How to hire blockchain developers?

How to hire blockchain developers?

As companies ramp up adoption of blockchain technology, the demand for blockchain developers continues to grow. But what type of skills do these developers have, and how can founders and startups find a qualified blockchain developer?

What is a blockchain developer?

Blockchain developers are a type of software developer who are also experts in distributed ledger technology. They have a deep understanding of how blockchains work, can develop smart contracts, and can build decentralized applications (dApps) on various blockchain platforms (think Ethereum, Solana, Flow, etc). In addition to their technical skills, blockchain developers also have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the space. They need to be able to identify potential issues with a project and come up with creative solutions. This is an often under-appreciated fact for hiring managers: developers who have previously worked on web3 and crypto projects similar to yours will be able to look around corners, and provide advice and feedback on everything from growth to customer behavior to strategy.

Understanding your needs

Blockchain developers bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table, and hiring a talented one can help you unlock the potential of this technology. Indeed, for founders with an idea but no product, hiring a blockchain developer is often the first step in getting started.

First, it is important to have a clear description of your project and needs in order to find the right fit for your team. As a first step, we recommend that you write out your entire project specifications. Why do you need a developer? What will they be doing? What problems will they be solving?

Second, you’ll need to consider the logistics. How long will the project take? When hiring a Blockchain Developer, be sure to ask prospective candidates if they have the necessary time-bandwidth to deliver a project within the timeline. Will other team members be required? If you don’t know the answers to this question, try to speak to a few experts to better understand the scope of your project.  With extensive knowledge of blockchain technologies, developers are capable of evaluating your ideas and providing you solutions that fit the bill.

Third, you’ll need to have a clear sense of budget. The cost for your project will primarily depend on your work scope, as well as the specific skills required to make your project come to life. Blockchain developers are in high demand, and so command a premium right now. In thinking through budget, you’ll also need to consider whether you want this to be a fixed budget project (in which case your needs will need to be well scoped and defined) or an hourly project (which can afford you more flexibility in case your needs might evolve or change).

Finally, you’ll need to decide whether you need to hire a full-time, part-time, freelance, or fractional blockchain engineer depends on the needs of your project. Talk to different experts and engineers to see what kind of arrangement would work best for you. You’ll also need to do some research on the latest hourly rate for blockchain developers so you can budget accordingly. Lastly, don't forget to consider the non-monetary costs associated with each option (e.g., the opportunity cost of training a new full-time hire).

With these factors in mind, you can begin your search for the perfect candidate. By taking the time to find the right software developers for your needs, you can ensure that your project is well-positioned for success.

Full-Time Hiring

Hiring a full-time blockchain developer can be a challenge, as they are in high demand. In addition, many developers prefer freelancing, which allows them to dabble in multiple projects without being tied down to just one. Your best bet as you kick off a full-time hiring search would be to tap into your network (if you have one in this space), plug into an existing development community or local talent network, and potentially retain a recruiter specializing in these roles.

If you're looking to hire a blockchain engineer or developer, you’re unlikely to have great luck on traditional platforms like LinkedIn. You could try posting a job on more startup-focused platforms like AngelList. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to find the right fit, so it's important to take your time and look for someone who has the skills and experience you need.

Some larger companies have begun hiring software engineers with no background in crypto, blockchain, or web3, and teaching them to become expert blockchain developers on the job. It's certainly possible to learn to be a blockchain developer, as you'll need to understand general web development and will probably have familiarity with Java, Python, C++, and other languages. With the mastery of these web development concepts, you can ramp up blockchain-specific skills like solidity, rust, Golang, Simplicity, and engage in smart contract, decentralized application development, and other related projects.

Hire Freelance blockchain engineers

Another great place to look for blockchain developers are freelance platforms.

There are a number of ways to find capable blockchain experts, either through online hiring platforms or by working with specialized development firms. Startups or companies that only need blockchain development assistance for a brief period of time may want to consider hiring freelance blockchain developers on either an hourly basis or part-time basis. The good news: you don't have to be based in Silicon Valley to hire top-tier talent, you can now hire remotely from all over the world!

There are many job postings for freelancers on marketplaces like Upwork, although the quality there can vary and you'll likely have to sort through many questionable profiles because they do not actively curate their talent roster. (Part of what we do at Thirdwork is screen our blockchain developers and other freelance talent so you don't have to. This allows us to present you with a roster of vetted, top blockchain developers.

For larger projects that require a more dedicated team, it may be necessary to work with a blockchain development company on a project basis. In either case, it is important to vet developers carefully to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to successfully complete the project. If the success of your project depends on this role, it makes sense to put in the effort to hire the best blockchain developer you can find.

Ultimately, hiring the right blockchain developer(s) can make all the difference in the success of your project. Skilled blockchain engineers are in extremely high demand, and there are many developer jobs to choose from. Above all, be sure to have a compelling pitch for your developers so that you can recruit top talent!