I applied online. I interviewed at Kraken (Belfast, Irlanda del Norte) in Feb 2026
Interview
The interview process itself was smooth and professional. The hiring manager was very pleasant and knowledgeable. After an initial screening, I completed a take-home assessment, which was straightforward for anyone with crypto experience. The 30-minute interview was conversational and focused on cultural fit and mission alignment, which I appreciated.
The Major Issue - The Offer & Lack of Transparency:
While the interview experience was positive, the actual job details revealed significant red flags that were not communicated upfront or on the advertisment for the position.
Salary Not Advertised, Fixed at Entry-Level: The job description did not list a salary. The offer came in at a fixed £25,000 for a 6-month contract, described as "non-negotiable" for an "entry-level" role. This is at or near minimum wage for a role requiring specific crypto expertise.
Vague and Unsustainable Hours: The job ad and initial conversations were vague on schedule, only mentioning "evenings and weekends to cover North American hours." In reality, for a UK employee, covering US evenings and weekends translates to permanent night-shift work (e.g., 11 PM - 7 AM UK time). This critical detail was not explicitly stated, making the £25,000 offer even more unsustainable.
I chose not continue with the interview process despite getting through to the next round.
Conclusion:
The company's culture and mission are passionately communicated, but the offer reflects a stark contradiction: a demand for high flexibility and niche skills at a take-it-or-leave-it, minimum-wage rate. The process feels designed to attract mission-driven candidates only to present them with an exploitative contract.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your experience in Margin and Crypto derivatives?