How to Determine the Legitimacy of Someone’s Work Experience in Crypto: From an experienced Headhunter

Alright, fam! If you’re diving into the chaotic waters of hiring in the crypto space, buckle up because you’re in for a ride. With all the buzz and the hustle, it can be tough to separate the real deal from the wannabes. I’ve been in this game for 15 years and have seen my fair share of resumes that sparkle but lack substance. Let’s break down how to sniff out the legit candidates from the fluffy and fake. Warning - there are a lot of fake profiles now and people are even using deepfakes during interviews - so these steps are critical. Check Their Blockchain Footprint
In crypto, it’s all about the blockchain, baby! Start your sleuthing by finding their digital trail. Look for contributions to projects on platforms like GitHub, or if they’ve worked in DeFi, can you find them on major protocols? Check their profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, or even crypto forums and see if their story checks out with the community. Use online tools to scan CVs to see if they’re real or AI generated. Ask for Proof of Work
Let’s keep it real: anyone can throw together a fancy resume. Don’t be shy to ask for proof of their work. Have they released any whitepapers? Built smart contracts? Participated in hackathons? Getting tangible evidence will help you see if they can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.Leverage Peer Validation
In the crypto community, word travels fast. Use your network to your advantage—hit up mutual connections or past teammates for insights on their work ethic and contributions. A strong reputation in the crypto sphere is priceless, and if they’re well-regarded, you’re likely dealing with someone legit.Look for Continuous Learning
In our fast-paced industry, stagnation is death. Check if they’re showing signs of continuous learning—are they participating in webinars, attending industry events, or contributing to discussions on the latest crypto trends? If they’re not hungry for knowledge, it might be a red flag.Evaluate Their Problem-Solving Skills
Crypto isn’t just about coding; it’s a constantly evolving landscape filled with unexpected challenges. During interviews, throw some hypothetical scenarios at them that reflect real-world issues they might face in the crypto space. How they respond will reveal their problem-solving prowess.Probe the Details
When you’re interviewing, dig deep into their roles. Instead of asking, “What did you do?”, flip the script and ask, “What challenges did you face, and how did you tackle them?” Real experts will provide nuanced answers and context that reveal their depth of understanding. If their experience sounds rehearsed or vague, it’s time to dig deeper.Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, we’ve all got that instinct. If something feels off about a candidate, don’t ignore it. Trust your intuition and remember, you’re not just hiring a resume; you’re bringing someone into your team who needs to vibe with your culture.Navigating the crypto hiring scene can feel like a wild ride, but by using these strategies you’ll be able to spot genuine talent more quickly. The crypto world is bursting with potential, and with the right people onboard, you’ll be in a prime position to build and scale. Happy hunting, and may the best degens win!