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Val Esway
Recruiting Consultant, Career Mentor I SheFi

  • LinkedIn
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How does job searching and recruitment in the web 3 industry look today

What does the typical application look like for Web3 roles? Can you give us a breakdown on top 5 things that applicants need to look into?

It can vary quite a lot from company to company and role to role, I don’t think there is a one size fits all application.

 

I would encourage folks to look at different companies’ job boards and open roles and explore, see if you notice any patterns.

 

Some companies, especially if they're at an earlier stage, may not have their hiring process fully flushed out, or even advertise formally. That’s why it’s important to follow the companies you’re interested in on social media to keep your eye out for opportunities. Many of the crypto companies are active on X especially, so that’s a good place to follow them.

 

As for the top 5 things applicants should consider when applying, again it might vary from company to company and even according to the recruiter, but here are some things I suggest:

  • Check the requirements for location. Although many companies are remote, some can only hire in certain countries.

  • Ensure you have a clear summary statement that is targeted towards the role and that your bullet points on your resume directly address at least most of the requirements of the role.

  • If you have little or no direct paid work experience in web3/crypto/blockchain but have worked on projects, be sure to list that at the top of the resume.

  • If you have no direct work in this realm and no projects, I encourage you to start working on some projects so you’ll have something to point to your experience!

What are the most sought-after transferable skills from Web2 to Web3? - Can traditional roles transition easily into Web3?

Again, I write from my own experience but Web3 is a pretty wide and diverse world! 

 

The number one need I see is for developers. 

Beyond that, a lot of companies in this space need all the roles that fall under the marketing umbrella, from social media management to community to PR. In a smaller company, there might be one person managing all those functions! I also see companies needing customer success, biz dev, finance, product management, and beyond.

 

As to how you can transfer your skills, I think the best way is by understanding the market, the problem the company is trying to solve and for whom, and directly addressing how your skills can contribute – in your resume, interviews, and any conversations you have at events, etc

Which technical and soft skills are essential for landing a job in Web3 in any role?

At a basic level, you want to have a solid understanding of blockchain, decentralisation, wallets, etc. and to understand the possibilities of what this technology can solve or create. SheFi is obviously a great place to learn!

 

Not all roles will need to know programming languages, but if you’re aiming for a technical role, then it’s definitely good to know some fundamentals for programming languages…………Golang, Solidity, and TypeScript, React, Next.js, and Angular,  Blockchain / smart contract development: Solidity / Ethereum, Web3.js or Ethers.js library

 

Great soft skills to have: community building, adaptability. This space is changing fast so people who can learn and adapt quickly will do well.

How do most people find Web3 job opportunities?  

   - Are there specific job boards, platforms, or communities that are best for Web3 recruitment?

Again, I don’t know if there’s a hard & fast rule that applies to all, or even most. But I’ve seen many people land their rules due to networking and attending events. And of course communities can be fantastic places to network! 

 

Job boards can be useful but also, creating a list of target companies, following them and applying directly on their website can also be helpful.

How do most people find Web3 job opportunities?  

   - Are there specific job boards, platforms, or communities that are best for Web3 recruitment?

Again, I don’t know if there’s a hard & fast rule that applies to all, or even most. But I’ve seen many people land their rules due to networking and attending events. And of course communities can be fantastic places to network! 

 

Job boards can be useful but also, creating a list of target companies, following them and applying directly on their website can also be helpful.

Is it advisable to reach out directly to hiring managers at Web3 companies?  

I think it depends on the recruiter. For many that I’ve personally spoken with, they do appreciate a candidate going above & beyond & contacting them to follow up after applying for a role, even if they can’t always respond to every message. 

What types of examples or projects should candidates include in their portfolios?  Do open-source contributions or participation in hackathons carry more weight in Web3 recruitment?

I think open-source contributions and hackathons can be great ways of showcasing work.

How is the experience of finding a Web3 job different for junior versus expert candidates? 

For some companies that have very lean operations, I’ve heard them say they need people who can come in and execute quickly, which often points to people on the more junior end of the spectrum. There certainly may be some roles that require less experience, but regardless of your level of experience, I encourage folks to always be proactively learning and seeking to have a deeper level of understanding in this space.

How important is it for applicants to have experience in decentralised finance (DeFi) or DAO’S or any other web 3 category?

Again, it’s a broad world that exists in web3! I wouldn’t expect every person to be an expert in every aspect. But certainly if you’re targeting a DeFi company or a DAO, seek to have a basic level of understanding and seek out projects that can help you gain experience.

What are some common misconceptions candidates have about working in Web3?  Are there any pitfalls?

How does company culture differ in Web3 organisations compared to traditional tech companies

Is there a specific mindset or work ethic that’s more prevalent in the Web3 space?

One misconception could be that it’s all about crypto, but there is so much more than crypto! Pitfalls to be aware of – fake jobs. Be suspicious if an interviewer reaches out on Telegram, doesn’t show their face on a video call, or asks you to download a piece of software. There are definitely nefarious actors in this space whose sole aim is to scam people, so be diligent.

More web3 companies tend to be remote, sometimes culture can be challenging unless there is intentional effort to cultivate it. But again, every company is different so I’d hesitate to say this applies across the board.

Because of the fact that the industry changes quickly and many teams are remote, people that do well are those that can work asynchronously and who are adaptable and able to learn quickly.

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