What does "application under review" actually mean?
You log into the applicant portal and there it is again: Under Review. It said that last week too. Does it mean a person is reading your resume right now, or that nobody has touched it since you hit submit? Usually it is somewhere in between. Here is what the common statuses tend to mean, and what to do about each.
What the common statuses usually mean
- Application received or submitted: the system has it. Nobody may have looked yet.
- Under review or in review: often the default status for every application that has not been rejected. It does not always mean a person is reviewing it today.
- In consideration or in progress: a recruiter has usually screened it and kept it in the pool.
- Interview or assessment: you moved forward. This one is real.
- No longer under consideration, position filled or closed: a decision was made, even if no email came.
How long does "under review" last?
Anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Many companies review in batches after a posting closes, and some never update the status at all once a role is filled. If it has been more than two weeks with no change, it is reasonable to follow up once.
Signs it is moving
- A recruiter viewed your profile or reached out on a networking site.
- You got a skills test, questionnaire or scheduling link.
- The status changed to anything other than the default.
What to do while it says under review
- Keep applying. Do not pause your search for one status.
- Find the recruiter or hiring manager and send one short, specific note.
- Set a reminder for two weeks out, then follow up once.
- Assume silence means no only after a month, and move on in your head before that.
Still under review since 2019?
Our Under Review tee is for everyone with a progress bar stuck at 99 percent. Application status: under review. Since 2019.
Frequently asked questions
Does "under review" mean I passed the first screening?
Not necessarily. At many companies every application shows under review until someone rejects it or moves it forward.
Is no news after "under review" a rejection?
Often, eventually. Many employers never send rejections. If there is no change after a month, treat it as closed and keep going.
Should I email the recruiter while my application is under review?
Yes, once, after about two weeks. Keep it short: the role, one line about your fit, and a question about the timeline.
