Atlassian to hire 32 software engineers

Social-networking software maker Atlassian was using unusual incentives to kick off a campaign to attract 32 software engineers to its Sydney office.

Linked gallery: A day in the life of Atlassian

The software developer that has mostly US and European customers offered a $2000 bounty to anyone referring a friend who is subsequently hired and a flat fee to recruiters.

And it's holding an open day on September 24.

Successful applicants will receive a $1000 travel voucher to take a holiday before they start.

"The way we're communicating this - through social media and Twitter, LinkedIn, and whatever media is available to us - has caught a lot of interest," said Atlassian's talent manager, Joris Luijke. "We've also put out some innovative little perks to attract the attention of candidates."

Atlassian wanted code cutters with JavaScript, HTML/CSS, C# and Java experience and performance and QA engineers.

It has offices in Amsterdam and San Francisco but its headquarters and research and development was in Sydney.

"We're investing $4.5 million into IT market in Sydney alone with these hires," Luijke said. "And, realistically, we'll be looking at more jobs in Sydney in the near future in terms of support roles."

It employs 200 staff of which 135 in Australia.

Luijke said the company was financing its expansion via revenue from organic growth.