Usenet Hosted Amazon’s First Job Posting

On August 22, 1994 (over 25 years ago) Jeff Bezos posted the first Amazon job offer to Usenet seeking a very talented developer to help launch the site. While Bezos hadn’t named it Amazon yet, the job posting on Usenet clearly shows that he needs a coder with lots of talent. In return he promises “meaningful equity ownership”. We can only imagine what that would be worth in Amazon stock today. Shel Kaphan, Amazon’s first CTO was hired shortly after the newsgroup post. It’s not clear whether or not he responded to the post but it’s very cool to see the history represented on Usenet.  Here’s a look at the post.

Amazon's first job post

The post reads:

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

First job posting to world domination in 25 years, all from a single Usenet post 🙂