Even if you're happy with your current job, it never hurts to keep an eye out for new and exciting opportunities — and Chicago's tech scene has no shortage of those. If you're ready to jump in the deep end and try something new, consider sending your resume to one of these fast-growing companies.
What they do: Raise connects people with unwanted gift cards to consumers looking to save money on their purchases. Since its founding in 2013, Raise has rapidly grown into the world’s largest gift card marketplace.
Sweet perks: Employees at Raise get a matching 401(k), competitive vacation and insurance benefits, and breakfast and healthy snacks provided every day. And for those with families, the company offers paid maternity and paternity leave, adoption credit and paid leave for family bonding.
What they look for: “At Raise, we look for individuals who have a thirst for knowledge and are excited by solving complicated problems through technology,” said head of engineering Dave Hoover. “We strive for technical excellence while fostering the sense of duty to mentor our more junior team members.”
What they do: With its curated shopping service, Trunk Club helps consumers look sharp while sparing them the hassle of going to the store. That service is underpinned by a powerful technology product built right here in Chicago.
Sweet perks: From the rooftop deck with a view of the city to the fully-stocked bar and the on-site barista, Trunk Club’s River North office doesn’t sound like a bad place to spend a workday. Employees also get unlimited vacation, health care coverage and a 401(k).
What they look for: "We are looking for engineers that take high accountability and responsibility for their work in a fast-paced, creative environment,” said VP of engineering Candice Savino. “Candidates who are passionate about our mission, collaborate well and want to grow in a learning environment fit best within our culture."
What they do: GoHealth helps families, individuals, and groups find the health insurance that’s right for them. And once the consumer signs up for a plan, GoHealth helps ensure they can access the health care they need.
Sweet perks: GoHealth’s corporate team enjoys a casual work environment with an open vacation policy, flex Fridays, company-sponsored events, and subsidized gym memberships. And if you’re planning to bring a friend, GoHealth offers employee referral bonuses, too.
What they look for: “Innovation is at the forefront of everything we do at GoHealth, so our ideal candidates are as creative as they are talented, and they’re not afraid to take intelligent risks,” said Mark Monitello, senior VP of human resources. “Culture is also a top priority for us, so we always make sure a candidate is a good fit for both the job description and the work environment.”
What they do: Adage Technologies is a Chicago-based web design and development firm that specializes in creating engaging sites that drive e-commerce sales. If you’re a creative go-getter and not afraid of a challenge, its growing team has a spot just for you.
Sweet perks: In addition to health benefits, paid vacation and a 401(k) with employer contributions, Adage’s employees partake in a quarterly profit-sharing bonus program. Employees also have a free in-building gym and bike storage, regular happy hours and social events, and recreational sports leagues.
What they look for: “As a collaborative culture, we look for people who are great team players and value integrity,” said director of technology Mathieu Agee. “Our employees are passionate about taking on challenges and delivering success.”
What they do: Founded in 2012 and headquartered in the West Loop, Rocketmiles is constantly on the lookout for new ways to reward your wanderlust. Its core offering is a platform that gives travelers airline miles and other rewards for their hotel bookings.
Sweet perks: Employees at Rocketmiles enjoy flexible work schedules, a stocked kitchen, monthly cell-phone stipends, and competitive salaries, bonuses and benefits. Oh, and did we mention the vacation credits? Yes, vacation credits.
What they look for: “We look for candidates who represent three important cultural values: urgency, accountability and humility,” said CFO Gautam Kumar. “We love people who sprint instead of walk and who make decisions instead of waiting for them — and who still volunteer to take out the garbage at the end of the day.”
What they do: StratEX creates HR software that puts everything from hiring to scheduling, payroll, benefit administration and performance reviews in a single place. Its platform is specifically designed to meet the needs of employers in industries with large workforces, multiple locations and complex scheduling.
Sweet perks: In addition to benefits like health insurance, flexible vacation and floating holidays, StratEX employees enjoy free snacks and coffee and opportunities to be part of committees on volunteering and company culture.
What they look for: "Culture is king. I remember our culture when we were small, at about 20 to 25 employees. To me, keeping that culture is tantamount to success. I like to come to work every day and the minute we lose that, that's when we start to lose the appeal,” said founder and CEO Adam Ochstein. “We also hire people with emotional intelligence, who don't take themselves too seriously, have a high degree of empathy, and who can read and understand people: who want to continuously learn and improve, asking how and why, not what.”
What they do: Via is on a mission to make your commute more sustainable and efficient by offering shared rides around the city. If that sounds like something you’d like to get in on, and you don’t mind wearing multiple hats, this transportation startup might just be offering the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Sweet perks: Via’s employees enjoy competitive compensation, equity, health insurance and a flexible vacation policy. And as the startup continues to expand its offerings, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow.
What they look for: "At Via, we set our bar at ‘exceptional,’” said Chicago general manager Yoav Mordowicz. “Exceptional doesn't just mean outstanding grades or a fancy diploma. We want people who have achieved greatness in all their endeavors. Via employees have summited Mt. Everest, toured the nation in rock bands, captained submarines and watched all the episodes of Game of Thrones four times. By working with exceptional people, we're able to build an exceptional products, and it always keeps things interesting around the water cooler!"
What they do: Founded in 1998, Performics pioneered the marketing industry’s move toward performance marketing. Now part of the Publicis Groupe, the adtech firm counts global brands like HP, Hertz, Toyota and H&M among its clients.
Sweet perks: With generous benefits, a 401(k), lots of time off and plenty of resources for professional development, Performics is a great place to grow both personally and professionally. And for employees who stick around for a while, there’s opportunities to partake in the company’s fabled sabbatical program.
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