At Microsoft’s Stores, Apple “Genius” = “Retail Technical Advisor”
10:07 am, August 21st, 2009, Leander Kahney
As Microsoft begins hiring for its first retail stores, the giant is showing it’s usual flair for naming. What Apple calls a “Genius,” Microsoft is calling a “Retail Technical Advisor.”
Microsoft is hiring for its first two stores in Scottsdale, AZ and Mission Viejo, CA., which are due to open in September. While Apple is at pains to emphasize that its retail jobs are “More than a retail job,” Microsoft puts the word “retail” in its job titles.
According to the job listings, here’s how Microsoft breaks down other jobs in the store compared to Apple.
Concierge = Retail Customer Service Associate-Full Time
Personal Shopping Specialist = Retail Sales Associate
One to One Trainer = Retail Trainer
And here’s how Microsoft pitches its store to employees, compared to Apple. Where Apple says, “Be the face of Apple,” Microsoft says “You have unique experiences, skills and passions—and we believe you can bring them all to Microsoft for a rich, rewarding career…” in retail. Which is more compelling and less BS?
Microsoft:
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.
Apple:
Be the face of Apple—help people learn about, shop for, and get the most out of their Apple products. That means we’re not just looking for people with retail experience. Creative pros, technical experts, and business consultants have a place here, too.
Posted by Leander Kahney in Apple, News, Retail Stores | Comment on this article
To be fair, everyone was coming down on MS when they were calling their Genius copies Wizards (or whatever it was). At least now they’re just being boring again.
Shawn Pero, on August 21st, 2009 at 11:13 am
riiiight, because the job title in store couldn’t possibly be different than the job description posted online. I am willing to bet when Apple staffed it’s first store it didn’t stick an ad in the paper saying “we need geniuses please.”
Jason Burns, on August 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hey, I’m just commenting based on what’s in the article. Me-yow!
Shawn Pero, on August 21st, 2009 at 1:02 pm
You just need to remember three things for the Microsoft position: Reboot, reinstall, and return
dave, on August 21st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I hate when retail jobs call it a career. I guess, yes, if you stay there for your entire working life, it is your career, but as someone who is in the retail sector, I don’t view it as a career. It’s a job.
Nathan, on August 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
the names are lame but whatever. if they were wacky and fun they would be digged on for copying Apple’s “let’s not just be boring and call them Sales, Customer Service and Technical Support” style
as for me. I can’t wait for the CA store to open. I’m having some trouble getting my new Windows 7 to install and Apple doesn’t support Boot Camp. I’m sure a RTA can help me. I mean it is Windows after all.
Lucas, on August 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm