3. The Underdog Tag Attracts Some:

Once the topper in the market, Microsoft has now lost its shimmer to other faster growing companies. It is considered as the underdog now.

"That underdog thing is a powerful motivator - for a lot of great talent, that's an appealing place to be, that feeling of us against the world." says Ludwig an ex Microsoft employee.

"To me, Microsoft is a giant start-up battling to innovate while maintaining compatibility," said Llanes from Georgia Tech. "We are underdogs in some areas, and we are strong in other areas with lots of people trying to knock us off. The stakes are incredibly high at Microsoft, and that's the kind of place I want to work."