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  • Writer's pictureJames Johnson

Unconventional Strategies to Unearth Software Talent

Hey there, folks! James here, and today we're diving deep into the world of recruiting software talent. Now, I know what you're thinking – "James, it's a war out there for tech talent!" Well, you're absolutely right, but I'm here to tell you that the best warriors are those who think outside the box. So, let's unleash some unconventional strategies to recruit and hire the best software talent out there.


  1. Embrace the Hackathon Hustle: Hackathons aren't just for nerds anymore! These high-energy events are where software wizards showcase their skills under pressure. Host your own hackathon or sponsor existing ones. It's a breeding ground for talent, and you get a front-row seat to their brilliance.

  2. Let's Get Personal with Video Messages: Forget the traditional email outreach. Grab your smartphone, shoot a 60-second video, and send it over. Personalized videos not only grab attention but show your genuine interest in potential hires. Plus, it's a little more "human" in the tech world.

  3. The Podcast Power Play: Start a podcast about your company culture, tech trends, and the amazing projects you're working on. Invite tech enthusiasts, experts, and potential hires as guests. It's a fantastic way to build relationships and let talent see the real you.

  4. Hack Your Way into GitHub: GitHub is the treasure chest of software talent. Don't just stalk their profiles; contribute to their projects! When they see your name pop up in their notifications, they'll be curious about who you are. Boom! Foot in the door.

  5. Gamify the Interview Process: Interviews are boring. Spice things up with a coding challenge or a tech-themed escape room. You'll not only test their skills but also see how they collaborate and handle pressure – real-world stuff!

  6. Social Media Sleuthing: Get your inner Sherlock Holmes on social media platforms. Follow potential candidates, engage with their posts, and let them know you're watching (in a non-creepy way, of course). It'll pique their curiosity.

  7. Open Source Contributions: Encourage your team to actively contribute to open-source projects. It's a brilliant way to build your company's reputation and attract tech talent who share your values.

  8. The Coffee Shop Chats: Invite potential hires for a casual coffee chat. No agenda, no formalities. Just a friendly chat about tech and life. You'd be surprised how often a coffee shop conversation leads to a job offer.

  9. Hack the Employee Referral Program: Supercharge your employee referral program by turning it into a game. Offer enticing rewards for referrals, and turn your team into talent scouts.

  10. The 'Hire the Hustler' Approach: Don't get fixated on a candidate's formal education. Look for the hustlers, the self-taught, the ones who've built something from scratch. They often have the hunger and creativity you're looking for.

Remember, folks, the best software talent doesn't always come from the traditional pipelines. To stand out in this competitive landscape, you've got to be bold, creative, and ready to take unconventional routes. So, let's go out there and recruit software talent like never before!


In the world of tech startups, the game is all about breaking boundaries and redefining norms. These unconventional recruiting messages will not only attract the right talent but also create a buzz around your startup. So, go ahead, embrace the unconventional, and let your startup's personality shine!

This is the QuantumHires team, signing off with one final message – it's time to hustle and hack your way to the top of the tech talent game. Let's get it!

-James C. Johnson


We partner with rapidly scaling start-ups providing mission-critical talent on demand with my Quantum Hires System, at a fraction of the cost of traditional recruitment methods.


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