You wrote the perfect resume and applied to some jobs. Your first interview is now lined up! Congratulations on taking the first step towards a career in the web3 and crypto industry! As you start to prepare for your first interview, it's essential to take the time to research and understand the company you're interviewing with. In this blog post, I'll guide you through some crucial steps to help you prepare for your first job interview in a web3 and crypto company.
Look Up the Twitter Account from the Last 2 Weeks and Get News on Partnerships, Launches, and Roadmap Updates.
Twitter is an excellent source of information for staying up-to-date with the latest news in the web3 and crypto industry. It is also a great place to catch up on information about the company you are interviewing at. Before your interview, take some time to look up the company's Twitter account and scroll through its recent tweets. Look out for any partnerships, product launches, or roadmap updates the company has announced. This will give you a better understanding of the company's current focus and priorities.
To Do: Follow the company's Twitter account and turn on notifications to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.
Find the Roadmap on the Site and Try to Understand It so You Can Ask Questions about the Company.
Most web3 and crypto companies have a website roadmap outlining their long-term goals and objectives. Take some time to find the company's roadmap and read through it. This will give you an idea of the company's vision and how they plan to achieve it. During the interview, you can use this knowledge to ask informed questions about the company's roadmap and how your role fits into its plans.
To Do: Take notes on the company's roadmap and develop a few questions to ask during the interview.
Look Up the Founders and Their Background - See If There Is Something You Can Connect On or Mention in the Interview.
Researching the company's founders and their backgrounds can give you valuable insights into the company's culture and values. Look up the founders' LinkedIn profiles and read through their experience and accomplishments. See if there are any commonalities between your experience and theirs that you can mention during the interview. This can help you establish a connection with the interviewer and show that you've done your homework.
To Do: Note any commonalities between your experience and the founder's background that you can mention during the interview.
Look Up the Funding.
Understanding a company's funding is crucial when evaluating its growth potential and long-term viability. Look up the company's funding history on Crunchbase or similar platforms. This will give you an idea of the company's financial backing and ability to execute its roadmap.
To Do: Take note of the company's funding history and use this information to ask informed questions during the interview.
Understand the Mission and Vision.
A company's mission and vision are crucial to its culture and identity. Especially web3 and Crypto companies usually take this very seriously. Take some time to read through the company's mission and vision statement and understand what they stand for. This will give you a better idea of the company's values and how you can align your own goals with theirs.
To Do: Note the company's mission and vision statement and develop a few questions to ask during the interview.
Check LinkedIn for Common Connections between Core Team Members or Previous Experience.
Check the LinkedIn of team members.
LinkedIn is valuable for researching the company's core team members and previous experience. Look for common connections between the team members, your network, and your experience. This can help you establish a relationship with the interviewer and show that you've done your research.
To Do: Take note of any shared connections between the core team members and your network.
Have Your Questions Written Before the Interview
Preparing a list of questions before the interview is an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role you're applying for. It also shows that you've researched and are invested in the interview process. Think of questions you can't find answers to online, which will help you understand the company's culture, goals, and expectations.
Examples of questions you might ask include:
- What is the company culture like?
- What qualities do you look for in successful candidates?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
- How do the company approach innovation and new ideas?
- When preparing your questions, be mindful of the time allotted for the interview. You want to take up only a little of the interviewer's time but answer your questions before leaving.
To Do: Before your following interview, list questions demonstrating your interest and investment in the company. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the blog post from our partner site Crypto Careers:
Prepare Yourself with Your Expected Salary, Start Time.
Before your interview, know your expected salary and start time. Be prepared to discuss these topics if they come up during the interview.
Research the average salary for the position you're applying for in the web3 and crypto industry. Consider your experience, skills, and education level to determine what compensation you would be comfortable with. It's also important to be realistic about your expectations and consider the company's financial situation and the current job market.
Similarly, think about your availability and when you can start. Be honest about your current employment situation and any notice you would need to give before starting a new job.
To Do: Research average salaries in the web3 and crypto industry, and determine your expected salary and start time before your following interview.
Prepare a Reference List.
