> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Application Fit Guidance

> How Mercor assesses profile compatibility when you are applying to a listing.

<Note>
  To enhance your application experience and help you focus on the most relevant opportunities, Mercor employs an automated compatibility check when you initiate a new application.
</Note>

## What is Application Fit Guidance?

Application Fit Guidance is an automated compatibility assessment that runs immediately upon your application to a listing. It compares your profile details with the specific criteria established for that listing. Based on this evaluation, one of three possible outcomes will be presented.

***

## Possible Outcomes

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card icon="circle-check" title="1. Application Allowed">
    If your profile is properly aligned with the requirements of the listing, you may proceed as usual. No further message will be displayed.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="triangle-exclamation" title="2. Compatibility Warning">
    If alignment appears lower, a warning message will be displayed. You may still proceed and apply.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="circle-xmark" title="3. Application Blocked">
    If compatibility is deemed inadequate, you will be unable to submit an application for that listing.
  </Card>
</Columns>

***

## 1. Application Allowed

If your profile matches the listing criteria:

* You may proceed with the application process without interruption.
* No compatibility message will be displayed.
* You will proceed with the subsequent steps, including resume submission, interviews, assessments, or any other requisite procedures, as per the standard process.

***

## 2. Compatibility Warning

If the system identifies a lower level of alignment between your profile and the listing:

You will see a notification indicating that this opportunity may not be the best match for your experience.

In this case, you may choose to:

* Proceed with the application if you believe the role is still a good fit for you.

<Tip>
  A warning does not impede your application. It is designed to assist you in making an informed decision.
</Tip>

***

## 3. Application Blocked

If compatibility is deemed inadequate:

* You will not be able to proceed with that specific application.
* You are permitted to navigate back to the preceding page.

<Warning>
  This section pertains solely to the designated listing. It does not influence your eligibility for other opportunities available on Mercor.
</Warning>

***

## How Compatibility Is Determined

The compatibility check considers factors such as:

* The similarity between your professional background and the requirements outlined in the listing.
* Alignment between your domain expertise and the listing category.
* Signals derived from your profile, curriculum vitae, and pertinent experience.

Each listing has its own defined criteria.

Even if you consider yourself a strong candidate, there may be particular requirements established by the listing owner that are not reflected in your current profile.

<Danger>
  This feature does not permit manual overrides.
</Danger>

***

## Why This Was Implemented

This feature is designed to:

* Increase your chances of success;
* Reduce time spent on low-probability applications;
* Guide you toward opportunities that more closely align with your experience.

***

## How to Improve Your Compatibility

Because the system relies heavily on your profile information, we strongly recommend:

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card icon="id-card" title="Keep Your Profile Updated">
    Ensure that your employment history, areas of expertise, skills, languages, and hobbies are complete, accurate, and kept up to date on your profile page so we can match you with the most relevant opportunities.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="file-arrow-up" title="Upload an Updated Resume">
    Ensure that your resume accurately reflects your most recent experiences and pertinent accomplishments.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="list-check" title="Add Relevant Skills">
    Include technical skills, certifications, tools, and project experience where applicable.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="pen" title="Be Specific">
    Detailed descriptions help the system more accurately understand your expertise.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Tip>
  The more comprehensive and precise your profile is, the better the compatibility system can match you with pertinent listings.
</Tip>

***

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can someone manually approve my application if it is blocked">
    No. Manual override is not available for this feature. Compatibility rules are automatically enforced based on listing-specific criteria.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does a blocked application affect my account standing?">
    A blocked application pertains solely to the specific listing and does not influence your eligibility for other roles.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why was I blocked if I believe I am qualified?">
    Each listing owner stipulates specific requirements. If your profile does not explicitly demonstrate these requirements, the system may reject the application, even if you possess relevant experience.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How can I reduce the chance of being blocked in the future?">
    Maintain your profile and résumé in a consistently updated state. Incorporate comprehensive descriptions of your expertise, projects, tools, and pertinent experience.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will this replace human review?">
    No. This feature merely assists in guiding or filtering applications prior to submission. Final determinations are still made by the project teams.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>
