What Does ‘Under Consideration’ Mean on a Job Application?
- Author: InterviewBee Team
- Published On: Nov 14, 2026
- Category:Job Search Advice
You applied, waited and logged in to see under consideration. It sounds promising, but it does not reveal whether someone read your resume, whether you are shortlisted or when you will hear anything.
Quick answer
- Your application is still active and has not been rejected.
- It does not guarantee an interview or human review.
- The exact meaning depends on the employer's hiring-system setup.
- A change to this status is a slightly better signal than seeing it immediately.
What Does Under Consideration Mean?
The reliable meaning is that the employer has not closed or rejected your application. It may have passed automatic questions, but the label does not reveal who read it, how many candidates share the status or whether the role is active. Think of it as "not a no," not "a yes."
Why the Meaning Changes
Employers configure applicant tracking systems with their own labels. One may use under consideration for every open application; another may use it after recruiter review. Direct contact - an email, call, assessment or interview request - is the strongest signal.
Is It a Good Sign?
It is neutral to mildly positive. It means more when the status changed after submission or an assessment, and less when it appeared immediately or has not moved for weeks.
Status Comparison
| Status | Typical meaning | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Received | Submitted and logged | Confirmation |
| In progress | Active; may not be reviewed | Neutral |
| Under review | In a screening queue | Neutral |
| Under consideration | Active and not rejected; sometimes reviewed | Neutral to mildly positive |
| Recruiter screen | A recruiter is actively evaluating you | Positive |
| Not selected | The employer will not move forward | Negative |
Workday and Other Systems
Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby and similar systems let employers rename and reorder stages. Treat the label as a rough signal, check email and spam, and respond promptly to requests.
How Long Does It Last?
| Time | Likely activity | Your move |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 days | Receipt or automatic screening | Check confirmation and spam |
| 1-2 weeks | Normal review window | Prepare and set a follow-up date |
| 2-4 weeks | High volume or approvals | Send one polite follow-up |
| 4+ weeks | Possibly stalled, filled or on hold | Focus on other applications |
What to Do and When to Follow Up
- Confirm you attached the correct resume.
- Watch email, phone and spam.
- Review the job description and practice key stories.
- Keep applying elsewhere.
- Track dates and statuses.
- Set one follow-up date.
Follow up after about 7 to 10 business days when you have a contact. Without one, wait two to three weeks. Include the role, application date, continued interest and one specific reason you fit.
Subject: Following up: Marketing Coordinator Application - Jordan Lee
Hi [Recruiter Name], I applied on 3 November, and my application shows as under consideration. I remain interested, especially in the team's product-launch work. I managed six launches at my current company, raising lead volume by 30%. Could you share whether there is an update on the timeline?
Best regards,
Jordan Lee
See what not selected by employer means and use a professional application-email format.
When an Email Uses the Phrase
"We will keep your application under consideration for future roles" can be a soft decline, not a promise. An email that asks for information about this role is a stronger signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does under consideration mean?
The application remains active and has not been rejected.
Is it a good sign?
It is neutral to mildly positive, but does not guarantee an interview.
Did the hiring manager see it?
Not necessarily. Direct contact is the reliable signal.
Is it the same as under review?
Often, but exact meanings depend on the employer's system.
How long does it last?
From days to weeks. Four weeks without contact can indicate a stalled process.
Should I follow up?
Yes, once, after about 7 to 10 business days if you have a contact.
What does no longer under consideration mean?
The employer decided not to move forward for that role.