We sat down with Sam at Odiin to get his perspective on hiring in Web3, the trends shaping the space, and where the industry is heading over the next few years.
Biggest red flag in a job spec?
Vague wording like ‘rockstar’, ’10x engineer’, or ‘must thrive in chaos’ usually means a lack of structure internally.
It often suggests the role hasnt been clearly defined or that expectations are unrealistic. Strong job specs should be clear about what the person will actually be doing and what success looks like – not filled with buzzwords that can mean anything.
Which ecosystem is best positioned heading into 2026 and why?
For me, it’s Solana.
High-performance trading and consumer apps are thriving there, and it’s built for scale.
What trend will define the next cycle?
On-chain trading + perp DEXs.
The experience is getting faster and much closer to what you’d expect from a centralised exchange. That’s been one of the biggest barriers to adoption, so as that gap closes, more users will naturally move on-chain. It feels like a big shift that’s already starting to happen.
Where do you see Web3 in 5 years?
Users might not call it ‘Web3’ anymore. It’ll just be part of the internet.
A few dominant verticals will stand out more clearly:
- On-chain trading (spot + perps) Prediction markets
- Stablecoin-based payments
- Tokenised real-world assets
At the same time, a lot of token offerings will disappear compared to the earlier days of Web3. The space is maturing, and there’s less room for unnecessary tokens without real value behind them.
Is Web3 facing a talent shortage, or a talent mismatch?
It’s both, but mismatch is the bigger problem right now.
There is a genuine shortage at the top end, especially for experienced engineers and specialists. But across the wider market, there are a lot of people interested in Web3 without the depth of experience companies actually need.
That gap between expectation and capability is what makes hiring feel difficult.
Any tips for interviews in Web3?
Show that you actually use the products.
Position yourself globally; most Web3 roles mean you’re competing with talent worldwide, so you need to stand out beyond just your CV.
A strong online presence helps too. Whether that’s Twitter/X, GitHub, or writing about the space, it shows genuine interest and involvement.
And while Web3 is more relaxed, professionalism still matters. Don’t eat your dinner during an interview, and turning up in your dressing gown probably won’t leave the best impression.
