US Xerox Careers - History

A history of making history

For more than 100 years, Xerox has turned a commitment to ideas and finding new answers into unprecedented success. From our beginnings in a makeshift laboratory behind a beauty parlor in Astoria, Queens, to our products working in 160 countries, we’ve believed in the power of ideas and in communication, and enabling the sharing of information.

We’ve invented and improved many of the products that people around the world use every day. Today, as we look back on our past, we’re excited about our future. Excited about what it means for us, and what it can mean for you. Together, we can do just about anything. Are you ready to make some history? Join Xerox.

The Xerox History quiz:

How much do you know about Xerox? Find out below.

1. Who invented Xerography in 1938? That's what we now call photocopying.
A. Johannes Gutenberg
B. Mike Xerox
C. Chester Carlson
D. Bill Gates

C. Correct. People have called Chester Carlson a modern-day Gutenberg since he was able to revolutionize printing. The first image that he made is now on display in the Smithsonian.

2. How many lines of code did our engineers and technology professionals put into the processors on the new iGen4 Digital Offset printers?
A. 2 million
B. 3 million
C. 5 million
D. 8 million

D. Correct. 8 million lines. Perhaps the most advanced digital off-set printer on the planet, the iGen4 matches, and even surpasses, the quality of traditional off-set printers.

3. Standard white office paper uses only 45 percent of a tree. Our professionals recently developed High Yield Business Paper™. What percentage of the tree does it use?
A. 61 percent
B. 90 percent
C. 50 percent
D. 31 percent

B. Correct. Our new High Yield Business Paper™ uses 90 percent of a tree. That means less waste, and that's better for profits and for the planet.

4. Which of these was invented by Xerox professionals?
A. The laser printer
B. What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) text editors
C. The mouse
D. All of the above

D. Correct. Our history of invention and original thinking stretches back to our founding. Today, we're recognized for our continued success in finding revolutionary new solutions.

5. How can the "ink" that our professionals developed for our solid ink printers best be described?
A. Syrupy
B. Gelatin
C. A crayon
D. Powdered sugar

C. Correct. Our solid ink looks like a giant crayon! Our solid ink is clean, easy to handle and just the latest advance that we've developed.

6. What year did Xerox professionals celebrate the sale of our two millionth copier?
A. 1988
B. 2003
C. 1958
D. 1997

A. Correct. The company that invented the photocopying industry became the first to sell 2 million copiers in 1988.

7. What percentage of revenue does Xerox invest in R&D every year?
A. 1 percent
B. 1.7 percent
C. 5 percent
D. 3.1 percent

C. Correct. In 2007, this meant we invested $1.8 billion (with a "B") on R&D. We're committed to continuing to advance our ability to give our customers outstanding products and services. The results of this investment in R&D are seen in every corner of Xerox.

8. What year was Xerox, and in turn our professionals, awarded America's highest technology honor – the National Medal of Technology?
A. 2007
B. 1983
C. 1954
D. 1995

A. Correct. In 2007 we received the U.S. National Medal of Technology. We continue to be at the forefront of innovation with a significant investment in research and development. We're also committed to becoming a true partner with our customers by taking advantage of our advanced technology, our understanding of document handling and our focus on customer service.

9. What years did Xerox make DiversityInc Magazine's list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity?
A. 2007 and 2008
B. 1997, 2004, 2007
C. 2003 and 2008
D. Every year since the list was started

D. Correct. Every year, in fact every day, we're proud of our commitment to diversity.

10. How many active patents does Xerox hold?
A. More than 8,900
B. Around 7,000
C. Nearly 4,000
D. Less than 1,500

A. Correct. Our 8,900+ patents show we have a strong commitment to developing our technologies and our professionals. If you're interested in developing your career, consider a career with Xerox.

Xerox Stories

"The people here are outstanding."

Alicia – Global Account General Manager

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Even more history

To learn more about our history, visit our Historical Highlights or Our Newsroom

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