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Workday Application In Progress — What Does It Mean

Learn what Workday application in progress means, how long it can last, what hiring teams do next, and the best steps to take while you wait....

JobWizard AI7 min read1 views

Workday Application In Progress — What Does It Mean?

If you’ve applied to a role and your status shows Workday application in progress, you’re not alone. This label often indicates your application has been received and is actively being reviewed or routed—but it doesn’t always mean a decision is imminent. In this guide, you’ll learn what “in progress” typically means on Workday, what to do next, how long it usually takes, and how to improve your chances while you wait.

Whether you’re applying to jobs through Workday directly or on a company’s careers page, knowing what this status means helps you avoid unnecessary panic and take smart next steps. You can also use JobWizard to autofill ATS forms faster, tailor your resume for better match scores, and generate cover letters that fit the role—so your next application is stronger from the start.

What Does “Workday Application In Progress” Mean?

When you see Workday application in progress, it generally means the application has moved beyond the initial submission step and is currently active in the hiring workflow. Workday can be configured differently by each employer, so “in progress” can cover multiple stages—like review, routing to a recruiter, or coordination with hiring teams.

In many cases, you can think of it as: “We have it, and it’s being processed.” It’s not a rejection, but it also isn’t a guaranteed sign you’re in final consideration. The exact meaning depends on how the company uses Workday statuses and how quickly their hiring team moves.

Quick reassurance: “In progress” usually indicates your application is in the system and hasn’t been automatically closed or rejected.

Common Workday Application Statuses (and What They Usually Indicate)

Workday’s status names can vary by organization, but here are the most common labels job seekers see and what they often mean from your perspective:

  • Application received / submitted: Your application is stored and awaiting initial processing.
  • Application in progress: The hiring team or system is reviewing, routing, or moving your application through the workflow.
  • Under review: Your qualifications are being evaluated more closely.
  • Interview / scheduling: Recruiters or hiring managers are actively progressing you.
  • In consideration: You’re still in the candidate pool for the role.
  • Offer / completed: A hiring decision has progressed and may be finalizing.
  • Not selected / closed: The role is no longer considering your application (or it was rejected based on fit or volume).

Because each company may customize how they label stages, treat Workday application in progress as a “still moving” signal rather than a precise timestamp of review.

If you’re tracking multiple applications, it can help to document the date you applied and any status changes. That way, you’ll know whether “in progress” is taking longer than expected—and whether follow-up is reasonable.

How Long Does “In Progress” Usually Take?

There’s no universal timeline, and that’s especially true with Workday application in progress. Review speed can vary based on role seniority, hiring urgency, location, and the number of applicants.

That said, many job seekers see these approximate patterns:

  • Days to 1–2 weeks: Status moves from “submitted” to “in progress” as the recruiter or team checks basic qualification criteria.
  • 2–6 weeks: Common window for deeper review, interviews, and internal approvals.
  • 6–12+ weeks: Not unusual for highly competitive or complex roles, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.

Tip: If the job posting closes or the role gets paused, your status may remain “in progress” until the workflow catches up. Some companies also use Workday to batch-review candidates, which can delay visible updates.

If you applied recently (for example, within the last week), it’s generally better to be patient and avoid over-following up. If you’ve been stuck on Workday application in progress for a month or more, you may consider a targeted follow-up—especially if the role is a strong match and you have a specific reason to check in.

What Should You Do While Your Application Is “In Progress”?

Instead of waiting passively, use this time to strengthen your candidacy. “In progress” is often the phase where your information is being checked and compared—so improving clarity, alignment, and completeness can matter.

1) Confirm your application details are accurate

Log back into Workday (or the company’s careers portal) and verify that your resume, contact details, and work authorization fields are correct. If you spot mistakes, look for an option to update your application—some employers allow it, while others require a new submission.

2) Tailor your resume for the role (ATS-friendly, not generic)

A major reason candidates stall in Workday application in progress is mismatch between their resume and the role requirements. Even when you meet the job basics, small gaps—like missing keywords, unclear metrics, or too-general bullet points—can affect screening results.

Use job descriptions to build a “keyword map” and ensure your resume reflects the same skills, tools, and outcomes. For example: if the role emphasizes stakeholder management, your resume should show relevant examples with results.

