In this guide
ATS and application systems
What application status messages mean and what to do about them
What portal labels such as received, under review, in progress and not selected usually mean, why they can be misleading and what to do at each stage.
Why status labels are hard to read
Each employer chooses its own stages and names, and some systems change a label automatically when a vacancy closes or a batch of applications is processed. A status can therefore stay the same for weeks while people are reviewing applications, or change overnight without anyone having opened yours.
Common labels and what they usually mean
| Label | What it often means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Received / Submitted | The application is stored | Note the date and the job reference |
| Under review / In review | The vacancy is open or applications are being assessed | Wait until after the closing date before following up |
| In progress / Shortlisting | Applications are being compared | Prepare in case you are invited to the next stage |
| Interview / Assessment | You have progressed; check your email for details | Reply promptly and confirm arrangements |
| Position filled / Vacancy closed | Hiring for this vacancy has ended | Record the outcome; consider similar roles at the employer |
| Not selected / Unsuccessful | Your application will not progress for this role | Ask for feedback if the stage justifies it |
Automated rejection emails
A rejection that arrives minutes after applying is sometimes the result of a screening rule, such as an answer about right to work or a required licence. A rejection weeks later may come from a person or from closing the vacancy. You usually cannot tell which.
In the UK, if a decision was made without a person involved, you can ask how it was reached and request a human review, according to the Information Commissioner's Office. Check your screening answers first: a mistaken answer is the most common fixable cause of an instant rejection.
Keep your own record
For each application, record
- The date applied and the job reference.
- The last status and when it changed.
- Any message received and what it asked you to do.
- The follow-up date you have set yourself.
- The final outcome, so patterns become visible over time.
Portal statuses disappear when vacancies are archived. A record of your own, such as Luceria's free application tracker, keeps the history and shows which kinds of application lead to interviews.
Common questions
My status has said 'under review' for a month. Should I assume I was rejected?
Not necessarily, but do not wait on it. Some employers never update statuses. Follow up once after the closing date and continue applying elsewhere.
Can a 'not selected' status be reversed?
Occasionally, if it came from a screening answer you entered wrongly. Contact the recruiter with the job reference and explain the error briefly and factually.
Sources
- ICO: what jobseekers need to know about automated recruitment decisionsInformation Commissioner's Office · UK · checked 3 October 2026
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.