7 ways to address the dev talent shortage in the crypto industry

cointelegraph.com:

Ask any leader in any industry for a list of the significant issues they’re facing right now, and odds are they’ll mention the difficulty of finding and retaining top-quality talent. It’s been a long-term, ongoing issue when it comes to professionals with a technology focus, and as businesses across industries undergo digital transformation, it’s not just a problem for tech-focused companies anymore.

As a relatively new, tech-forward industry, the crypto and blockchain space is definitely feeling the pinch when it comes to landing and keeping talented developers. However, it’s not a problem without a solution. By exercising creativity and leaning into the space’s unique strengths and appeal, crypto and blockchain companies can catch the interest and loyalty of top-quality devs. Here, seven members of Cointelegraph Innovation Circle share some ideas to help leaders in the space address the developer shortage the industry’s currently facing.

You may think you’re doomed if you can’t pay the highest salaries, but realize that what recruits often want is much more than money. Think about offering generous equity — this is not something exclusively reserved for leadership — and create an unheard-of culture that serves as a recruitment engine. Provide outstanding opportunities for personal, financial and career growth. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures

Stop competing for the same handful of developers who are being shuffled around, and start hiring locally and training a workforce. There’s essentially an “arms race” for developers right now, and the only way to win is to widen the circle of candidates. Blockchain companies should look to build new talent pools wherever they are, not simply migrate to San Francisco to join the shuffle.