Microsoft sends the test link through Outlook, which made everything smooth for me.

1. I opened my Outlook calendar and entered my details.

2. I picked the HackerRank Add-in from the video options.

3. I clicked Allow to log in to HackerRank. This step only happened once.

4. I got the test link in my calendar, and everyone received an invitation.

Question Types

The Microsoft HackerRank test may include a variety of programming and technical questions, depending on the role you are applying for. Some problems require writing code, designing web pages, or answering database queries; others focus on front-end or back-end development, while some assess skills in mobile development, DevOps, or data science. The table below lists some common types of questions:

Preparation for the Microsoft HackerRank Test

Coding Practice

Here are the ones that worked best for me:

• HackerRank: I used their technical skills certification tests and interview prep kits.

• LeetCode: The huge problem set kept me challenged.

• Linkjob: The powerful mock interview feature, based on real interview questions, can provide highly personalized guidance.

Problem-Solving Skills

I broke down each problem into smaller parts. I always checked the constraints and thought about edge cases. I tried to come up with more than one solution and picked the one that made the most sense. Practicing dynamic programming and recursion also helped me tackle tougher questions.

Handling Difficult Questions

Tricky questions can throw anyone off. Here’s a table that shows what worked for me:

Tips to Pass on the First Try

Resume and Profile

When I started my journey, I realized that standing out begins before the test even starts. I spent time making my resume sharp and relevant. Here’s what worked for me:

1. I tailored my resume to match the job description. I picked out the skills and experiences Microsoft wanted and used those keywords.

2. I focused on results, not just tasks. For every project, I wrote about what I achieved, not just what I did. For example, instead of saying “Worked on a web app,” I wrote “Built a web app that improved user sign-ups by 30%.”

3. I showed my growth mindset. I included examples where I learned something new or adapted to a challenge.

4. I highlighted both technical and soft skills. I made sure to mention tools I used and how I communicated in teams.

5. I prepared for behavioral interviews by using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure my stories.

Test Case Design

Designing good test cases helped me maximize my score on the microsoft hackerrank test. I learned to think like a tester, not just a coder. Here’s my approach:

1. I considered both public and private test cases. I made sure my code handled edge cases, like empty inputs, single elements, or very large numbers.

2. I avoided jumping between problems too quickly. After writing my solution, I double-checked it and ran through different scenarios before moving on.

3. I kept templates ready for common algorithms, such as DFS, BFS, and Binary Search. This saved me time and reduced errors.

4. I practiced problems from different algorithmic areas. This helped me spot patterns and design better test cases on the fly.

I also watched out for common mistakes:

• I made sure requirements were clear before I started. If I felt confused, I reread the problem or wrote down what I understood.

• I kept my test cases simple. Overcomplicating them only made debugging harder.

• I never skipped edge cases. I always tested boundaries, like the smallest and largest possible inputs.

• I updated my test cases if I changed my code. Outdated tests can miss new bugs.

• I reused test cases when possible, instead of writing new ones for every change.

Note: Good test cases catch hidden bugs and show your attention to detail. They can make the difference between a passing and a failing score.

Time Management

Time management made a huge difference for me. The test goes by fast, so I needed a plan. Here’s how I handled it:

• I used a timer to keep track of my progress. I checked the clock after each problem to stay on pace.

• I minimized switching between questions. I finished one, checked my test cases, and only then moved to the next.

• I left time at the end to review my answers and fix any obvious mistakes.

Overcoming Challenges

Academic Performance

I know a lot of people worry about their GPA or academic background before taking the Microsoft HackerRank test. I felt the same way. My grades were not perfect, and I did not come from a top university. I realized that Microsoft cares more about what I can do than where I studied or what my transcript says.

Standing Out

Standing out in the Microsoft HackerRank test goes beyond grades. I wanted to show what made me unique. Here’s what helped me:

• I shared personal projects on my resume and LinkedIn. These projects showed my passion and creativity.

• I joined online coding challenges and hackathons. These events helped me learn new things and meet other coders.

• I asked for feedback from friends and mentors. Their advice helped me improve fast.

FAQ

Do I need to know advanced algorithms to pass?

Solving problems is what truly matters, more than fancy-looking algorithms. That's why I focus on basic data structures and common algorithms. I make sure I understand arrays, strings, trees, and graphs, and practice problems that use these concepts.

How to handle technical issues during the test?

First, try refreshing the page (make sure you are logged in to avoid losing progress). If the problem persists, immediately submit a report through the test page’s “Help” or “Support” option, including a screenshot, your test ID, and a detailed description of the issue. At the same time, you can contact your Microsoft recruitment coordinator to inform them of the situation. Microsoft usually provides the opportunity to retake the test based on proof of the technical issue, ensuring your score is not affected.