By making applications a scarce resource earned through proof of work, we naturally attract high-quality talent and protect the clients’ time.
1. Depth-Based Earning (Vetting Tiers)
Don’t just reward the connection; reward the quality of what is found. This encourages talent to polish their profiles before joining.
- GitHub “Elite” Bonus: Instead of a flat +3, give +3 for connecting, but a +5 Bonus if they have 100+ stars or a consistent 12-month contribution streak.
- LinkedIn “Verified Experience” Bonus: +1 for connecting, but +3 Points if they upload their PDF resume and your AI parser confirms 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Portfolio Verification: +2 points for linking a personal website/portfolio that passes a manual or AI-driven quality check.
2. The “Quality Feedback Loop” (Refund Mechanic)
To keep the system fair, points should be dynamic based on the Client’s reaction. This prevents “point hoarding” and encourages talent to only apply for jobs they are perfect for.
- The Shortlist Refund: If a Client “Shortlists” or “Messages” a talent, the 1 AP used to apply is refunded.
- Why: This rewards the talent for a “good match” and effectively makes applications free for high-performers.
- The Ghosting Protection: If a Client doesn’t open the application or take action within 14 days, the point is refunded.
- The “Vouch” System: If a previously hired Talent on the platform “vouches” for a new applicant, both get +1 AP.
3. Behavioral Incentives (Maintaining the Pipeline)
Want talents to stay active even when they aren’t applying.
- Daily Check-in (Small): +0.1 AP for logging in (capped at 1 per week). This keeps the “Daily Active Users” (DAU) high.
- Profile Completion: +1 AP once their bio, skills, and hourly rate are fully filled out (100% completion).
4. Point “Staking” for Urgent Jobs
Give clients a way to signal importance and talents a way to “bet” on themselves.
- Featured Application: A talent can spend 3 AP instead of 1 to “Boost” their application to the top of the client’s list.
- Urgent Bidding: For jobs marked “Urgent,” the cost might be 2 AP, ensuring only the most committed talents apply.
Suggested Point Economy
| Action Type | Action | Points | Logic |
| Identity | LinkedIn Connect | +1.0 | Identity verification. |
| Proof | GitHub Connect | +3.0 | Hard technical proof. |
| Social | Twitter/X Connect | +0.5 | Professional “flavor” / brand. |
| Vetting | AI Resume Parse | +2.0 | Verifies career depth. |
| Quality | Get Shortlisted | +1.0 (Refund) | Rewards a “Good Match.” |
| Activity | Weekly Active | +0.5 | Encourages retention. |
| Cost | Apply to Job | -1.0 | Prevents spamming. |