Toiling away at a boring, menial or thankless job is never fun, but it's also unnecessary with so many jobs available to talented people. Tech talent is in high demand, and now is the time to find a dream job at a growing startup or established company looking to innovate with new technology.
We've collected some of Chicago's top employers, from payment industry disruptors to new media powerhouses. Below, find out a little more about their mission, their top perks and even a word from the company leaders on what they look for in new hires.
What they do: You can easily talk to someone across the country, but getting them some money can be an arduous task. Braintree creates a product that removes friction from payments, managing internal risk, account management and top-notch tech to make sure money moves smoothly.
Sweet perks: Unlimited vacation time and tuition reimbursement are great draws for Braintree, but on-site yoga and adjustable standing desks make coming into the office a real treat. A daily catered lunch, commuter benefits and paid parental leave round out Braintree’s killer perks package.
Note from the boss: “We look for builders and people who like to roll up their sleeves and solve problems,” said Lindsay Verstegen, head of talent and onboarding. “Those who are team players and have an intellectual curiosity about all things find success at Braintree. And while it's not required, an interest or experience in payments is always a benefit.”
What they do: Even the oldest companies need a killer digital presence if they want to survive in today’s online-driven marketplace. Bounteous helps optimize the digital experience of brands big and small, offering solutions across the web and mobile.
Sweet perks: From flexible working hours to competitive dodgeball tournaments, Bounteous offers plenty of top-line perks. Employees also have access to lunch-and-learn sessions, company-provided Apple computers and even Bounteous' own beer.
Note from the boss: “The Bounteous team is comprised of thoughtful, charismatic individuals who continuously push themselves to the next level,” said talent and culture recruiter Gina Sorrels. “So it goes without saying that we look for people who want to sharpen their skills, expand their knowledge and create something noteworthy.”
What they do: Enterprise software is vital to many companies’ day-to-day functioning, but understanding how tech will actually work before it’s implemented can be tough. G2 Crowd gathers business software reviews from around the web to help buyers make better purchasing decisions.
Sweet perks: Pushing the boundaries keeps companies moving forward. At G2 Crowd, employees get the chance to try new things with company-wide hackathons. Some other popular perks include company trips, flexible PTO, stock options, free lunch and beer Fridays.
Note from the boss: "Culture has been the cornerstone of G2 Crowd since the formation of the company,” said CEO and co-founder Tim Handorf. “With each new employee we add to the team, we strive to preserve that culture and ensure candidates share the same values as the company; putting buyers first, being compassionate and authentic, learning quickly and continuously, expecting excellence, keeping an entrepreneurial spirit and working with joy."
What they do: One North Interactive is a creative agency working on a wide variety of projects, which means employees are often tasked with diving into new worlds. One North helps brands plan for the future, manage relationships and develop experiences.
Sweet perks: In addition to a 401(k) plan and commuter benefits, One North employees also get top tier perks like weekly free lunches, happy hours around the two on-site kegs and quarterly company parties.
Note from the boss: “Sometimes the soft skills, aptitude and motivation mean more than anything,” said Sarah Mueller, manager of talent development. “We have internal technology, creative, strategy, brand and account teams, who all work together to produce great work. We’re interested in people who enjoy their specialty, but also thrive in a cross-functional, collaborative environment.”
What they do: Pampered Chef is welcoming the future of technology with open arms. The seller of high-end kitchen tools is leveraging ever-advancing tech to make sure its 40,000-plus independent consultants can stay on top of sales and deliveries, in addition to maintaining a customer-facing e-commerce site.
Sweet perks: Working at Pampered Chef means living on the cutting edge. To keep employees up to date on hot tech, the company offers training and development. Other perks include a high-tech working environment, with open collaboration zones and quieter spaces for contemplation.
Note from the boss: "At Pampered Chef, we're working to enrich lives … one meal at a time,” said Chief People Officer Angela Mancuso. “If you've got the right ingredients — analytic skills, technical development experience, a data-oriented mindset and a problem-solving curiosity — then we can offer the career recipe you're seeking."
What they do: A viral media powerhouse, Dose, along with Dose-owned OMGFacts.com, offer entertainment, education and inspiration to more than 30 million visitors. The company’s success is due in part to its predictive technology that surfaces stories worth sharing, making sure they find the right audience.
Sweet perks: Napping couches: check. Unlimited snacks: check. Daily ping-pong: check. Dose’s benefits may read like its office is the ultimate hangout spot, but a commitment to continuous learning and access to all the equipment you could ever need reflect the company's drive to get the job done and make an impact.
Images via featured companies.
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