Finding exceptional web3 talent requires a strategy that goes beyond conventional methods. The real gems often go beyond just updating their LinkedIn profiles. They actively engage in the field — building, designing, and coding the decentralized future. This is why smart recruiters constantly seek alternative places to find web3 candidates, where passion for blockchain technology thrives. This guide sheds light on five unconventional channels to help you find your organization’s next web3 superstars.
In this guide:
How to find web3 candidates with incredible potential
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Finding the best web3 candidates requires a multi-layered, multi-pronged strategy. A method to approach this is by delving into specialized web3 communities, monitoring Discord channels, and staying tuned to the latest developments.
Note that this approach is more than just about being present. It’s about active engagement and understanding the pulse of the web3 world. For instance, learn who is doing the coolest NFT art or the most innovative DAO structures. Do this diligently, and connections form.
“In web3 today, there are more job offers than good candidates, but talent remains the most scarce resource.”
Anthony Avedissian: @antavedissian on X
You can also attend virtual and in-person gatherings to connect with builders and coders behind the newest startups and innovations. From ETHDenver to NFT NYC, these events assemble web3 pioneers across blockchain gaming, tokenomics, DAO structures, social tokens, and more.
These are the spaces where you’ll likely encounter the movers and shakers of the web3 world. For example, you might bump into a developer just completing a groundbreaking blockchain project. Or, perhaps you meet a digital strategist who has been instrumental in a successful NFT campaign. Interactions like these are crucial for gaining access to the web3 inner circle. That, in turn, makes it easier to find the kind of web3 talent that can drive your organization’s growth.
Five unconventional hangouts where you can find web3 candidates
These overlooked locations are the places you might have yet to consider. In these unique spaces, candidates do more than showcase their skills; they engage in innovative projects and discussions. By exploring these areas, you unveil a world of possibilities, connecting with professionals deeply immersed in the evolving web3 world.
Crypto and blockchain forums
Crypto and blockchain forums can be the proverbial gold mine for recruiters while hiring web3 talent. These forums are often more than just online meeting spaces. These are hubs where enthusiasts, experts, and innovators can get together, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends. In the process, help each other out and collaborate.
These forums stand out from run-of-the-mill job boards and social media platforms by offering raw, unfiltered access to authentic insights, opinions, and ideas shaping up in the web3 community.
The diversity of perspectives they offer is another big edge recruiters can leverage while recruiting web3 talents. From experienced developers sharing their technical expertise to entrepreneurs presenting their visionary projects, these forums are a melting pot of talents and ideas. And don’t forget that this diversity is not just in terms of professional backgrounds but also in the level of engagement that might help you identify casual enthusiasts from dedicated professionals.
Recruiters can leverage these platforms not just to scout for talent but also to gain a deeper understanding of the candidate’s capabilities and interests. Engaging in these forums allows you to see beyond the resume, providing insights into a candidate’s practical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and their ability to collaborate and contribute to community-driven projects.
Furthermore, active participation in these forums can help you build a presence in the web3 crypto community as an HR professional. This makes it easier for you to approach potential candidates and gain their trust. This approach is especially effective in a field like web3, where community endorsement and peer recognition can make a world of difference.
Hackathons and competitions
Hackathons and competitions are rapidly emerging as premier events that attract the brightest talents in the web3 space. These high-energy events attract developers, designers, and thinkers looking to test their skills and showcase their creativity through intense bursts of innovation.
If you are searching for web3 candidates with the right balance of skill and hands-on experience, hackathons are the ultimate destination as they provide a raw, real-time display of ability. Here, candidates collaborate under tight deadlines to construct prototypes, solve complex problems, or create new applications.
The competitive spirit and the resulting pressure reveal not just hardcore technical prowess but also soft skills like teamwork, communication, and grace under fire. Judges and observers can quickly discern those who thrive when convergent thinking and complex coordination are demanded.
Similarly, web3 competitions offer snapshots of talent potential. By challenging competitors to build decentralized apps, create novel smart contracts, or solve open-ended blockchain challenges, these competitions reveal both veterans and rising stars within the space.
As with crypto and blockchain forums, these events also allow recruiters to pulse-check ongoing trends. Workshops guide recruiters into new directions, while post-event networking offers opportunities to drill into specific projects. Over time, recurring participant lists begin to reveal the influencers and luminaries of web3’s future.
Find your perfect match
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Open source communities
Open source communities have that lightning-in-a-bottle feel — they are the interfaces where innovation gets rapidly stress-tested and battle-hardened through communal tinkering.
For HR professionals, open-source communities offer a clear view of contributions, allowing recruiters to directly observe the technical agility and problem-solving skills of potential candidates. GitHub exemplifies this, serving as a platform where artists, coders, and various talents can openly showcase their talents.
Another significant aspect of scouting talent in open-source projects is the diversity of experience and expertise they bring to the table. From seasoned developers contributing to major blockchain projects to enthusiastic hobbyists working on small-scale applications, these platforms provide a 360-degree view of the talent pool in the web3 space.
Discord and Telegram groups
Telegram and Discord are the virtual watering holes where web3 enthusiasts congregate. Both these platforms aren’t just random chat servers — they’re hubs where innovation kicks into overdrive powered by a diverse community of NFT artists, builders, and coders, among others.
If you regularly engage in these platforms, the odds are high: you could come across a writer strategizing how to make DAOs more accessible through content, a designer debating UX remedies to crypto’s complexity, or perhaps coders discussing optimizations for an NFT minting algorithm. These are just a few examples of what these platforms offer.
Engaging in Discord and Telegram groups also allows recruiters to observe how potential candidates interact within a community setting. This can reveal much about a person’s communication skills, teamwork ability, and overall compatibility with a company’s culture. That’s particularly useful in an industry that relies heavily on remote collaboration and decentralized projects.
Moreover, these platforms frequently host exclusive events, AMAs, and discussions with web3 industry leaders, enabling recruiters to connect with top-tier talent.
Social platforms where web3 influencers thrive
Web3 represents the next generation of social networks where influencers will likely thrive. Web3 social networks, utilizing decentralized technologies, focus on a triadic communication model. However, web2 platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, known for their bidirectional user interaction and content creation, continue to play a significant role in today’s digital world.
Harnessing social media influencers in popular web3 domains is crucial for tapping into a diverse talent pool. These influencers connect with a wide audience, including blockchain developers, smart contract experts, digital artists, and DeFi specialists. Web3 recruiters can access a rich and varied talent base by engaging with these influencers. Moreover, influencers are often at the forefront of the latest web3 and cryptocurrency trends. Collaborating with them provides insights into the industry’s evolving needs and trends.
Moreover, partnering with influencers can amplify recruitment efforts due to their credibility and trust with their audience.
Seek the right blend of technical expertise and passion
Finding web3 candidates who align with your organization’s culture and values is a nuanced task. It extends beyond assessing technical skills — especially in the web3 space, where candidates often juggle multiple offers. Some particularly passionate candidates may even be involved in multiple projects around the same time. Therefore, identifying individuals who combine passion in their field with fresh perspectives is crucial, shedding light on the importance of exploring non-traditional channels.
Frequently asked questions
What are some effective non-traditional channels to find web3 candidates?
How do hackathons help in finding web3 candidates?
Can we still use traditional job boards and social media for finding web3 talent?
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