In bull markets, everyone wants a job in the cryptocurrency industry. In this livestream, Compass talks through how to do that with two founders of leading cryptocurrency recruiting firms.

This livestream is essential for anyone looking for start a new career in anything from bitcoin mining to decentralized finance. Rob and Mani explain their perspectives on the recruiting market, tips for candidates, and what to avoid when job hunting in crypto.

Video Recording

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Audio Version

Show Notes

Introductions (timestamp)

Rob Paone (Founder, Proof of Talent): He used to work in software sales before starting his career in the crypto space. He stated making YouTube videos before joining Airswap in early 2018. In 2019, he started a recruiting firm that works with companies in the crypto space.

Mani Answer (Founder Crypto Jobs Daily): He got into the crypto space 8 years ago. He founded crypto jobs daily in 2020. This company helps identify and place candidates in the cypto space.

What’s the state of hiring in crypto right now? (timestamp)

  • Hiring is in a bull market, many companies are hiring.
  • Rob: Hiring in the space is a lagging indicator towards price.
  • A lot of venture capital money is being allocated for hiring talent.

Key differences between traditional finance and crypto hiring right now (timestamp)

  • Your experience depends on which sector of the crypto space that you are working in.
  • If you’re working at larger companies, like Gemini, the experience with respect to dealing with processes and multiple levels of corporate bureaucracy will be similar to larger trad finance companies.
  • Once you’re working in the space, it might not feel like work because its passion driven vs typical 9-5 jobs.

Do you employers worry about employees leaving because of profits they make from crypto investments? (timestamp)

  • Employers are always concerned about this.
  • The potential to get equity options and token rewards sometimes causes this but it is a huge benefit for the employees.
  • Equity options are used to retain employees.

What to look for in good and bad offers (timestamp)

  • First a candidate should figure out what they are passionate about before looking at compensation, otherwise they might not be happy in company.
  • Candidates should think about what size company they would like to work for.
  • Some companies will offer lower base salaries and equity options. This is higher risk, higher reward.
  • Rob: I always recommend that candidates choose getting paid in stablecoins vs a company’s token.
  • If the company is offering equity, candidates should always look at the vesting schedule. Ask: can you see yourself at that company until the equity vests?

Hiring doxxed vs anon candidates (timestamp)

  • In crypto, skill is weighted higher than pedigree or whether you’re fully doxxed.
  • It’s one of the only industries in the world where you can have a fulltime job without revealing your identity.
  • However, the employer will likely want to know your identity.

Common mistakes in crypto recruiting (timestamp)

  • Having surface level interest is not enough; candidates should study the industry and have a passion for it.
  • Candidates shouldn’t use buzzwords if they don’t know what they mean.
  • Not tailoring your resume is a mistake; this makes it hard for recruiters to determine what you’re interested in and what transferrable skills you have.
  • Going a step further and tailoring your resume to the company will help a candidate standout.
  • Candidates often don’t take the time to research the company that they’re interviewing for.

How can a candidate standout? (timestamp)

  • Build their twitter profile and providing value will help them standout.
  • Hiring managers are getting hundreds of resumes, sending a video with their resume will help a candidate standout.
  • Candidates should have 2-3 examples prepared with respect to know they would handle different roles in the crypto space.
  • Candidates should consume media put out by the company that they are interviewing with so that they can speak about it in the interview.
  • Candidates should understand their strengths, if they like to write than they should get on Medium, if they are good on camera than they should a start a podcast or YouTube channel.
  • Candidates should keep relationships with the people that they interview with, even if they don’t land the job (follow them on twitter, DM questions, etc.).

Are there other platforms to network on instead of Twitter? (timestamp)

  • Discord has become more popular for crypto communities and crypto projects.
  • In person networking is ideal if you’re in a place with a big crypto community (ex. New York City, Austin, Boston).
  • When people like you, they will want to work with you or help connect you with job opportunities so be yourself and be respectful.

Dos and don’ts for networking through DMs (timestamp)

  • Don’t ask for a job directly.
  • Do be friendly and polite, real people are behind these screens.
  • Don’t just send “Hi”, be clear about who you are and what you’re looking for.
  • Balance between “shitposting” and professional behavior.
  • Do not personally attack individuals, it is off putting to recruiters.
  • It’s ok to post memes and have a little fun without being disrespectful.
  • Seek advice from people already working in the space about social media Dos and Don’ts.
  • If you’re working in the space, don’t disclose details about personal investments.

What sectors are the hottest for hiring? (timestamp)

  • Rob: every sector in the industry is hot and hiring.
  • Security tokens and enterprise blockchain companies have less hiring demand.
  • There are opportunities with large companies, like Coinbase, and early-stage companies.

Advice for candidates with niche traditional industry roles who would like to transition into a crypto job (timestamp)

  • The transition won’t be easy in this case, but it is doable.
  • These candidates should find their passion and build relationships.
  • Candidates should demonstrate why they’re competent by showcasing their prior work and independent projects.
  • Candidates can consider volunteering first to gain experience before seeking a paid role.

Hosted by Zack Voell and Will Foxley