Crypto’s Comeback—the phrase alone gives me a mix of excitement and nostalgia. A few years ago, I was knee-deep in the crypto recruitment game. Think 2017, when Bitcoin first hit $20k and everyone, from developers to marketers, wanted a piece of the action. Then came the bear market, and the frenzy cooled. But here’s the thing: the crypto industry never truly died. It’s like the tide—it ebbs and flows, but it always returns. And now, the tide is rising again.
Let me take you on a journey through this landscape, sharing some lessons I’ve picked up along the way, and why I think your dream job might just be waiting in the next bull market.
When the market starts climbing, opportunities explode. During the 2021 bull run, I remember one particular company—a DeFi platform that grew from 10 employees to over 100 in less than a year. They were hiring so fast, it felt like a never-ending game of musical chairs. Devs, product managers, community leads—you name it. But here’s the catch: the competition was fierce. Companies were battling over the same pool of talent, throwing out six-figure salaries and token incentives like candy.
If you’re eyeing a role in this space, be ready. Polish your LinkedIn, refine your pitch, and don’t just rely on job boards. Network. Join crypto forums, attend events, and connect with people already in the game. The early bird gets the worm, but in crypto, the well-connected bird gets the golden worm.
Let’s talk about what companies actually want. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about knowing blockchain buzzwords. During my recruitment days, the candidates who stood out weren’t necessarily the ones with the flashiest CVs. They were the ones who could demonstrate practical skills—whether it was coding a smart contract, running a DAO, or even managing a crypto community.
For example, I once placed a community manager at an NFT marketplace. They didn’t have a formal tech background, but their knack for engaging communities on Discord and handling PR crises like a pro made them indispensable. So, whether you’re a coder, a designer, or a marketer, think about how your skills can be applied to blockchain tech. And if you’re not sure where to start, platforms like GitHub, Coursera, and YouTube can help you get the basics down.
Here’s the thing about crypto jobs: they’re not all sunshine and moonshots. I’ve seen people land dream roles only to watch their company collapse months later. Remember Terra? Or FTX? The truth is, the industry’s volatility doesn’t just affect token prices; it impacts job security too.
Even if the next bull market hasn’t officially kicked off, now is the perfect time to prepare. I’ve noticed that companies tend to hire strategically during bear markets, building strong foundations for the next wave. It’s like planting seeds before the spring.
Take Ethereum’s ecosystem, for example. Many of the most successful projects today—think Uniswap or OpenSea—started building during quieter market periods. Joining a company now could mean you’re part of something massive when the next bull market comes around.
So, what are you waiting for? The next bull market is calling, and your dream job might just be one application away.
