Why do many candidates apply without meeting 100% of requirements?

When you recruit on Get on Board, it is normal to receive applications from people who do not match every requirement you listed. This typically reflects how candidates read job postings—as aspirational targets, not strict checklists.

Why this happens

1. Many people read requirements as target criteria, not absolute rules.
2. Candidates often apply when they match part of the role and can learn the rest.
3. Seniority labels can be interpreted differently between companies and candidates.
4. Match signals can encourage candidates with partial fit to still try.

What this does not mean

• It does not necessarily mean candidates ignored your post.
• It does not always mean your process is failing.
• It does not mean you should make every requirement stricter.

How to respond as a recruiter

1. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves in your job text.
2. Use precise language for non-negotiable conditions.
3. Add required screening questions for truly mandatory criteria.
4. Use filters and scoring to prioritize review efficiently.

Related articles

• How is the match percentage between a candidate and a job calculated?
• Seniorities policy
• How can I filter applicants for my job?
• How to write requirements that filter candidates better