Behind the scenes with the woman who'll be staffing the Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, AZ

Posted Nov 16 2009 2:01 AM by the JobsBloggers
Last week the blogosphere was abuzz with the fact that Microsoft is now hiring folks to work at its two new stores — this week I had the chance to chat with one of the 'Softies responsible for making those hires.

Cheryl gets acclimated to Scottsdale, as the patio chairs look on in the background The geek in question: Cheryl Hibbard

The job title: Store Manager of the Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, AZ

What are you working on right now? The largest and most important task for me now is hiring the best talent for the new Microsoft store opening in Scottsdale. I have only been in the Scottsdale area for a week now and meeting such wonderful and talented people in the community has been fun and rewarding. I feel very fortunate to meet such amazing people!

What are the key traits you're looking for? Since we have several roles that will be in the stores — like technical support, trainers, sales team and a sales support team — product knowledge along with a customer focus background is crucial in team building. Also, with this being the very first store for Microsoft, it’s also critical that everyone is flexible and willing to share ideas and concerns… it will help Microsoft make future stores better by what they learn from us.

Apply now for Microsoft Store jobs in Mission Vallejo, CA and Scottsdale, AZ. And yes, these are full-time Microsoft employee jobs -- with all those infamous Microsoft benefits!

Are you excited about what you’re doing? One of the greatest gifts I feel we are going to provide for Scottsdale and surrounding areas is the ability to offer full time positions to many people who might be suffering in this economic time. What a great way to immediately embrace a community who has been impacted heavily and add support to the people here

How long have you been at Microsoft? Literally a month! Since the retail division is so new, my first month has been filled with logistical and operational decisions to help our stores get off to a great start.

There are some folks who just looooooove to hate on Microsoft – are you worried you’re going to have to deal with some of these people at the new store? Our stores will give Microsoft a way to express what we do RIGHT. Our employees will be able to showcase our products in a way that’s never been done before. We may always have skeptics — but our job in the Retail stores is to provide a welcoming environment where everyone is welcome to learn more about our products and how to use them to benefit their life.

Do you feel like, managing the Microsoft store, you’ll be acting as a “face of Microsoft”? Is that daunting? I envision my employees being a representation of Microsoft in every way through offering our customers a breadth of knowledge, a fun atmosphere to spend time in, as well as a place to find solutions to their needs. My outlook is that’s it’s a new adventure!

What’s surprised you about working here? When I learned that Steve Ballmer takes the shuttles like everyone else, I said to myself, “This company is for me!”

Links to learn more:

18 Comments

  • Kathy W. said:

    [Hi Cheryl,

    I know the Microsoft stores will be a huge success! And I hope to be a part of your enthusiastic and synergetic team.

    Lost of Smiles,

    Kathy

  • Kathy W. said:

    [The Universe always presents opportunities for us to laugh at ourselves, such as the sign-off on my last post. ;)))))

  • Scott Christine said:

    [Gife....The second interview lasted an hour and a half (just like the first one) and the interviewer said she will compile the answers, score the responses, submit them to the hiring manager, and they would let me know. Since she is from an outside company, she could not give me a timeline for employment notification. I am really hoping that my responses are going to match up to what the company is looking for.....Here's hoping!!!

  • Scott Christine said:

    [Cheryl...Let me be one of the first to welcome you to Arizona. I have lived here for quite sometime and can truthfully say it is a wonderful place to live. Welcome Home!!!

  • Johnny westbrook said:

    [Congratulation Cheryl keep up the good work and tell Bill hello for me

    Your uncle Johnny

  • Peter Davison said:

    [Hi Cheryl -

    May I ask about the decision to open in Scottsdale? Demographics or strategic planning re: start small and see how it goes?

    Thanks,

    Peter

  • Joanne Chapman said:

    [Hi Cheryl,

    Congratulations on your new position with MS. I hope you and the girls will like living in Scottsdale! God bless....

  • Kenneth Westbrook said:

    [HI,

    Keep up the great work. I wish you the most success possible.

    Your Uncle Ken

  • Scott A. said:

    [Go Cheryl. You are so talented... Microsoft is lucky to have you on their team. Your passion, creativity, and enthusiasm will set this store on the right foot. Just say hello to Mark and Bill. :0)

  • Kc Hicks said:

    [Go Cheryl!!!

    Lets make history Microsoft!

  • Kathy W. said:

    [Hi Cheryl,

    I am really excited about a Workshop Learning center at the new Microsoft Store. My true gift is helping others; teaching and assisting them with their learning process -- and at their speed. And my friends and family keep coming to me for help in so many aspects because I know the art of patience and kindness. I never let someone think that their question or lack of experience makes them "less than". In fact just the opposite – I LOVE to make them feel FANTASTIC about their journey – as I am – always learning.

    Sincerely, Kathy W.

  • Chris Kelly said:

    [Hi Cheryl,

    I just wanted to say I hope the opening is going great. I share a same former employer with you and hope that you are able to bring some great ideas to a store that is going to hopefully have a big impact on its community and its customers. The Microsoft store is something I firmly believe Windows users have been in need of for quite some time.

    I really can't wait for expansion and my chance to apply to join the team.

    Thanks,

    Chris

  • Gife said:

    [@Scott Christine,

    i too am a hopeful employee and have my second part interview tomorrow, did you get the job? how did the interview go?

  • Scott Christine said:

    [I am one of the potential "new hires" for the Scottsdale store. I look foreward to "hopefully" working with Cheryl and the team. I have worked in the Scottsdale retail market for some time and know that the community will welcome Microsoft with open arms. I have a second-half interview tomorrow with the interviewing staff and am quite excited to become a member of the retail team and making Microsoft history. Here's hoping!!!!

  • the fool group said:

    [Interesting that this Apple employee has left Apple to run Microsoft retail. I wonder if other employees from the Houston Galleria will be jumping ship, too.

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