“Under Consideration” Meaning Job Application: What It Usually Signals and What You Should Do Next

You submitted your resume, and the job portal shows Under Consideration—but nothing else. No interview request. No “we’ll be in touch.” Just that status sitting there while you wonder whether you should follow up, wait, or move on.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear under consideration meaning job application explanation (including what it usually implies and what it doesn’t), plus exactly how to decide your next move—step by step.

What does “under consideration” mean in a job application?

Under consideration generally means your application is in the active evaluation pool—your materials have likely been reviewed at least once or are being reviewed as the employer compares candidates.

Most companies don’t post real-time decisions for every candidate. Instead, the ATS (applicant tracking system) label often reflects a broad stage: “we haven’t rejected you yet,” “you’re being assessed,” or “you’re being compared to others.”

Key takeaway: Treat “under consideration” as “still in the mix,” not as a promise.

What does “under consideration” mean for Workday job applications?

On Workday, under consideration typically indicates your application has been received and is moving through a review workflow—often while the team evaluates candidates internally.

Because Workday is used by many organizations, the practical meaning can vary by company: some teams batch reviews, some update statuses only when they’re ready to take an action, and some keep a broader label even as evaluation progresses.

• If you have a specific interview date in any communication, follow that timeline first.
• If you don’t, assume “under consideration” is the employer’s way of saying “we’re still reviewing.”
• If the job closes soon, expect review activity to intensify after the closing date.

Key takeaway: Workday labels often reflect process stages, not a live “yes/no” outcome.

What does “under consideration” mean for Greenhouse job applications?

For Greenhouse users, under consideration usually signals that your application is being evaluated and hasn’t been closed out with a final decision.

Greenhouse-based workflows can involve multiple steps (screening, scorecards, recruiter review, panel calibration). During those steps, statuses may remain the same for extended periods, especially when the team is waiting on internal approvals.

Job application status	Meaning (plain English)	Recommended action
Under consideration	Application is being reviewed and you remain in the active candidate pool.	Wait a reasonable interval, then send one short follow-up if you haven’t heard back.
In progress	System or workflow is actively updating; review may be underway.	Check your email/spam and continue applying to other roles to avoid stalling.
Interview scheduled	You’ve moved from evaluation into next-step logistics.	Confirm details, prep, and consider asking about interview format.
Not selected / Rejected	Employer has decided not to move forward.	Request feedback if appropriate, and focus your energy on new targets.

Key takeaway: Greenhouse status text may stay broad until the team finalizes your next step.

What does “under consideration” mean for Ashby job applications?

When Ashby is the ATS behind a posting, under consideration usually indicates that your application is in review and the employer hasn’t ended the process for your candidacy yet.

Ashby-based teams may keep candidate status labels updated in a way that reflects internal hiring operations rather than the exact day-by-day progress of your file. That’s why it can feel like “nothing changes” even while evaluation continues.

• Don’t assume silence = rejection just because your portal label hasn’t changed.
• Do track your submission date so follow-ups feel timely, not frantic.
• Keep applying—status updates don’t control your job search momentum.

Key takeaway: Ashby’s “under consideration” is better treated as “still in review.”

What does “under consideration” mean for Lever job applications?

With Lever, under consideration commonly means your application is still being reviewed and you haven’t been marked as closed out.

Lever implementations can differ by employer settings and the way their recruiting team updates candidates. In practice, “under consideration” often persists while the team conducts screening and then aligns on who advances.

Key takeaway: Lever-based portals may not reflect micro-progress; your next step comes when the team acts.

What does “under consideration” mean compared to “still reviewing”?

Both under consideration and “still reviewing” often indicate an active evaluation process, but they can be used differently depending on the ATS vocabulary and the employer’s workflow.

If you see “still reviewing,” it can sound like the employer hasn’t finished initial screening. If you see “under consideration,” it can sound slightly more like a candidate is being assessed in context of others, but neither label guarantees an outcome.

• Use them as “not rejected” signals, not “final decision” signals.
• Focus on next-step triggers (interview request, assessment invite, additional questions).

Key takeaway: In most cases, both mean the employer is evaluating—you just don’t know where you land yet.

What should I do next if my application says “under consideration”?

If your application shows under consideration meaning job application territory, the next step is to manage your follow-up timing and keep your search moving.

Here’s a practical plan that balances persistence with professionalism.

1. Wait for a reasonable interval after applying (and consider the posting’s closing date or stated timeline).
2. Check your inbox daily, not obsessively for requests or updates.
3. Send one brief follow-up if you haven’t heard anything.
4. Continue applying elsewhere so you’re not dependent on one pipeline.
5. Update your materials if you learn new requirements from the job posting or similar roles.

Key takeaway: One thoughtful follow-up + continued applications is usually the best combo.

When should I follow up on an “under consideration” status?

The best follow-up timing is after a reasonable interval—long enough for early screening to happen, but not so long that your message feels disconnected from the process.

Because companies vary, use contextual signals: the role’s posted timeline, the job closing date, and whether you’ve received any email from the recruiter. If the posting lists “applications reviewed on a rolling basis,” it’s often a sign they’ll move at different speeds, so avoid multiple check-ins in quick succession.

• Follow up once if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable period.
• Skip additional follow-ups unless you receive new information or the company asks a question.
• Keep it short: one email, clear purpose, no pressure.

Key takeaway: Your goal isn’t to “force a response,” it’s to stay visible and helpful.

How do I write a follow-up email when my status is “under consideration”?

A strong follow-up for under consideration should be polite, specific, and easy to answer.

Use the template below and customize the bracketed sections.

Subject: Application Follow-Up — [Job Title] — [Your Name]

Hi [Recruiter/Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m following up on my application for the [Job Title] role submitted on [Date]. I’m very interested in the opportunity, and I’d welcome the chance to support your team with [1 relevant strength or skill].

If there’s an update on next steps or if you need any additional information from me, please let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name][Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn/Portfolio]

Key takeaway: Keep it concise and ask about next steps—not outcomes.

What does “under consideration” mean if weeks pass with no update?

When under consideration persists for weeks, it usually means the employer hasn’t updated your portal label yet or they’re still working through internal steps.

That said, extended silence can also happen when timelines shift—budgets, headcount approvals, interview panel scheduling, or prioritization changes. You can’t control those factors, but you can control your search strategy.

• Send one additional check-in only if enough time has passed and you have a clear reason to contact them.
• Look for role reposts: if the job is re-listed, you may have an opportunity to apply again with updated context.
• Network strategically: if you know someone at the company, a light touch can help—but avoid spamming.

Key takeaway: Long status times don’t always mean “no,” but they do mean you should diversify your pipeline.

What if “under consideration” changes to another status—does it mean something?

Yes—status changes often indicate that the employer is moving your file through a different stage.

If the label changes to something like “interview,” “assessment,” “not selected,” or “rejected,” the best move is to respond according to that stage. If your status changes silently without any email, rely on portal updates but also keep watching your inbox for any recruiter outreach.

Possible status change	What it typically indicates	Your next move
Under consideration → Interview scheduled	You’ve moved into next-step evaluation.	Confirm details and prepare immediately.
Under consideration → Not selected / Rejected	Decision finalized (often after internal review).	Ask for feedback if appropriate and move on quickly.
Under consideration → No visible changes	Your status hasn’t been updated; process may still be running.	Use follow-ups sparingly and keep applying.

Key takeaway: Status updates are signals—treat them as guidance, not prophecy.

FAQ about “under consideration meaning job application”

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