14 DAY TRIAL // Want to start building a Microsoft Store Career? Well, the software giant might just have the right position for you. Gretchen Ledgard, founder and editor of Microsoft's JobsBlog, reveals that the Redmond company is now hiring people for two new stores that will open in Mission Viejo, CA and Scottsdale, AZ. There are no less than six types of jobs available both part time and full time for the two new Microsoft Retail Stores opening in Mission Viejo and Scottsdale: Retail Assistant Store Manager, Retail Customer Service Associate, Retail Inventory Associate, Retail Sales Associate, Retail Technical Advisor, and Retail Trainer.
But Microsoft is not advertising simple retail jobs; instead the company is offering nothing less than Microsoft Store Careers. “You have unique experiences, skills and passions—and we believe you can bring them all to Microsoft for a rich, rewarding career and lifestyle that will surprise you with its breadth and potential. Just imagine the excitement and satisfaction of what you can do, where you can go, and the difference you can make with the resources of Microsoft behind you,” reads a message posted on the Microsoft Store Careers website.
The Mission Viejo and Scottsdale stores are the software giant’s first steps in a market experiment designed to help it go against Apple. The Redmond company is looking to open store doors for customers in the fall of 2009 and notes that some locations have been chosen in the vicinity of Apple retail outlets. At the time of this article only two Microsoft Retail Stores were confirmed for 2009. However, more are bound to follow, probably in 2010.
“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,” Gretchen notes, adding that an outside firm will deal with the recruiting process. “Store employees will work directly for Microsoft. Our others store locations have not been announced yet, but as soon as we know more, we’ll [provide updates] and add the jobs to the website.”