Question 1

How is the match score calculated?

Accepted Answer

Each answer contributes points based on how strongly that signal supports a successful application. Positive signals like salary match, qualification fit, and fresh posting date add points. Red flags like an incompatible location, a ghost-job JD, or a significant seniority mismatch subtract points. The final score is normalized to 100.

Question 2

Should I apply if I only meet 60% of requirements?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, if the remaining 40% are preferred qualifications rather than hard requirements. Job postings are wish lists. Most hiring managers expect to find candidates who meet 70-80% and plan to train the rest. A 60% match with deep competency in the core skills often beats a 90% match with surface-level exposure.

Question 3

What makes a job posting a ghost listing?

Accepted Answer

Ghost listings are postings with no real hiring intent behind them. Common signals include listings older than 45 days, extremely generic descriptions with no team or role specifics, no verifiable hiring manager on LinkedIn, and positions that have been reposted multiple times. ShouldApply's ghost job filter screens for these signals automatically.

Question 4

How do I know if the seniority level is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Compare your years of direct experience in the primary skill with what the JD implies. "Senior" roles typically require 5+ years of decision-making ownership. "Mid-level" roles expect 2-5 years of independent execution. If you are more than one level away in either direction, expect the application to face friction.

Question 5

What should I do after getting a Hard Pass verdict?

Accepted Answer

Use the signal breakdown to identify the specific flag that disqualified this role. If it's location, filter your search. If it's qualification match, run a gap analysis. If it's JD quality, look for roles from companies with detailed, specific postings — they signal serious hiring intent.

Should I apply for this job?

Should I apply for this job?