Let’s be real—landing a job in web3 isn’t just about knowing the right protocols or having “blockchain” on your resume. It’s about something much bigger: understanding how to take world-changing tech and make it usable for the masses. After interviewing hundreds of web3 candidates across engineering, product, and design, I’ve seen what makes certain people rise above the noise in this field. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about who has the flashiest tech stack or the longest list of crypto projects.

In the crypto job market (or really any job market), it is important to know what to highlight about your experience to ensure you are showcasing your best self! The list below captures the essential qualities that teams seek in web3 talent and is great to keep in mind during the admittedly stressful interview process.

1. Be Insatiably Curious

Curiosity is everything in web3. It’s less about the years of experience you bring and more about your drive to learn and explore the space. The best talent isn’t waiting for tasks—they’re already building, testing, and tinkering on their own. If you’re trying out new protocols, experimenting with DApps, or even contributing to open-source projects, talk about it. Make it clear that you’re fascinated by the technology and actively learning. And don’t forget: recruiters want to see that you can break down your work and interests in a way anyone can understand—explain it simply and share why you're diving into it. If you can do that, you’re already ahead of the game.

1. Keep Security Top of Mind

Web3 is the wild west, and users are increasingly worried about security (and rightfully so). You don’t need to be a dedicated security engineer or guru, but you do need to demonstrate that you prioritize security in your work. Describe how you approach security—whether it’s double-checking code for vulnerabilities or keeping data protection in mind. This isn’t just about protecting your product; it’s about safeguarding the users who will trust it.

1. Build Cross-Functional Muscles

Building for the masses means collaborating with teams outside of engineering. Real impact in web3 requires clear, open communication with product, design, marketing, and beyond. When explaining your experience, talk about how you’ve collaborated across functions—how you explain technical challenges to non-engineers, or how you take feedback from non-technical teammates and users. It’s not just about the code; it’s about creating a product that works for people. Good engineers write strong code; great engineers build strong products.

1. Scale Your Thinking

Web3 tech is nascent, but it's scaling quickly. Show that you’re thinking about how to design and build for future growth. Whether you have firsthand experience with scaling or are simply thinking ahead, recruiters want to know that you’re ready to future-proof your work. It’s not just about handling higher traffic; it’s about understanding that web3’s future includes millions of users, regulations, and evolving protocols. When interviewing, bring up instances where you’ve considered scalability in your work, even if it’s at an early stage!

1. Storytelling

Crypto is driven by bold ideas and revolutionary missions. Companies want builders who can articulate the why and how behind their work. Talent who can tell the story of why they’re building what they’re building, who they’re building for, and how they accomplished it are the ones who stand out. It’s one thing to drive impact, but rooting it in a clear, concise narrative shows that you’re not just building—you’re building with purpose and integrity.

1. Align with the Mission

Web3 teams are built on specific values, and companies want to know your values align with theirs. Whether it’s decentralization, transparency, or empowering users, be ready to share what drives you. Why are you in web3? How does it connect to the company’s mission? Show that your vision for this tech goes beyond technical details—that you want to build the internet of tomorrow for real people.

In a Nutshell

To stand out in web3, go beyond the code. Show off your curiosity, think about security and scalability, and ensure you’re building with real people in mind. Web3 needs talent that’s ready to bring it to the masses, and if you’re the kind of builder who’s passionate about that mission, you’re exactly what this space needs. So dive in, start making waves, and if you’re interested in exploring web3 opportunities, connect with me—I’d love to see what you’re building.