NYC vs SF vs remote: where Web3 hiring is strict about proof for Solidity/Rust roles (0–5 yrs)

I’m seeing very different hiring behaviour for Solidity and Rust roles depending on whether the team is based in NYC, SF, or fully remote — and it’s most visible at the 0–5 year experience level.

In NYC, hiring conversations seem to revolve around where you’ve worked and whether you’ve been exposed to regulated or institutional environments. SF feels more builder-centric, but only if you can show real shipped systems, not just side projects. Remote roles look flexible on the surface, but the proof bar often feels even higher once interviews start.

What I’m trying to understand is where Web3 hiring is actually strictest about proof today. Is it about code quality, production exposure, audits, communication style, or simply trust signals?

For founders and hiring managers: how do you judge proof differently by location?
For candidates: where did you feel the most scrutiny — and what finally convinced the team?