Each month, the Hacker News community hosts a dedicated thread where companies actively recruiting can share their open positions. This thread, titled 'Who Is Hiring?', has its own set of guidelines to ensure clarity, fairness, and usefulness for both employers and job seekers. Below we answer the most common questions about how to participate and make the most of this resource.
1. What is the purpose of the 'Who Is Hiring?' thread on Hacker News?
The 'Who Is Hiring?' thread, published monthly, serves as a central bulletin board for employers who are part of the Hacker News community to list their current job openings. It's designed to be a transparent, community-driven alternative to job boards and recruiting firms. Only individuals who are directly employed by the hiring company are allowed to post—no third-party recruiters or job aggregators. Each company is limited to one post per month. The thread helps job seekers discover opportunities at startups and tech companies they might not encounter elsewhere.
2. What information must be included in a job posting on this thread?
Every job post must clearly state the location and specify the work arrangement using the designated tags: REMOTE for fully remote, REMOTE (US) or similar if the country is restricted, and ONSITE when remote work isn't an option. If the company isn't a household name, you must also briefly explain what the company does. Your post should reflect that you are actively filling a position and are committed to replying to applicants. Listing generic 'we're always hiring' or vague roles is discouraged.
3. Who is allowed to post in the thread?
Only individuals who are personally part of the hiring company can create a top-level comment. This means you must be an employee or founder—not a recruiter or agency representative. The rule aims to keep the thread authentic and free from spam or third-party job boards. If you work at a startup that isn't widely known, include a short description of your product or mission to help candidates understand the context. One post per company per thread is strictly enforced.
4. What are the rules for remote work designations?
Employers must clearly label their work arrangement using the approved tags. Use REMOTE if the position allows work from anywhere globally. If remote work is limited to a specific country (e.g., United States), write REMOTE (US) or REMOTE (EU) accordingly. For roles that require being in the office, use ONSITE. This consistency helps job seekers quickly filter positions that match their location and work-style preferences. Avoid ambiguous terms like 'hybrid' unless you specify exact expectations.
5. What should commenters avoid doing in the thread?
Commenters—meaning anyone reading and replying to job posts—should not reply to a job listing to complain about the company, the role, or the thread rules. Such off‑topic negativity is discouraged because it distracts from the thread's purpose. If you have a concern, address it privately or in a more appropriate forum. The only replies allowed are those from the hiring company responding to applicants or answering questions about the position. Keep the thread focused on job opportunities.
6. What resources are available for job seekers searching the thread?
Several third‑party tools make it easier to browse and filter the 'Who Is Hiring?' thread. Popular options include nthesis.ai, dheerajck.github.io, nchelluri.github.io, and hnjobs.emilburzo.com. There is also an unofficial Chrome extension called HN Hiring Pro. These tools provide search, sorting, and notification features to help you find relevant positions faster without scrolling through hundreds of comments.
7. Is there a companion thread for job seekers?
Yes! The 'Who Is Hiring?' thread has a sibling called 'Who wants to be hired?' where individual job seekers can post their profiles and what they're looking for. For May 2026, that thread is available at this link. If you are a candidate, consider posting there in addition to applying directly to positions listed in the hiring thread. Both threads are posted monthly and complement each other.
8. What is the thread's policy on multiple posts and external recruiters?
Each company may only submit one top‑level comment per month. This prevents any single company from dominating the thread. External recruiting firms and job boards are strictly prohibited from posting—only employees of the hiring company may participate. The intent is to keep the thread a direct, community‑sourced listing of genuine opportunities. Violating these rules may lead to your comment being flagged or removed by moderators.