Startups in the Bitcoin & crypto industry are some of the most exciting, innovative, and high-growth companies we work with on Dream Startup Job.
Working in the Bitcoin & crypto industry can provide you with a ton of learning and career growth opportunities, but breaking into the industry requires a unique approach.
We had conversations with five hiring managers at top startups from across the industry and asked them to share their best advice for a job-seeker who wants to break into the industry.
Hut8 provides the infrastructure and solutions that will fuel the global technology ecosystem well into the next industrial revolution. Hut8 is the first company to operate computing infrastructure across sites that mines Bitcoin and delivers cloud, colocation, and high-performance computing services to enterprise customers.
What is your number one piece of advice for someone looking to transition into the industry?
Build relationships with hiring managers or executives, especially during bear markets. This could be in the form of coffee, lunch, a quick intro call/email, at conferences/meetups, or anything else that allows you to develop relationships. Make a strong impression with your industry and technical knowledge so you’re their first call when the market returns to growth.
What is the biggest difference between the "traditional" world and the bitcoin/crypto world?
The pace of change and innovation. The industry and news cycle move incredibly quickly, and successful professionals in this industry must be adaptable and willing to learn quickly in order to keep up.
What are some of the most common career paths in the Bitcoin & crypto industry, and how can someone determine what is best for them?
Common career paths in the Bitcoin & crypto industry include software development, finance & trading, research & development, and business development. Candidates can determine which path is best for them by evaluating their strengths and interests and identifying which roles align with those.
What are some of the most common misconceptions you hear about working in the Bitcoin & crypto industry?
Two big misconceptions are that it’s all about get-rich-quick schemes or a lawless, unregulated industry. The industry is highly regulated and professional, with many career growth and development opportunities.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you see job-seekers make, and what's your advice on how to avoid these pitfalls?
One of the biggest mistakes I see job-seekers make is not having a professional environment to conduct their remote interviews. Be in a quiet space with high-quality audio and video, and make sure there are minimal background distractions.
GetBit is an early-stage startup building on Bitcoin in a trillion-dollar+ total addressable market. GetBit is a proudly "BItcoin-only" startup that leverages the Bitcoin Lightning Network to allow its users to transfer money across borders instantly and for free.
What is your number one piece of advice for someone looking to transition into the industry?
This advice might not align with some of the other hiring managers you speak with, but this is my opinion as someone who's building a Bitcoin-only startup.
The only true innovation in the space is Bitcoin. Everything else is an arbitrage on the trend. I'd suggest that job-seekers focus on Bitcoin and make sure they understand what Bitcoin is and the problem it solves.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you see job-seekers make, and what's your advice for avoiding these pitfalls?
I've seen many job-seekers assume that you need technical skills to contribute to Bitcoin. While understanding how Bitcoin works is useful, we need people who understand customers and customer behavior. So, if you are not technical, lead with your strengths, and be open to learning.
What are some ways candidates can set themselves apart to land interviews?
Bitcoin Twitter works! Follow the people you want to work with, understand their views and beliefs, and reach out to them on Twitter. Nostr is even better for connecting with Bitcoiners.
What are the most important qualities you look for in potential candidates?
At GetBit, we look for two big things – passion and a desire to learn. Skills can be acquired, but passion is either there or it's not. When you do something you love, you automatically become passionate. So we want to attract people who are in love with Bitcoin and the ideals it represents.
How important is a cover letter? Do hiring managers even read them?
No, I personally do not read cover letters, but I know this differs from company to company. I think that if you have something great to showcase, you should put it at the top of your CV and repeat it in your outreach communication and/or during your first conversation.
If you want to showcase something, put it front and center. Speed and clarity matter in business, so communicate succinctly and get to the point quickly.
Shipyard Software creates tailor-made solutions for trading cryptocurrencies, with a focus on DEXs. Shipyard’s flagship product, Clipper, is a DEX built for blue-chip token swaps and sustainable LP returns. The Shipyard fleet is governed by AdmiralDAO, a vanguard of builders working to level the playing field of global exchange by creating free and fair markets.
How important is a cover letter? Do hiring managers actually read them?
It really depends on the industry. For Web3 native firms, people don’t typically ask for cover letters. Hiring managers might ask you to write 1-2 short paragraphs on a problem you’ve solved as part of the initial screening process when you apply.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you see job-seekers make, and what's your advice on how to avoid those pitfalls?
A few things I've seen that might hinder someone's success rate in landing the job are ...
How important is networking? What are some strategies for building a network in the space?
Networking is crucial. This is a vibrant and collaborative industry, and you’ll need to spend time sorting through all the requests for partnerships to determine which ones you’ll want to move forward with. You’ll need to be proficient with all of the different messaging services, so start learning how to use Discord, LinkedIn, Slack, Signal, Telegram, and Twitter now!
