Since the beginning of the year, the recruitment market in the crypto industry has noticeably cooled down. According to data from vertical job sites, the number of new positions added in the first two weeks of January was only 85-90.

Compared to the booming same period last year, these figures are indeed striking. In January of last year, a total of 1,192 positions were posted, setting a new annual high. Calculated on a daily basis, the number of job postings at the beginning of this year is about 6.5 per day, compared to an average of 38 per day during the same period last year—an activity decline of 80%.

Market sentiment is confirmed by the data: this year's start is far less lively than last year's.

Looking at the composition of positions, interesting changes are emerging. Technical engineering roles account for 60%, while non-technical roles such as market expansion make up 40%. The key point is—about 65% of the positions are at the level of specialists, senior specialists, managers, and department heads.

Companies' strategies have changed. Instead of hiring broadly to expand teams, they are precisely targeting experienced core players, letting them lead product development and business growth. Most positions require 5+ years of experience, and management roles typically require 7+ years.

Talking with job seekers, I asked what currently attracts them. The answer is surprisingly consistent: market prediction and stablecoins. Therefore, about 60% of the recruitment demand comes from infrastructure teams, stablecoin projects, payments, and fintech infrastructure startups, which is easy to understand.

The competition for talent among prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket is expected to continue intensifying. The current recruitment landscape is a microcosm of this industry adjustment.