Anthropic is redefining what it takes to land an engineering job in the AI industry, with a focus on well-rounded candidates who pursue interests beyond coding. Boris Cherny, a key figure at Anthropic and creator of the popular Claude Code tool, revealed the company’s unconventional hiring philosophy on “The Peterman Pod” podcast.
Cherny emphasizes the importance of “side quests” when evaluating engineering candidates—weekend projects, hobbies like kombucha-making, or any pursuit that demonstrates curiosity and diverse interests. “When I hire engineers, this is definitely something I look for,” Cherny explained, noting that such activities signal an engineer’s broader intellectual curiosity and creativity.
The AI boom has fundamentally transformed engineering job requirements. Modern engineers must not only possess strong coding skills but also master vibecoding tools and stay current with rapidly evolving AI models. Anthropic takes this evolution further by prioritizing generalist engineers who can work across multiple disciplines. Cherny described his ideal candidate as someone who can code while also contributing to product development, design, and actively seeking user feedback.
This generalist approach extends across Anthropic’s entire organization. “Our project managers code, our data scientists code, our user researcher codes a little bit,” Cherny stated, illustrating how the company blurs traditional role boundaries. This philosophy aligns with broader industry trends, as Figma CEO Dylan Field noted in October that AI is causing job titles to merge, with everyone becoming a “product builder.”
Anthropically has also evolved its stance on AI-assisted applications. In May, Business Insider reported that the company asked candidates not to use AI in written responses to assess “non-AI-assisted communication skills.” However, by July, Anthropic reversed this policy, allowing candidates to use Claude for assistance.
For entry-level engineers, breaking into Anthropic remains challenging. Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger stated in May that the company focuses on hiring experienced engineers and has “some hesitancy” with junior workers. Cherny attributes his generalist philosophy to his own career path, having worked at startups since age 18 where he “had to do everything.” He contrasts this with big companies where employees “get forced into this particular swim lane,” calling such specialization “so artificial.”
Key Quotes
When I hire engineers, this is definitely something I look for
Boris Cherny, Anthropic leader and creator of Claude Code, explained his focus on candidates with side projects and hobbies. This reveals how top AI companies are prioritizing well-rounded individuals over purely technical specialists.
These are well-rounded people. These are the kind of people I enjoy working with.
Cherny emphasized the cultural fit and personality traits Anthropic values, suggesting that interpersonal compatibility and diverse interests are as important as technical prowess in building effective AI teams.
Our project managers code, our data scientists code, our user researcher codes a little bit.
This statement illustrates Anthropic’s radical approach to organizational structure, where traditional role boundaries dissolve and everyone is expected to have technical capabilities—a model that may become standard across the AI industry.
At big companies, you get forced into this particular swim lane. It’s just so artificial.
Cherny critiqued traditional corporate structures, explaining why Anthropic favors generalists. His startup background, where he had to handle multiple responsibilities since age 18, shaped this philosophy that challenges conventional career specialization.
Our Take
Anthropic’s hiring philosophy represents a fascinating paradox in the AI industry: as artificial intelligence automates specialized tasks, human employees must become less specialized and more versatile. Cherny’s emphasis on “side quests” isn’t just about cultural fit—it’s strategic recognition that the most valuable employees in an AI-driven world are those who can think creatively across domains.
The shift toward generalists also reflects AI’s democratizing effect on technical skills. When AI tools make coding more accessible, pure technical ability becomes table stakes rather than a differentiator. What distinguishes exceptional talent is the ability to integrate technical skills with product thinking, design sensibility, and user empathy.
However, this trend raises concerns about accessibility. Favoring experienced generalists over entry-level workers, as Krieger indicated, could create barriers for newcomers trying to break into AI. The industry may need to balance its preference for versatile veterans with pathways for developing the next generation of AI talent.
Why This Matters
This story reveals how the AI industry is fundamentally reshaping professional expectations beyond technical skills. Anthropic’s hiring philosophy signals a broader shift where AI companies value creativity, adaptability, and cross-functional capabilities over narrow specialization. This matters because it suggests the future workforce will need to be more versatile and intellectually curious to thrive in AI-driven environments.
The emphasis on generalists reflects how AI tools are democratizing technical skills, making coding accessible to non-engineers while raising the bar for what distinguishes exceptional talent. When project managers and researchers are expected to code, traditional career paths and educational models may need restructuring.
For job seekers, this represents both opportunity and challenge. Those who cultivate diverse interests and cross-functional skills will have advantages, while specialists may need to broaden their capabilities. The trend also suggests that AI companies are seeking employees who can navigate ambiguity and wear multiple hats—essential qualities as the industry evolves rapidly and job roles continue to blur.
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