What Does It Mean When Application Is Under Review? Demystifying the Status for Your US Job Search

You’ve spent hours meticulously crafting your resume and cover letter, clicked “submit” on that dream entry-level job, and now… the status reads: “Application Under Review.”

For recent graduates and students navigating the U.S. job market, this phrase can evoke a mix of hope, anxiety, and confusion.

What does it actually mean? Is a human looking at it? Am I close to an interview? Or is this just the digital equivalent of a black hole?

Understanding this common application status is crucial for managing your expectations and maintaining momentum in your job search.

This guide will demystify “Application Under Review,” clarify what’s happening behind the scenes, and provide actionable insights to help you navigate this waiting period with confidence toward securing your first professional role in the United States.

Understanding “Under Review”: More Than Just Waiting

When your application status changes to “Under Review,” it signifies that your materials have been successfully submitted and are now in the active consideration phase of the hiring process.

However, what “under review” truly means can vary significantly depending on the company, its size, and its recruitment technology.

It’s often not as simple as a single recruiter immediately reading your resume.

The Nuances of “Under Review”:

• Automated Screening (ATS): For many mid-to-large companies, “Under Review” initially means your application is being processed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). The ATS automatically screens resumes for keywords, qualifications, and formatting conformity. If your resume lacks essential keywords or has problematic formatting, it might be filtered out here.
• Initial Human Review: If your application passes the ATS, it moves on to a human recruiter or HR professional. They conduct a quick initial scan (often just 6-7 seconds per resume) to assess fit, identify key skills, and check for major red flags.
• Hiring Manager Review: Only a select few applications that pass the initial screening by HR/recruiters will be forwarded to the hiring manager (the person who will directly supervise the role). The hiring manager then conducts a more in-depth review, comparing top candidates to their team’s needs.
• Batch Processing: Some companies review applications in batches. Your application might be “under review” while they wait for a sufficient number of candidates to apply before beginning the active screening process.

Insight: While the status itself is vague, it’s a positive sign that your application has been received and has entered the active part of the recruitment funnel. It means your application hasn’t been immediately rejected.

The Role of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Your First Gatekeeper

For recent graduates, understanding the ATS is paramount, as it’s often the first “reviewer” of your application when it enters the “under review” phase.

Your ability to optimize your resume for ATS largely determines whether your application moves forward.

How ATS Impacts “Under Review”:

• Keyword Matching: ATS software scans your resume for specific keywords and phrases found in the job description. If your resume contains a high percentage match, it’s more likely to pass this initial filter.
• Formatting Parsing: ATS prefers clean, simple, and standard resume formats. Complex graphics, unusual fonts, or non-standard layouts can confuse the system, leading to your information being misread or missed entirely.
• Filtering: Recruiters set parameters within the ATS (e.g., minimum years of experience, specific skills, degree types). Your application will be filtered based on these criteria.

Actionable Tip: When preparing your application, meticulously analyze the job description to identify key terms. Integrate these keywords naturally throughout your resume (summary, skills section, experience bullet points).

For guidance on is it better to apply online or in person, remember that online applications almost always go through an ATS.

Insight: A study by Jobscan found that only about 25% of applications actually make it past the ATS to a human recruiter.

Optimizing for ATS is a non-negotiable step to move beyond “under review” to “interview.”

How Long Does “Under Review” Last? Managing Expectations

One of the most frustrating aspects of the “under review” status is the uncertainty of its duration.

There’s no single answer, as timelines can vary significantly.

Factors Affecting Duration:

• Company Size: Larger companies with more formalized processes and higher applicant volumes may take longer. Smaller companies or startups might move faster.
• Role Seniority/Complexity: Entry-level roles with high volume might be screened quickly, while more specialized positions may require longer, more in-depth review.
• Number of Applicants: A highly popular job opening will naturally take longer to review due to the sheer volume of applications.
• Hiring Manager’s Schedule: The hiring manager might be busy with other projects, on vacation, or awaiting internal approvals, causing delays.
• Internal Processes: Companies may have specific review cycles, background checks, or interview scheduling processes that take time.
• Time of Year: Hiring often slows down during major holidays (e.g., end of year, summer vacations).

Insight: While the wait can be agonizing, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Many initial screenings take 1-2 weeks, and the entire hiring process from application to offer can span 2 weeks to 2 months or more.

