This week, Jim chats with Declan Fitzgerald, writer of our sister blog, the International Tech Jobs Blog. Declan is the lead technical recruiter for Microsoft in Ireland, but the blog focuses on our R&D and development centres (yes, centres and not centers!) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as well.

 Declan also talks about the Join Microsoft Europe site, something you should definitely check out if you're interested in working in Europe!

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I recently visited the Microsoft Canada Development Center (MCDC) in Vancouver, along with my teammates on the International Recruiting team. Well, having never been to Canada before, I had to take my video camera and I am SOOO glad I did. I had a blast hanging out with my Canadian Cousins and learning the importance of foosball, the convenience of webcam meetings and why MCDC may be one of the happiest places on earth. Check out the video below to see what I mean. Oh! A special no-prize to whomever can count how many countries are mentioned in the video.

Video: Microsoft Canada Development Center

Overseas and international candidates interested in the MCDC can go here for more information everyone else should go here to search on the category MCDC.

Sure, in the beginning you are all hyped about working for one of the greatest companies, if not THE greatest company, in the world.

But, what about a year later once the buzz wears off?  Is there still “Honey” in the Moon a year later?  I spoke with Program Manager Mel Sampat, to find out that very thing. 

JobsBlog first interviewed Mel in February 2006, when he was a newly hired PM on the Windows Mobile Team.  Now, that he's a seasoned Microsoft veteran, tune in to hear about his experiences and what he's learned over the past year.

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- Jim

Now, this is cool!

Check out this video and then imagine the possibilities.

Video: Photosynth 2

- Jim

A while ago, I blogged about my world tour, but haven't talked much about it since.  The reason is that I have been adjusting to working in a new group at Microsoft.  I am now on the International Recruiting team and loving it!

Am I a recruiter?  Nope. I am a Sourcer, which means I find people online and connect them to recruiters here at Microsoft. The candidates that I am searching for are predominantly software developers.  Since we have sooo many development centers worldwide, I am pretty much open to connecting with people no matter where they are in the world.

Below, is a little video I put together to help demonstrate how I am searching internationally for candidates.  (I also included a link below for downloading, in case you want to pass it on. I would really, really appreciate that.)

Video: Hey You

*Click here to download the video and share with friends.   

- Jim

Okay, so I weaved some PR-speak in there, but it’s still cool nonetheless.  Cool enough in fact for Microsoft to acquire them and intriguing enough for me to want to connect with some of the developers behind the technology.  After chatting with them, I knew I had to podcast it, so I did (along with mi amigo Glenn Gutmacher).

Now as Softricity is (definitely) doing some exciting and different things, I had to make sure the Jobcast reflected the vibe I felt down there.  As such, I added a lot of music to this Jobcast and mixed it to disco perfection.  It is called “The Boston Remix” because the opportunities are in Boston.  Hope you like it!

Click here to download: The Microsoft JobCast: Boston Remix.
Click here to apply for an opportunity with The Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization team.
*This JobCast Features the music of:  Andrew Pfaff, 37H, Guardian Mind Mix and Electratechna. (Courtesy of the PodSafe Music Network) 

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- Jim

You can’t escape the comparisons.
You can’t escape the rumors and speculation.
You can’t dodge it in the halls at Redmond, nor in the airport while waiting for a plane.

Google is doing this, that, and the other thing.
Where is Microsoft? How are they responding? Are they nervous? Are they scared?
Or…maybe…(gasp!) Microsoft is dead (insert dramatic music here).

For those who have bought into the propaganda program that Microsoft is yesterday’s company, please, please, please allow me to offer you this simple reality check.  Here are a few quotes from diverse sources to consider (just in-case you think I am only “drinking the kool-aid”).

Why Google IS Afraid of Microsoft, Big Time

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARTICLE:

Microsoft pummels Google in the “In-Game Advertsing” space.  How?  Google buys a small San-Fran company to meet the challenge.  Microsoft buys the world-leader in the industry for In-game advertising.

Microsoft delivers a solid uppercut in Voice-activated local directory assistance.  How?  Google announces an experimental service that may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. (Cute)  Microsoft acquires TellMe Networks.  Heard of them?  Most likely, you’ve been using them for the longest time.  Almost half of all directory assistance calls are processed on TellMe’s voice platform, and roughly one in three Americans use Tellme every year to get things done.

Assertion that Microsoft's 'Dead' Doesn't Compute

QUOTES FROM THE ARTICLE:

“When a software runs more than 90% of the desktops on the planet — and will for the foreseeable future — it's simply not dead.”
“Windows runs on the vast majority of desktops in the world; Linux and OSX make up less than 10% combined”
(Microsoft) “…earned $12.6 billion after taxes in its last fiscal year”

Who is the true innovator?

Sure Google releases lots of freebies to the masses, but let’s look at what Uncle Sam has to say, shall we? The US Patent Office issues a report for every calendar year on the leading companies that have filed new inventions. Guess who was #12 on the list for 2006? Guess who was #18 on the list in 2005? Go ahead guess… Okay, I’ll tell you – Microsoft. Now, guess who will be on the list next year, quite possibly higher than #12 and who (most likely) will not be. Go ahead, I’ll wait for your answer.
 
I understand that several of Google’s original team will be vesting their stock soon and (presumably) heading for greener pastures. I don’t blame them! But follow this link to get an idea of what some of our retirees are doing. Just a thought…

So is Google a real competitor to Microsoft? Sure they are, no doubt, but so is that garage startup down the street.  And I doubt either of them will put us out of business.

Your thoughts?

- Jim Stroud (ex-Googler)