ABOUT CLIENT
An AI startup in the USA with Russian-speaking developers, creating a product that assists writers and researchers in text generation. The company reached breakeven within the first six months and needed an experienced Senior ML Developer to strengthen the team and accelerate the development of key features.
Senior ML Developer with over 5 years of experience in machine learning, strong expertise in Python and major ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn), as well as experience working with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure).
It was important to find a candidate who can quickly adapt to the dynamic startup environment, make independent decisions, and mentor junior developers.
It was important to find a candidate who can quickly adapt to the dynamic startup environment, make independent decisions, and mentor junior developers.
OUR GOAL
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Shortage of ML Developers
High competition for qualified ML specialists.
Specific Requirements
A technically strong candidate with startup experience and an understanding of AI product development.
Limited Budget
The startup couldn’t offer a salary comparable to large IT companies.
Tight Deadlines
The position was a priority, and the client needed to fill it within a month.
our approach
1
Active Sourcing and Targeting
Our recruiters utilized a wide range of sourcing channels, including LinkedIn, GitHub, specialized IT forums, and an internal candidate database. We targeted candidates with experience in AI startups as well as those involved in open-source machine learning projects.
2
Developing an Attractive EVP
Instead of competing on salary, we emphasized the opportunities the startup offered:
• Impact on the product: The chance to make a meaningful contribution to the development of an innovative product.
• Professional growth: Working on challenging and engaging tasks requiring continuous learning and development.
• Fast decision-making: Autonomy and the ability to make independent decisions.
• Company stock options: The opportunity to become a co-owner of a fast-growing startup.
• Impact on the product: The chance to make a meaningful contribution to the development of an innovative product.
• Professional growth: Working on challenging and engaging tasks requiring continuous learning and development.
• Fast decision-making: Autonomy and the ability to make independent decisions.
• Company stock options: The opportunity to become a co-owner of a fast-growing startup.
3
Technical Interview
We developed a custom technical interview including questions on machine learning, deep learning, algorithms and data structures, as well as practical coding tasks. This allowed us to filter out candidates who did not meet the required qualification level.
4
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit Assessment
In addition to technical skills, we thoroughly assessed candidates' soft skills, their communication abilities, teamwork, and adaptability to the startup culture.
5
Transparent Communication with the Client
We regularly provided the client with progress reports, shared labor market insights, and promptly responded to their feedback.
RESULTS
- TimelineThe position was filled in 3 weeks, one week ahead of the planned deadline.
- Candidates7 candidates were presented, of which 3 were invited to the final interview with the startup’s CEO.
- Final HireWe sourced, recruited, and onboarded a candidate with over 7 years of experience in ML, deep knowledge of Python and key ML libraries, as well as experience working in an AI startup.
- Candidate's PerformanceThe candidate successfully passed the probation period and has made a significant contribution to the development of the new platform version — this feedback was received from the client. Contact details are available upon request.
OUR RESULTS
ROI
for client
According to the client’s assessment, the new ML developer’s contribution accelerated the platform’s new version release by 2 months, resulting in a projected 15% increase in revenue in the first year.
3
weeks
Time to Hire
7
candidates
Presented to the Client
43%
3 out of 7
Conversion to Final Interview
5
from 1 to 5
Client Satisfaction
ABOUT THE CASE
The project demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach to sourcing highly qualified machine learning specialists. Thanks to active search efforts, the development of an attractive EVP, thorough technical interviews, and soft skills evaluation, we were able to quickly fill a challenging vacancy and help our client achieve their business goals. A key factor in our success was our ability to understand the client’s needs and offer solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
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We’re open to collaboration and ready to help — fast and effectively!
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