The Scoop is a bonus series, covering patterns and trends I’ve heard within big tech and high-growth startups.

Do you have tips, scoop to share or feedback on this issue? Send me an email replying here, to scoop@pragmaticengineer.com or a direct message on Twitter. I keep all sources anonymous.

Today’s scoop is once again about the hiring market, that doesn’t seem to cool down:

• Cloudflare’s incredible hiring 2021 recruitment numbers - and inspiration to take from it.

• One-off retainers at Big Tech, with the details.

• Base salary increases are dripping in - though the bulk is yet to come.

• Startups openly competing with Big Tech salaries, and paying more than established companies

• Amazon woes in hiring - and with firing.

This issue frequently referenes levels at Big Tech - such as L5 or L6. For details on the meaning of these levels, see the article Engineering career paths at Big Tech and high-growth startups.