Many companies will ask for references during the interview process, so it's essential to have a list of people who can vouch for your skills, experience, and work ethic.
Think about people you've worked with in the past who would be willing to provide a reference. These might include former colleagues, supervisors, or clients. Be sure to ask their permission before adding them to your reference list, and provide them with any necessary information about the company and position you're applying for.
When you provide your reference list, include the person's name, job title, company, and contact information. It's also helpful to include a brief note about your relationship with the person and why you have them on your list.
To Do: Before your following interview, prepare a reference list of people who can vouch for your skills, experience, and work ethic.
Understand What the Company Really Does
It's essential to have a solid understanding of what the company does and its role in the web3 and crypto space. Before your interview, take the time to research the company's website, whitepapers, and social media accounts. Try understanding their product or service and how it fits into the larger ecosystem. This will give you a better understanding of the company's mission and vision and help you ask more informed questions during the interview. Knowledge of the company's offerings can also demonstrate to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role and passionate about the industry.
Try the Product Before the Interview
If the company has a product or service available to the public, trying it before your interview is a good idea. This will give you firsthand experience with the company's offerings, which can be valuable during the interview. Using the product or service, you can identify potential areas for improvement or new features that could be added, and you can discuss these with the interviewer. Additionally, trying out the product or service can give you a better understanding of the company's target audience and can help you understand its unique value proposition. If you need access to the product or service, read reviews or watch demos to gain familiarity with it.
To Do: Signup on the platform, create a wallet, use the exchange - whatever the company is doing, try the product.
Get Up to Speed with Crypto & Web Industry News
In the fast-paced world of web3 and crypto, staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends is essential. Following industry news can help you stay informed about new product launches, company partnerships, and regulatory developments. This can also help you tailor your responses during the interview to align with the company's current priorities and initiatives. To follow industry news, you can subscribe to newsletters, follow relevant social media accounts, and participate in online forums and communities.
To do: Open some well-known crypto newsletter outlets (Coindesk is a great start) and catch up on the latest news from the last 2-3 weeks.
Research Competitors
Understanding a company's competitors can provide valuable insights into the industry landscape and the company's unique value proposition. By researching competitors, you can identify gaps in the market the company is looking to fill and assess how its products or services compare to those of its competitors. This knowledge can help you show your understanding of the company's positioning in the market and highlight your potential contributions to the team.
To do: Ensure you understand what the company is doing and try to find some competitors. Messari and Coingecko can be an excellent place to discover these or google it.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Answering common interview questions can help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview. This can include questions about your previous experience, skills and strengths, and interest in the web3 and crypto industry. You are preparing responses to more technical questions about blockchain technology or smart contracts. By practicing your answers, you can refine your responses and ensure that you highlight your relevant skills and experience most effectively. This can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job.
To Do: Go through the ten most important questions you can expect at a web3 and crypto job interview.
Showcase Your Skills and Relevant Work
This is very important - crypto and web3 companies are very result-focused. Be ready to discuss your skills and how they can be applied to the company's needs. Highlight any relevant experience you have in the web3 and crypto industry. If you have any relevant work samples, such as a code sample or design portfolio, bring them with you to the interview. This can help showcase your skills and experience to the interviewer and demonstrate your commitment to the job.
To Do: Depending on the role, update your Github profile, create a simple blog and post some content, or start a Medium site.
Conclusion
Preparing for your first interview in the web3 and crypto industry requires a significant amount of research and preparation. By following these tips, you'll be able to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the company and the industry and increase your chances of landing the job.
Summary:
- Look up the company's recent news and updates
- Understand the company's mission, vision, and roadmap
- Research the founders and their backgrounds
- Look up the company's funding
- Check LinkedIn for common connections
- Try the company's product before the interview
- Prepare a list of questions
- Be prepared with your expected salary and start time
- Have a reference list ready
- Catch-up on industry trends
- Understand what the company is building
- Research competitors
- Showcase your skills and experience
By being well-prepared and knowledgeable, you'll be able to make a great impression and show the company why you're the best fit for the job.
Good luck with your interview!
The Web3 Jobs Team