For context on when to apply, consider consulting our guide on when is the best time to apply for jobs to align your expectations with general hiring cycles.

Your Role During “Under Review”: What to Do (and Not Do)

The “under review” status is not a passive period.

There are proactive steps you can take to strengthen your candidacy and manage your job search effectively, without being intrusive.

What to Do:

1. Continue Your Job Search: This is paramount. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying to other relevant positions.
2. Network Strategically: Use LinkedIn to connect with employees at the company, especially those in roles you’re interested in. Attend industry events. A strong referral can sometimes accelerate the review process.
3. Research the Company Further: Use the waiting time to delve deeper into the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and culture. This prepares you for potential interviews and helps you refine your interest.
4. Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate potential interview questions for the role. Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for examples from your academic, volunteer, or project experiences.
5. Develop Your Skills: If there are specific skills mentioned in the job description that you want to strengthen, consider taking online courses or certifications.
6. Review Your Application: Briefly re-read your submitted resume and cover letter. Ensure there were no typos or major errors. This is for your peace of mind, not for resubmission.

What NOT to Do:

• Panic or Obsess: Constantly checking the application status or company website won’t speed up the process.
• Send Multiple Unsolicited Emails/Calls: Avoid bombarding the HR department or hiring manager with frequent inquiries. This can be perceived as impatient or pushy.
• Show Up In-Person (Unless Appropriate): Unless it’s a very small, local business in an industry where walk-ins are common, showing up unannounced is generally unprofessional.
• Assume Rejection: “Under Review” is not a rejection. It simply means the process is ongoing.
• Stop Applying to Other Jobs: This is a common mistake. Always maintain momentum with your broader job search.

Insight: Your time is valuable. Use the “under review” period productively to strengthen your overall job search strategy, rather than passively waiting.

Strategic Follow-Up: Pushing Your Application Forward (Respectfully)

A well-timed and professional follow-up can be a powerful tool to move your application beyond “under review” and reiterate your enthusiasm.

This is where your proactivity can genuinely make a difference.

When and How to Follow Up:

1. Initial Follow-Up (After Application, No Interview):
   • Timing: Wait 2 weeks (10 business days) after your initial application submission.
   • Method: Email is almost always preferred. If you have the hiring manager’s name, address it to them. Otherwise, a recruiter or the general HR email.
   • Content:
     • Clear subject line (e.g., “Following Up: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]”).
     • Reference the exact job title and date of application.
     • Briefly reiterate your strong interest and one key skill or achievement that aligns with the role.
     • Express eagerness for the next steps.
     • Do NOT re-attach your entire resume unless requested.
   • For a detailed guide on crafting effective follow-up messages for various scenarios, see our comprehensive article on how to follow up on a job application.
2. Follow-Up After Interview:
   • Timing: Within 24 hours of the interview.
   • Method: Personalized email to each interviewer.
   • Content:
     • Thank them for their time.
     • Reference something specific discussed during the interview.
     • Briefly connect your skills/experience to that specific point.
     • Reiterate your strong enthusiasm for the role and company.
     • Express eagerness for next steps.
3. Second Follow-Up (If No Response After Initial Follow-Up):
   • Timing: If you sent an initial follow-up email and haven’t heard back, wait another 1-2 weeks.
   • Method: A concise email, perhaps via LinkedIn, if you have a direct connection.
   • Content: Briefly re-state interest, mention you’re still available, and possibly share a new, relevant piece of information (e.g., “Since applying, I’ve completed X certification which I believe further strengthens my fit for Y responsibility”). Use this sparingly.

Insight: Follow-ups are about polite persistence and demonstrating continued interest and value. They are not meant to be demanding.

Conclusion: Your Proactive Stance During the Waiting Game

The “Application Under Review” status is a common, yet often opaque, stage in the U.S. job application process.

For recent graduates, understanding that it signifies active consideration by both automated systems and human eyes is key.

While the duration of this phase is unpredictable, your response to it doesn’t have to be passive.

By optimizing your applications for ATS, managing your expectations, proactively continuing your job search, and strategically executing polite follow-ups, you transform the waiting game into a productive phase of your career journey.

Embrace patience, but pair it with smart persistence.

Your proactive approach will undoubtedly increase your visibility and confidence, accelerating your path to landing your first professional role in the United States.

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