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: