---
created_at: '2012-01-03T05:46:33.000Z'
title: How Jeff Bezos advertised for the first Amazon employees (1994)
url: http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/how-jeff-bezos-advertised-for-the-first-amazon-employees-1994-20101228/
author: heelhook
points: 51
story_text: 
comment_text: 
num_comments: 27
story_id: 
story_title: 
story_url: 
parent_id: 
created_at_i: 1325569593
_tags:
- story
- author_heelhook
- story_3418764
objectID: '3418764'

---
[](http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/jeffbezos.jpg)

In 1994 Amazon.com did not exist. The idea was still in founder Jeff
Bezos’ head, and the company he was setting up had the name Cadabra Inc.

But like any new start-up, he needed developers on staff in order to
realize what was to become the biggest online retailer in the world. How
exactly did Bezos go about finding those first few individuals that
helped create Amazon.com?

The answer comes in the form of a [job posting on
Usenet](http://groups.google.com/group/mi.jobs/msg/d81b6c1fa8f361fc?pli=1)
made in August 1994 by Bezos, asking for “extremely talented C/C++/Unix
developers”. The listing discovered by web consultant [Joe
Devon](http://twitter.com/RWW/status/19659039260549121), and has been
included below in full:

> Well-capitalized start-up seeks extremely talented C/C++/Unix
> developers to help pioneer commerce on the Internet. You must have
> experience designing and building large and complex (yet maintainable)
> systems, and you should be able to do so in about one-third the time
> that most competent people think possible. You should have a BS, MS,
> or PhD in Computer Science or the equivalent. Top-notch communication
> skills are essential. Familiarity with web servers and HTML would be
> helpful but is not necessary.
> 
> Expect talented, motivated, intense, and interesting co-workers. Must
> be willing to relocate to the Seattle area (we will help cover moving
> costs).
> 
> Your compensation will include meaningful equity ownership.
> 
> Send resume and cover letter to Jeff Bezos:
> 
> mail: be…@netcom.com  
> fax: 206/828-0951  
> US mail: Cadabra, Inc.  
> 10704 N.E. 28th St.  
> Bellevue, WA 98004
> 
> We are an equal opportunity employer.
> 
> ——————————————————————-  
> “It’s easier to invent the future than to predict it.” — Alan Kay  
> ——————————————————————-

Did the first few developers who got asked to interview and secured a
position at Cadabra have any idea what they were about to create? I
doubt it, and most would have just seen it as an interesting challenge
they couldn’t pass up. All of them, if they stayed, are probably quite
well off now with that equity ownership they got offered.

Cadabra Inc. became Amazon when it was found people sometimes confused
the original name with Cadaver. Then the site launched in 1995, and the
rest is history.

So next time you see a job listing for a new start-up, just remember
Amazon started the same way, and that new listing might just be for a
company that turns out to be the next Amazon, or Facebook, or Google.

Read more at
[ReadWriteWeb](http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/history_job_posting_for_amazoncom_before_it_launch.php)
