The latest articles on DEV Community by TAOFEEK LAWAL (@teelaw). https://dev.to/teelaw https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3953008%2F97a7cc1f-9538-43e2-b269-6aee5cb1578c.jpg https://dev.to/teelaw en TAOFEEK LAWAL Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:02:32 +0000 https://dev.to/teelaw/usehirable-was-shortlisted-for-a-startup-award-heres-what-that-taught-me-2dpb https://dev.to/teelaw/usehirable-was-shortlisted-for-a-startup-award-heres-what-that-taught-me-2dpb <p>We didn't win. But making it to the finals was validation of something I've believed since day one: building a product that solves a real problem matters more than chasing hype.</p> <p>For those who don't know, UseHirable is the platform I co-founded and built as Technical Founder. It helps candidates present their capabilities in a way automated hiring systems can recognize thereby tackling the bias that filters out amazing talent before a human ever sees their application.</p> <p><strong>What Being a Finalist Confirmed</strong></p> <ol> <li>Deep Tech Work Gets Noticed We built UseHirable with a deliberate stack:</li> </ol> <p>Next.js 14 App Router for SEO and performance</p> <p>TypeScript strict mode for reliability at scale</p> <p>Sanity CMS for structured content portability</p> <p>NextAuth for secure, multi-provider authentication</p> <p>Awards panels don't just look at marketing—they look at execution. Our architecture, code quality, and product-market fit were recognized by people who evaluate hundreds of startups.</p> <ol> <li>The Problem We're Solving Is Real The award wasn't for "another AI tool." It was for addressing a systemic gap: ATS bias that filters out career-changers, diaspora developers, and anyone who doesn't fit a keyword-shaped box.</li> </ol> <p>The panel saw UseHirable's mission—and that mission resonated.</p> <ol> <li>Progress Is Not Linear We didn't win. That's okay. Every rejection, every "almost," and every "shortlisted but not selected" is data. This award shortlist tells me:</li> </ol> <p>Our product is credible enough for expert evaluation</p> <p>Our technical foundation is production-grade</p> <p>Our mission matters to people outside our immediate circle</p> <p>What's Next<br> Continue shipping. We're building more features to help candidates present their full capability.</p> <p>Continue writing. I'll keep sharing what I learn about React, TypeScript, and building products that solve actual problems.</p> <p>Continue growing. This shortlist is proof that consistent, quality work gets recognized.</p> <p>A Question for You<br> Have you ever been "shortlisted" or "finalist" for something you built?<br> What did that moment teach you about your work?</p> <p>I'd love to hear your stories in the comments. 👇</p> <p><a href="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fbabps1ncr2q8y127j7ux.png" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fbabps1ncr2q8y127j7ux.png" alt=" " width="800" height="312"></a></p> startup career react webdev