The Meaning Behind Job Application Statuses

With the rise of ATS technologies, recruiters no longer bother to contact candidates individually.

Instead, the status of job applications is automatically updated on the candidate portal.

Let’s explore the meaning behind job application statuses you might have seen after applying for a job on Salarship.

Job Application Statuses and Their Meaning

Here are the most common job application statuses:

• Incomplete – You need to add more information for your application to be considered. You probably forgot to answer a few questions, or your application forms weren’t properly uploaded.
• Received – The recruiter has received your job application, but this status does not necessarily mean someone has already reviewed the application. For more information, read: Is “Application Received” a Good Sign?
• Not Selected – You are no longer considered a candidate for the position because your profile does not fit the job’s prerequisites. For more information, read: Why Some Job Applications Are Not Selected.
• In Progress/Process – The hiring team has identified you as a potential option for the position. For more information, read: What Does “In Process” Mean When Applying for a Job.
• Process Completed – You have successfully submitted your application and passed the ATS algorithm check. For more information, read: Is Process Completed a Good Sign?
• Under Review – You are being considered for the position among other applicants. For more information, read: Is “Application Under Review” a Good Sign for Getting a Job?
• On Hold – Another candidate is being considered for the job. For more information, read: Common Reason Why Job Applications Are Put “On Hold.”
• Eligible Candidate – You are still being considered for the job.
• Referred – Your application has passed the initial screening, and it has now been sent to the hiring manager. If you see this status on your job application, the hiring manager will likely see your application within one or two weeks.
• Shortlisted – You are being heavily considered for another interview, technical interview, or skillset exam. You may get a job offer or be called for an interview or exam soon.
• Interviewing – The hiring manager is currently interviewing people for the position you applied for. Check your email and see if they sent you an interview request, or wait a few days and see if they call you in for an interview.
• Position Withdrawn – The employer is no longer accepting candidates. There may be many reasons for the position to be closed: too many candidates submitted applications, a candidate has already been signed, the company can no longer afford such a position, etc.
• Not Retained, Not Chosen, or Stopped – The employer no longer considers you for the job. For more information, read: Why Was My Application “Not Retained”?
• For Future Consideration or Shelved – The company has chosen not to hire you for the position you applied for. However, the hiring manager has added you to their talent pool and considers that you would be a good candidate for future job openings.
• Final Review – You are one of the top candidates that the company is considering hiring. You may be called in for another interview, but at this point, you just need to wait and see if you are offered the job.
• Job Offered – Congratulations! You will likely get a phone call or email with more details about the job offer. Now it is up to you whether or not you want to accept it or negotiate the salary further.
• Declined Offer – You were offered the job but declined it. This means that you won’t work for this company, but you still have the option to.

The exact wording of an employment status can vary from company to company, but most application statuses are worded similarly to those listed above.

How to See Your Job Application Status

Here is how to check your job application status:

• Go to the website you applied for the job on
• Click on the “My Applications” button. It may also appear as “Previous Applications”
• Look at your most recent job application
• The status of your application will be shown in a column beside where your application is shown or can be clicked on so you can view it.

During key stages of the hiring process, candidates might also receive an email notifying them of a change in their job application status.

If you have any questions or concerns related to the job posting, email the hiring manager or the HR department.

You will likely find an email address that you can use on their company website or contact them through the job website that you applied to the job.

About The Author

Nathan Brunner is a labor market expert.

He is the owner of Salarship, a job board where less-skilled candidates can find accessible employment opportunities.