hn-classics/_stories/1994/3418764.md

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

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 made in August 1994 by Bezos, asking for “extremely talented C/C++/Unix developers”. The listing discovered by web consultant Joe Devon, 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.

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“It’s easier to invent the future than to predict it.” — Alan Kay
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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