Best Job Boards for Hiring Engineers for a Startup
Anvisha Pai
Cofounder and CPO
July 15, 2024
•
3 mins
As anyone at a startup will know — hiring engineers, especially at the early stages, can be a challenging task. Unlike many other professionals, engineers tend to frequent unique platforms and communities. If you're looking to hire top-notch engineering talent, it’s essential to know where they hang out. Here’s a guide to some of the best job boards and platforms for hiring engineers.
At Dover, we've helped 500+ companies hire across 200+ different types of roles. We compiled this article based on our data and insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of hiring engineers effectively.
Engineers Don't Hang Out in the Same Places Other People Do
Engineers are a unique breed. They often prefer niche communities and specialized job boards over general job sites. Understanding where to find them is crucial for effective recruitment. Here are some of the top job boards and platforms where you can find talented engineers…
1. Hacker News "Who is Hiring?" Post
Hacker News, a popular site among tech enthusiasts, has a monthly "Who is Hiring?" thread. This is an excellent place to post job openings, as it attracts a highly engaged and technically proficient audience.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn remains a powerhouse for professional networking and job searches. While it may come with a cost, the platform's extensive reach and advanced search capabilities make it a valuable resource for finding engineers. According to Dover's data, LinkedIn is still the best-performing job board for hiring engineers.
3. YC Work at a Startup
Y Combinator’s "Work at a Startup" platform is another fantastic resource, especially if you have access to the Y Combinator network. It connects startups with engineers looking for exciting opportunities in the startup world.
4. WeWorkRemotely/RemoteOK
With the rise of remote work, platforms like WeWorkRemotely and RemoteOK have become go-to places for finding remote engineering talent. These boards are specifically tailored for remote job postings, attracting engineers who prefer or are open to remote work.
5. Reddit
Various subreddits can be great places to post job openings. Engineers often turn to these communities for job opportunities and discussions about the industry. Here are some of the top subreddits for hiring engineers:
r/PythonJobs - 22k members
r/SoftwareEngineerJobs - 4.2k members
r/jobs - 1M+ members
r/forhire - One of the most popular subreddits for job postings, including software engineering roles. It has a large pool of potential applicants but is less specialized.
r/Jobbit - Geared towards programming jobs, making it a good place to find specific types of developers.
r/techjobs - A generalized forum for tech job postings.
r/MachineLearningJobs and r/BigDataJobs - Specialized subreddits for machine learning and big data roles respectively.
r/Jobs4Bitcoins - While not developer-specific, you may find tech professionals willing to work for cryptocurrency here.
Language-Specific Job Boards
1. Elixir Jobs
For those looking to hire engineers with specific language skills, language-specific job boards like Elixir Jobs are invaluable. They cater to a niche audience, ensuring that your job posting reaches engineers with the exact skills you need.
2. Ruby on Rails Jobs
If you are looking for Ruby on Rails developers, Ruby on Rails Jobs and Ruby on Remote are excellent platforms. These boards specifically target Ruby on Rails developers, making it easier to find qualified candidates.
While many job boards can be useful, some may not be as effective for hiring engineers. Here are a couple to approach with caution:
1. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)
Despite its popularity in the startup community, Wellfound may not always be the best place to find engineering talent. The quality of applications can be inconsistent, and the platform is more general in nature. According to Dover's data, Wellfound is among the least performing job boards for hiring engineers.
2. Indeed
Indeed is a widely-used job board, but it might not be the best choice for finding engineers. The platform’s broad audience means your job postings might get lost in the sea of listings, leading to a lower quality of applications.
Conclusion
Finding the right engineers for your team requires knowing where to look. By leveraging the right job boards and platforms, you can connect with talented engineers who are a perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re looking for remote talent, specific language skills, or general engineering roles, the job boards listed above can help you streamline your hiring process.
Take advantage of Dover’s fractional recruiting services to help you identify and post on the right job boards for your roles.
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