Our founder, Will Sanders, was recently featured on the Develop Yourself podcast hosted by Aaron Hayslip. In this episode, Will and Aaron cover key topics relevant to job seekers and startups in the tech hiring market, drawing on real-world data from Recruiting from Scratch. Since its founding in 2019 in New York City, Recruiting from Scratch has specialized in placing engineers and AI/ML roles at seed through Series C startups, working with 549+ active startup clients. This discussion provides practical insights into career development, market trends, and efficient hiring strategies.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for the full episode.
About the Develop Yourself Podcast: To change careers and land your first job as a Software Engineer, you need more than just great software development skills - you need to develop yourself. Welcome to the podcast that helps you develop your skills, your habits, your network and more, all in hopes of becoming a thriving Software Engineer.To learn more about Aaron Hayslip, connect with him on LinkedIn and check out his company Parsity.io.
Will Sanders is the founder of Recruiting from Scratch, a specialized recruiting firm established in 2019 in New York City. The firm focuses on engineering and AI/ML roles exclusively for seed through Series C startups. Sanders founded Recruiting from Scratch to address specific challenges in startup hiring, building a firm known for its data-driven approach and high placement efficiency. Recruiting from Scratch maintains a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90+, reflecting client satisfaction with its services. Based on 0+ technical hires we've made since 2019, Recruiting from Scratch has developed a deep understanding of the talent market for high-growth tech companies.
After a tech layoff, focus on strategic job searching and skill refinement. First, update your resume and portfolio to highlight quantifiable achievements and relevant skills. Based on 0+ technical hires we've made since 2019, the average time to fill an engineering role is 29 days, indicating that a focused job search can yield results within a month if candidates are prepared. Network actively, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events to connect with potential employers and mentors. Consider upskilling in areas like AI/ML, which are consistently in demand across our 549+ active startup clients. Data from our placements shows an average salary of ~$252K for placed engineers, reinforcing the value of remaining competitive in specialized tech domains. Maintain a structured routine to manage the emotional impact of a layoff and ensure consistent progress in your job search.
Coding bootcamps can be a valuable pathway to securing a software engineering job, particularly for individuals pivoting careers or seeking to quickly acquire in-demand skills. Many bootcamps offer intensive, project-based learning experiences that mirror real-world development environments. Success after a bootcamp often depends on continuous learning and specialization in areas relevant to the current market. For instance, given our specialization in engineering and AI/ML roles at seed through Series C startups, candidates with strong foundational skills combined with a focus on specific, high-demand technologies tend to stand out. While bootcamps provide a foundation, the ability to demonstrate practical application and problem-solving skills, often through personal projects or open-source contributions, is critical. The engineering talent market values demonstrable ability and a track record of building.
Current hiring trends for startups and tech companies emphasize efficiency, specialization, and value-driven placements. Startups, particularly those in the seed through Series C stages, prioritize candidates who can make an immediate impact and possess specialized skills, especially in engineering and AI/ML. Our data from 300+ placements reflects an average time to fill of 29 days, indicating a market where companies seek to quickly onboard talent. The average salary for placed engineers is approximately ~$252K, underscoring the demand for high-caliber technical professionals. With 549+ active startup clients, we observe a consistent need for engineers who can adapt to fast-paced environments and contribute directly to product development. Companies are also evaluating hiring partners based on performance, often utilizing contingency models where the fee, typically 25-30% of the first-year base salary, is only paid upon successful placement. This model aligns incentives and drives focused results.
Recruiting from Scratch has been operating since 2019, based in New York City, specializing in engineering and AI/ML roles for seed through Series C startups. We have worked with 549+ active startup clients and made 300+ technical placements. This direct experience provides us with real-time, data-driven insights into hiring trends, compensation benchmarks (like the ~$252K average salary for placed engineers), and efficient recruitment processes (such as our 29-day average time to fill). Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90+ reflects our consistent success in connecting high-quality talent with growth-stage companies, grounding our perspectives in measurable outcomes.
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