How to get shortlisted, not just apply

Most applications are rejected for reasons that have nothing to do with ability. The recruiter couldn't see the must-have skill, the experience didn't line up, or the resume buried the result under duties. Each of these is fixable in an evening.

1. Match the must-haves word for word

Every job has three to five must-haves. If the post says "Power BI" and your resume says "BI dashboards", an applicant tracking system may not connect them. Use the employer's exact words wherever they are true for you.

2. Put a number in every bullet

• How much: "cut AWS bill by 32%"
• How many: "supported 450 employees"
• How fast: "closed books by the 5th"
• How much money: "found a ₹1.2 crore pricing leak"

3. Apply where you are a top candidate

Ten applications where you meet every must-have beat a hundred long shots. Highlisted's Top fits feed ranks jobs by exactly this.

4. Answer screening questions like a professional

Short, specific, honest. State your notice period plainly. If a question asks about a skill, give one example with a result.