Microsoft: Top 100 US Employer

Once again, Microsoft has been named a Top 100 Employer by Fortune. In 2005, Microsoft ranked 57 out of 100. For 2006, their rating improved to 42 overall. Bill Gates knows what motivates his teams and he works hard to keep them healthy, wealthy and wise.

Microsoft employs 39,011 in the United States and an additional 22,460 employees worldwide. In 2005, the company added 1,509 new jobs, representing a corporate workforce increase of 4%. For those same 1,509 new positions, Microsoft received 166,184 applications indicating that as usual, employment with the greatest software company of all times is highly coveted and the competition is fierce.

Being part of something historical; encouraged to leave your personal mark and leaving behind a technical legacy are all perks that lure top professionals to Microsoft. The company offers 45 hours of paid professional training to all full time employees each year; allow 5 days of paid leave each year to volunteer in your community; matches dollar for dollar all charitable donations that employees make; and of course all full time employees are privy to the best health plan in the nation. Some of the inclusions in their plan are unheard of and only a multi-billion dollar corporation like Microsoft, which reported $40M earnings in 2004, could offer such an extensive plan. On top of the very competitive salaries and perks, the health care and benefits package, which is 100% free for all full time employees, easily adds $20K to an average mid-level professional's salary at Microsoft. Still need more convincing that this is a company you should pursue for long-term employment? Check out these additional perks:

Investment Benefits - Savings Plus 401(k) Plan -Defer up to 50% of pretax salary dollars. Company matches 50 cents on every dollar to a maximum of 6% of employee contribution.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - 1% to 15% of after-tax salary to buy Microsoft stock at a 10% discount.

Group Legal Plan - Provides assistance with routine legal services such as real estate, adoption, divorce, bankruptcy, and wills.

Employee Assistance Program - Confidential counseling services for employees and family members.

Prime Program - Discount savings on products and services, including automotive services, computers and electronics, home and garden, restaurants, and travel.

Tuition Assistance Program - Reimbursement of tuition fees and textbooks for work-related courses.

If you want to learn more about the extensive healthcare benefits that Microsoft offers, check out my blog this week that talks about the amazing benefits at Microsoft

Quoted directly from the Microsoft Employee website: "At Microsoft, people are the source of our energy. Creative people from all types of backgrounds, bringing passion and new ideas, meeting challenges, and realizing their potential. Our benefits plan and resources are designed to keep our most important assets - our employees - healthy, happy, and moving ahead at optimal speed. Microsoft benefits are generous and personalized; to give our employees the coverage they need to keep them healthy and happy."

Now, let's take a closer look at two of the most common occupations at Microsoft -

Software Design Engineer

Software design engineers work in a supportive network, sharing a passion for pushing the limits of technology in order to enable customers. The work completed by SDE's at Microsoft influence the lives of millions. Some duties include coding and designing new software, and constant team collaboration to create and build products.

Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant is involved in a wide array of tasks and projects including event planning, customer liaison, and website updating. This position provides an opportunity to take action, use strong problem-solving skills to bring about change, and make a positive impact.

Polish up your resume, press your best interview garb and check out the Microsoft website. Currently, there are more than 300 openings posted nationwide and you can conveniently apply online.

Let's talk! I encourage you to share your questions and comments with me in the discussion area

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Copyright June 14, 2006. Tracey Drake and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.

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