New to Seattle and needing to find a job with health benefits, Anna Carson knew where to start.

The 41-year-old moved from Nashville to Bainbridge Island with her husband and their three children hoping to get a job at Starbucks. Her southern charm, and determination, helped her land work as a barista in the “epicenter" of Starbucks. That's how Seattle magazine describes the eighth floor store in Starbucks Support Center – the company’s Seattle headquarters.

In its February issue, Seattle magazine featured Carson for the article “Now Hiring! 26 Companies That Want You.” Along with Starbucks, the magazine noted Amazon, Microsoft and the University of Washington have opportunities, although the competition is tough because “these days plenty of people are coming to Seattle, drawn by our marquee companies and thriving startup culture.”

Carson began her job search with Starbucks by introducing herself to baristas and store managers at several locations. Persistence, a skill she says “my dad and mom taught me” paid off. As her career begins at Starbucks, she says she’s thankful for the health benefits Starbucks offers to part-time employees because her husband owns his business.

“What sets us apart is our investment in people,” Blair Taylor, chief community officer and executive vice president for Starbucks told Seattle magazine. “When we do well, we’re going to share that success with our people.”

In addition to health benefits, all partners (employees) - regardless of how many hours they work - are eligible for the company’s Future Roast 401(k) plan with matching contributions and immediate 100 percent vesting. Starbucks also gives its partners stock in the company called Bean Stock.

For job seekers, check out Starbucks career page and follow the Starbucks Jobs Twitter page for “freshly brewed jobs and tweets" about opportunities with the company.

Photo by: Meryl Alcabes