Employer:

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. I like to ask questions that go beyond just your skills—they help me understand how you think and approach responsibility. Here’s one I think you’ll find interesting:

Do you currently hold any Bitcoin, and if so, do you self-custody it, or do you rely on a centralized platform to hold it for you?

Candidate #1: "I’ve got some Bitcoin, but I keep it on [insert centralized exchange]. It’s just easier that way, and I feel safer knowing they handle the security for me."

Employer:

I appreciate your honesty. Let me ask: if you don’t trust yourself to manage 12 or 24 words, how do you feel about handling responsibilities where the stakes are high—say, managing a critical project or securing sensitive information?

Candidate #2: "I don’t own any Bitcoin yet, but I’ve been curious about it. I’ve heard about self-custody, but I wouldn’t know where to start."

Employer:

That’s fair—starting something new can feel overwhelming. Part of what I look for in my team is a willingness to learn and take ownership of their decisions. If I provided resources to help you understand self-custody, do you think you’d embrace that responsibility?

Candidate #3: "Yes, I own Bitcoin, and I self-custody it. I believe that taking control of my own wealth teaches me to be disciplined, and I value being responsible for my financial security."

Employer:

That’s great to hear. Managing your own private keys shows a high level of trust in yourself and accountability, which are qualities I value on my team. Can you share how you approached learning about self-custody and why you decided to take that route?

Post-Interview Reflection: Why This Question Matters

The Bitcoin self-custody question is more than just about crypto. It reveals how a candidate thinks about personal responsibility, independence, and risk management—all essential traits in a decentralized, fast-changing world. It also opens the door for candidates to reflect on how their decisions align with their values and sense of accountability.