3) Strengthen your resume using JobWizard

JobWizard helps you apply smarter by autofilling Workday and other ATS forms using your resume data, reducing manual errors and saving time. It also supports resume optimization workflows, so your documents are more aligned with what the job is asking for—helping you improve match score outcomes and reduce the chance your application gets lost in the pile.

Practical benefits you can feel immediately:

  • Autofill ATS forms: fill Workday fields faster and more accurately.
  • Match score support: identify gaps between your resume and the posting.
  • Resume optimization: revise bullets to better reflect requirements.

If you want a faster path to improving future submissions, use JobWizard before you apply again. That way, your next application starts strong—rather than trying to compensate after you’re stuck at “in progress.”

4) If appropriate, follow up strategically

Follow-up can be useful—but timing and tone matter. If you’re still seeing Workday application in progress after a reasonable window (often 2–4 weeks, depending on the role), consider sending a brief email to the recruiter or hiring contact if one is available.

A good follow-up does three things:

  • Reaffirms your interest and fit in 1–2 sentences.
  • Adds a specific value point (a metric, achievement, or relevant project).
  • Asks a concise question (e.g., whether there’s an updated timeline).

Note: Don’t spam or send multiple messages in a short period. One thoughtful follow-up is usually better than frequent pings.

5) Find a referral to boost visibility

Referrals can change the game by improving how quickly your profile gets noticed. If you know someone who works at the company—or can find a contact through professional networks—consider pursuing a referral.

JobWizard’s referral finder helps you identify potential referral opportunities based on your target companies and roles. That way, you can improve your odds before your application gets buried in the Workday queue.

Does “In Progress” Mean You’ll Get an Interview?

No—and that’s the most important thing to understand. Workday application in progress usually means your application is active, but it doesn’t confirm you’re moving to interviews. Recruiters might still be filtering candidates based on experience level, job history, location requirements, or must-have skills.

That said, “in progress” is better than statuses that clearly signal a close or rejection. If you’re eligible and your resume matches well, your application may be in the evaluation phase or awaiting human review.

So instead of asking, “Will I get an interview?” ask: “How can I improve the next factor I can control?” That often includes tailoring your resume, adding a targeted cover letter, and pursuing a referral.

How to Apply Next Time With JobWizard (So “In Progress” Means More)

If you’re applying repeatedly, you want each submission to be as strong as possible from day one. JobWizard helps by reducing manual friction and improving alignment with ATS forms and hiring criteria.

Here’s a simple workflow you can use:

  1. Open JobWizard and confirm your resume data is up to date.
  2. Use autofill to complete Workday application fields quickly and accurately.
  3. Check match score support (or review key gaps) so your resume reflects the posting.
  4. Generate a role-specific cover letter if the application allows it—using JobWizard’s cover letter generator to keep the tone aligned with the job.
  5. Save time while you apply to more high-fit roles instead of getting stuck in form entry.

Once you’ve applied, you can continue to monitor status changes like Workday application in progress while you prepare for the next stage—because the fastest applicants often also submit the strongest materials.

CTA: Try JobWizard today to autofill Workday and other ATS applications, optimize your resume for better match outcomes, and generate tailored cover letters—so your next “application in progress” has a stronger chance of turning into an interview.

Is “Workday application in progress” good or bad?

It’s generally a neutral-to-positive sign. It usually means your application has been received and is actively being processed, but it doesn’t guarantee you’re being interviewed.

What does it mean if my Workday status never changes from “in progress”?

It can happen due to batching, internal approvals, or delayed updates. If it’s been several weeks, consider a polite follow-up if you can identify a recruiter or contact.

How long should I wait before following up?

A common guideline is 2–4 weeks after applying, but it depends on the role and timeline. If the posting is time-sensitive or older than a month, a brief check-in may be appropriate.

Can I update my application if the status is “in progress”?

Sometimes. Some employers allow updates or re-submissions; others don’t. Check for “edit application” options on the portal, or see if a new application is allowed for the same role.

Will a referral help when my application is “in progress”?

Potentially yes. A referral can increase visibility with the hiring team, which may help your application get reviewed sooner—especially if volume is high.

Frequently Asked Questions

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