What are the most important qualities you look for in potential candidates?
Initiative. Does the candidate have good questions? Have they done their homework on the company? Do they have a good sense of why they want to work in this industry?
Emotional intelligence. Relevant experience. Are there aspects of their professional experience that are essential to the role? This can range from soft skills to technical skills.
What are some of your favorite interview questions?
I find behavioral questions related to the specifics of the job helpful. I’m interested in how people have handled various situations, such as conflicting timelines, stakeholder conflicts, vague scope, etc.
However, I believe the best assessment is to give candidates a case assignment after their first interview. I find that seeing real examples of their work is more helpful than interviewing someone. It demonstrates firsthand how the person approaches problems, the types of questions they ask, how they approach finding solutions, etc.
Guardrail Mining provides best-in-class solutions to Bitcoin miners, including site selection, design & build, miner installation & cable management, mining operations, miner repairs, and much more.
What is your number one piece of advice for someone looking to transition into the industry?
Be willing to start anywhere. By that, I even mean entry-level. You're coming into a brand-new industry, so be positive and be a "can-do" person. Joining a Bitcoin company means joining a growing company. Be willing to grow with a "company-first" attitude. This will get you a long way.
How important is networking? What are some strategies for building a network in the space?
It’s more than virtual networking – it’s relationships. Travel to attend conferences and meetups. Volunteer at conferences if paying to attend is not in your budget, and meet-ups are free. Talk with people, express interest, ask questions, and foster and maintain relationships. Be authentic, engender trust, pitch in, and help out.
Care about the people you meet and take an interest in their companies. And then stay in touch. Be willing to re-introduce yourself and repeat your name over and over again.
What's the biggest difference between the "traditional" world and the bitcoin/crypto world?
Most Bitcoin companies are startups, so they are in startup mode with a startup budget and culture. They are lean teams with employees wearing many hats. Observe how hard the founders work, and be willing to work that hard too. Be willing to take on any job or extra task, even if that means taking out the trash when it’s “not your job.”
What are the most important qualities you look for in potential candidates?
Taking on a new hire is a big investment for a company. They are investing in you and want to know that it will be a long-term investment. Can you see yourself there for at least three years? Five years? If so, make sure you convey that you are “in this” for the distance. And let your actions and language reflect that commitment. Also, ask the startup outright what you can do to increase your chances for the role.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you see job-seekers make, and what is your advice on how to avoid these pitfalls?
Don’t rush. Read over every aspect of the job posting and follow the submission process to a T. Do extra research and learn as much as you can about the company. Listen to any podcasts company members have been on and read every article and blog post on the company’s website.
What are the interests individuals may list on Twitter? Skiing? Carnivore diet? Be willing to ask questions about the interviewer’s interests. Ask good questions, listen to their answers, and remember what they say for future conversations.
Messari provides market intelligence that drives high-conviction participation in the crypto economy by helping professionals, builders, and communities navigate web3 by providing world-class tools and intelligence.
What is your number one piece of advice for someone looking to transition into the industry?
The most important thing to remember is that the process for landing a job in the bitcoin/crypto industry will look very similar to any other industry. Start by getting an understanding of what jobs are available by going to crypto-specific job boards or the career page of your favorite companies. Then, apply for roles that you like and have the appropriate experience for.
Are there any particular industries or backgrounds that are particularly well-suited for a career in the Bitcoin & crypto industry?
Engineering is #1, but any non-technical role (sales, HR, legal, accounting, finance) will exist at a crypto company. Being someone with a passion for crypto will give you a big leg up on the competition for those roles.
What is the biggest difference between the "traditional" world and the Bitcoin & crypto world?
The crypto world is typically younger, with a more casual dress code, a higher risk tolerance, and more comfort with extreme volatility than the “traditional” world. You also see results-focused people with a hunger for learning and self-improvement. The industry is very savvy online, and memes rule the world.
What is the best post-interview follow-up strategy?
The best thing you can do after an interview is to send a follow-up email to the person you interviewed with. Send this email a couple of hours after the interview. Thank them for the time and express excitement for the role. I’ve never been swayed to hire someone because of their follow-up, but I do question someone’s professionalism or interest in the role if they don’t send a follow-up.
What do you think sets successful professionals in the Bitcoin & crypto industry apart from those struggling to succeed?
Crypto can be very trendy in the culture. Many people get excited about the industry when prices are rising. CNBC has daily crypto segments, the memes are on point, and jpegs are selling for six figures.
But, successful professionals stick around and keep building when the euphoria is gone. It’s difficult to become successful by constantly chasing the newest, sexiest, shiny thing the world is discussing right now.
We hope this advice from hiring managers across the Bitcoin & crypto industry is helpful o you as you prepare to land your next interview!
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