It’s cliché to say that hiring is broken. I know I’ve used that phrase, and I’ve certainly felt that way while watching my partner search for a new job. However, before we condemn the entire hiring system, let’s pause and consider a few core facts:
- More software developers are available than ever before. There is increased competition, but no denying that it is a good time to hire top-notch devs.
- Borders are practically irrelevant thanks to remote work and global payroll solutions like Deel.com.
In other words, the problem isn’t that hiring is irreparably broken. Instead, it’s that we’re like Wile E. Coyote using the wrong methods or looking in the wrong places.
A significant blind spot, that I would like to address up front, is the seemingly innocuous distinction between “freelancers” and “contractors.” When people hear “freelance,” they often think of short-term, project-based gigs with multiple clients. Contractors, on the other hand, frequently sign on for longer-term engagements—or even full-time-equivalent roles—with a single organization. They’re experienced professionals who’ve essentially gone into business for themselves, choosing contract work for the freedom to live where they like while still commanding rates they deserve.
Over the past three years working closely with the Gun.io developer community, I can tell you our top engineers aren’t heading to Toptal or Upwork. They’ve tried them, watched bidding wars erode their rates, and moved on to greener pastures. Time and time again, they tell us they appreciate Gun.io’s high-quality, personalized approach—and that’s what keeps them coming back for future projects.
Gun.io’s network now exceeds 90,000 developers. Not everyone is searching at any given moment; some rely on personal networks, while others trust us to proactively reach out when the right role surfaces. It’s this combination—steady inbound interest plus proactive sourcing from a curated, trusted talent pool—that truly sets us apart.
The Pitfalls of “Open” Freelancing
A phrase I dislike but still find apt is “analysis paralysis.” It encapsulates open marketplaces: in theory, endless options sound ideal, but in practice, no one wants to sift through an overwhelming sea of choices. There’s a reason Craigslist fell out of favor (I’m aging myself), and why Indeed or LinkedIn’s Easy Apply leads to a frustrating dead end for many. These platforms specialize in volume and just create noise in the process.
What many people underestimate is just how risky hiring can be. Authorizing a new hire is effectively a vote of confidence in that person, and a string of bad hires doesn’t just drain company funds—it reflects poorly on the hiring manager, too. People outside of Talent Acquisition (TA) may not realize that for TA teams, the product is the team itself. High turnover, dysfunctional chemistry, or underperformance doesn’t just hurt morale; it also damages the reputation of those tasked with building a successful team.
That’s where open marketplaces like Upwork typically falter. Sure, they’re fine if you have minimal requirements or a tight budget, or if you don’t mind sorting through dozens of mostly off-target proposals. And they help aspiring freelancers build a portfolio and refine their pitch, but they’re far less helpful for hiring managers who need skilled talent now. We often hear developers complain about the “race to the bottom,” where competition drives rates down and turns job-hunting into a full-time chore.
If you’re aiming for genuine expertise and a long-term partner, you don’t want 100 identical proposals from people who may or may not deliver. Open freelancing offers choice, but it also delivers analysis paralysis, subpar outcomes, and a bigger risk factor for everyone.
The Curated Advantage
When you choose a talent platform like Gun.io, you gain access to an expansive developer network drawn from top-tier organizations—ex-JPMorgan, ex-McKinsey, ex-Google. These individuals aren’t just exceptional coders; they also understand broader business objectives and know how to work seamlessly within a team. More importantly, we don’t simply serve up a stack of résumés and wish you luck. We have skin in the game. We know hiring is risky, and we want to look good in front of our customers.
Our developers go through more than just interviews, they’re tested on real projects so you’re not left guessing about how they’ll perform in a real-world scenario. We continue working only with those who consistently deliver and communicate effectively. We even have a dedicated team member whose entire job is to support developers on active client engagements. This is not a “place them and forget them” model. We’re in it for the duration, ensuring mutual success. As a result, developers stick around longer, grow in sync with client needs, and become increasingly valuable to both parties.
This approach benefits everyone:
- Clients get reliable, high-performing teams.
- Developers advance their careers and enjoy sustainable contract work.
- Gun.io strengthens its network, attracting more of the world’s top engineers.
We firmly believe that making contract development a thriving, long-term career isn’t just good for us—it elevates the entire software ecosystem.
Performance, Retention, and Developer Satisfaction
It’s worth noting that curation and open markets aren’t inherently at odds. I’m a fan of open markets overall; we’ve seen time and again that raising tariffs or closing borders usually harms everyone eventually. Look at the U.S. steel industry—certain regions simply have advantages that align with steel production. The same logic applies to software engineers. Some areas excel at training developers or fostering remote work environments, while Silicon Valley remains a hotbed for startups—unless your personal life pulls you toward Long Island, a tropical climate, or the concept of hygge. In other words, why limit ourselves to one location or mindset when diversity of perspective consistently leads to better results?
That’s what curated contracting achieves: leveraging a global talent pool without the chaos of open marketplaces, ensuring high standards of performance, retention, and satisfaction.
- Performance: With pre-screened professionals who’ve already shown they can communicate effectively and produce top-quality code, ramp-up time is drastically reduced. There’s no second-guessing whether they can deliver.
- Retention: Curated platforms often report 95%+ client retention—far outpacing the ~75% rate typical of open marketplaces. They’re designed for lasting success. If something doesn’t work, the platform’s support team steps in immediately to adjust or find a better fit.
- Developer Satisfaction: Too often overlooked is the importance of developer happiness. In one study, 68% of freelancers reported a higher overall quality of life after choosing independent work. When developers pick contract roles—rather than juggling side gigs—they’re naturally more invested and enthusiastic about their projects. For you, that translates into better code quality, stronger communication, and fewer burnout cases.
By embracing a curated global network, you reap the benefits of diverse skill sets and experiences while avoiding the pitfalls of overwhelming choice and “analysis paralysis.” It’s the best of both worlds—a surefire way to improve performance, cultivate lasting partnerships, and maintain a developer pool that genuinely loves the work they’re doing.
A Sustainable Model for Long-Term Success
Hiring dedicated contract developers isn’t just a quick Band-Aid; it’s a scalable, sustainable strategy. When you rely on curated platforms that provide ongoing support—everything from the initial match to engagement management—your team can tackle obstacles fast, without sinking entire projects in the process. Over time, this framework evolves into a consistent pipeline of developers who truly “get” your company’s goals, culture, and technical stack.
On the developers’ side, a curated platform gives them a clear path for growth. They can pick engaging projects, collaborate with reputable clients, and trust that administrative hassles (contracts, payments) are handled seamlessly. Happy developers do better work, stick around longer, and maintain a laser focus on building the solutions you need.
Curation as a Competitive Edge
In a world where speed, expertise, and reliability often determine success, counting on generic marketplaces or lightly vetted freelancers can be a risky gamble. A curated approach—the kind embodied by Gun.io—removes guesswork and cuts down on risk through thorough vetting, more precise matches, and dedicated involvement at every stage. From shorter onboarding times to higher retention rates and happier, more productive developers, a curated contract model means you’re not just hiring a developer—you’re forging a partnership that drives genuine innovation. When your goal is to secure top-tier software engineering talent that delivers lasting, impactful results, curation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the key to success.
The post Curation Is Key: Why Dedicated Contract Developers Boost Retention & Performance appeared first on Gun.io.