Does 'just apply even if you only hit 60% of the requirements' actually work, or is that feel-good advice?

I keep seeing the stat that men apply at 60% match and women wait for 100%. Fine — but every time I apply to something where I clearly miss the 'must-haves', it's an instant ghost.

Has anyone here genuinely gotten an interview for a role they were underqualified for on paper? What made them look past the gaps — a referral, the cover letter, the projects? Trying to figure out if I'm being too timid or just realistic.