Arc Opens its Remote Hiring Platform to All Developers

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the visibility of remote work arrangements, however, technology firms have been utilizing alternative hiring locations for years to address skill gaps in the workforce. Arc, a company specializing in remote talent acquisition, has announced the expansion of its platform’s accessibility to all software developers. Previously, access was limited to those who had successfully completed Arc’s verification procedures.

While developer verification remains an option for enhancing applicant profiles, Arc’s comprehensive job database and search functionalities are now universally available. Arc was initially established two years ago by the creators of Codementor, an online learning resource dedicated to software development professionals.

Growing Adoption and Investment

Since its inception, Arc has facilitated hiring processes for prominent companies including Spotify, Hims, HubSpot, and FiveStars. The company has secured investment from Techstars, 500 Startups, and WI Harper, demonstrating confidence in its business model.

“We are incredibly proud of the positive impact we’ve had on developers’ careers, and we are committed to expanding that reach,” stated Weiting Liu, founder and CEO of Arc, in an interview with TechCrunch. “This led us to the decision to create a more open and inclusive product experience.”

Key Features of the Updated Platform

The latest iteration of Arc focuses on two core components: a sophisticated remote job search engine and a dedicated developer community. Arc systematically gathers job postings from various job boards and websites, currently maintaining a database of over 54,000 developer positions from 13,000 different companies.

The integrated search engine aims to alleviate common difficulties encountered when seeking remote employment opportunities. For instance, many advertised remote positions are restricted to candidates located in the U.S., or are only temporary arrangements.

“Our algorithm is designed to provide the most relevant results based on individual circumstances,” Liu explained. “If a developer is located in Asia or Eastern Europe, certain job opportunities may be unsuitable due to time zone differences. We filter these options, along with considering experience levels and technical skills, to deliver targeted recommendations.”

Arc Community: A Resource for Remote Workers

Arc Community serves as a valuable resource for software developers who are new to remote work or seeking insights into work practices in different countries. Developers can find answers to questions regarding resume formatting for U.S.-based employers, or learn about commonly used tools and cultural expectations.

“For those applying to American companies, we offer guidance on typical interview procedures and standard work practices, such as the prevalence of Slack for communication,” Liu added. “The community facilitates knowledge sharing, allowing experienced remote workers to share their insights and expertise.”

Verification and Monetization

Although optional, Arc continues to advocate for its developer verification process. This process, typically completed within a week, involves a coding assessment and interviews with Arc personnel focused on behavioral and technical skills. Candidates receive constructive feedback, even if unsuccessful, and are eligible to reapply after six months.

Verification and job searching are offered at no cost. Arc generates revenue by charging employers a fee for successful hires made through the platform.

Elevate Program: Accelerating Remote Career Transitions

Arc has recently launched Elevate, a program inspired by Liu’s experiences with Y Combinator and Techstars. Elevate is designed as a “short-term talent accelerator” to assist developers in transitioning to remote work. The inaugural program included 13 developers from Latin America, with future cohorts planned to accommodate 10 to 20 participants.

The program provides career preparation workshops, interview simulations, and mentorship opportunities with developers from companies like GitLab, Zapier, and Dialpad.

Crowdfunding and Community Ownership

Arc is currently conducting a crowdfunding campaign, initiated following the implementation of new equity crowdfunding regulations by the SEC. To date, the campaign has raised approximately $950,000.

“This aligns with our core vision of democratizing access,” Liu stated. “By enabling community ownership of the Arc platform, we aim to accelerate our progress towards becoming the world’s leading remote job site. Transforming our community members into investors and owners will help us achieve our mission more effectively.”