Should you apply? Check your fit first
Job postings are wish lists. Many people who get hired don't meet every line, and many who meet every line still get passed over. The question isn't "Am I perfect for this?" It's "Is this a reasonable bet for my time?"
A quick, honest comparison answers that better than a gut feeling.
Separate the must-haves from the wish list
Look for hard requirements: licenses, years in a specific role, or work authorization. If you're missing one of those, it's usually a no. Missing a nice-to-have tool or a "preferred" degree usually isn't.
Score it
Paste the posting and your resume into the fit check. The fit score shows how closely they line up. The matched skills and missing keywords show you why.
Read the result as a decision, not a grade
- Strong fit: apply, after making the 3 quick fixes.
- Middling fit, gaps you can honestly cover: edit, re-check, then apply.
- Weak fit, gaps in core requirements: move on and spend the time on a better match.
Spend your applications where they count
Every application takes time. Putting that time into roles where you're a real fit usually beats sending more applications. If finding those roles is the slow part, ScoutGlow's paid plan emails you up to 5 best-fit jobs a day with a fit score already attached, plus a tailored resume and cover letter, for $15/month.
FAQ
Should I apply if I meet 60% of the requirements?
Often, yes, if the gaps are nice-to-haves. Check which ones you're missing before you decide.
Does ScoutGlow apply for me?
No. ScoutGlow never applies on your behalf. You decide and you send.