For years, tech hiring relied heavily on resumes, degrees, and company logos. But those signals are increasingly unreliable.
Resumes describe what someone claims to know. Proof of work shows what they can actually do.
What Proof of Work Looks Like
Proof of work can take many forms. It might be a deployed side project, an open-source contribution, a technical case study, or a completed engineering challenge.
These artifacts allow hiring teams to see real decisions, real tradeoffs, and real execution.
Unlike interviews or resumes, proof of work cannot be faked easily. Either the system works, or it does not.
Why Companies Prefer Builders
Companies want engineers who can deliver, not just talk. Reviewing actual work reduces hiring risk and shortens onboarding time.
Proof-of-work hiring also expands the talent pool by focusing on skill rather than pedigree.
How Engineers Should Adapt
Engineers should focus on building tangible artifacts. Small, well-documented projects often matter more than polished resumes.
The strongest portfolios tell a story: the problem, the approach, the constraints, and the outcome.
In a builder-first world, your work becomes your reputation.
