Workday Application Status Meaning: What Every Status Really Tells You

Last updated on October 15, 2026

You applied for a job through Workday, and now you’re refreshing the portal every few hours like it’s going to change the outcome. The status just says “In Progress” or “Under Review,” and you have no idea if that’s good news or a slow rejection.

Here’s the short version: a Workday application status is just a label the hiring system uses to show where your application sits in the recruiting process, from “received” all the way to “hired” or “not selected.” Each company sets up its own version of these stages, but most Workday users see the same handful of terms over and over.

In this guide, you’ll learn what each common status actually means, how long you can expect to sit in each stage, and which statuses are a good sign versus a quiet red flag.

What Does “Application Status” Mean in Workday?

In Workday, your application status is the current stage of your job application inside the company’s recruiting pipeline. It’s not a message from a real person. It’s a label that updates automatically (or sometimes manually by a recruiter) as your application moves through the system.

Workday is one of the most widely used applicant tracking systems (ATS) for mid-size and large companies in the US and UK. If you’ve applied to more than a few corporate jobs lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen its candidate portal already.

The status doesn’t tell you why something changed. It just tells you that something did. That’s why so many applicants end up confused, scrolling job forums at midnight trying to figure out what “Manager Review” actually means for their chances.

Where Do These Statuses Come From?

Workday doesn’t invent these labels randomly. Recruiting teams build their own hiring workflow inside the platform, and each step in that workflow gets a status name attached to it.

That’s also why the exact wording can vary a little between companies. One company might use “Under Consideration,” while another uses “In Review” for the same basic stage. The structure behind the scenes is usually similar, even if the labels don’t match word for word.

Common Workday Application Statuses Explained

Here’s a quick reference table for the statuses people search for most. Treat this as a general guide, since wording can shift slightly by employer.

Status	What It Usually Means
Applied / Submitted	Your application went through successfully and is sitting in the system.
In Progress	Your application is active and somewhere in the review process.
Under Review	A recruiter or hiring team is actively looking at your application.
Manager Review	Your application has been passed to the hiring manager, not just HR.
Interview	You’ve been selected to move forward to interview scheduling or completion.
Reference Check	The company is checking your references, which usually comes late in the process.
Offer	A job offer is being prepared or has been extended to you.
Hired / Filled	The role has been filled, either by you or another candidate.
Not Selected / Unsuccessful	The company decided not to move forward with your application.
Withdrawn	You or the company pulled the application out of the process.

What Each Status Really Means (In Detail)

“Applied” or “Submitted”

This is the starting line. It just confirms your resume and application made it into the system without errors. It says nothing about whether anyone has opened it yet.

Don’t read too much into this one. Almost everyone who applies will see this status at first, including people who never hear back again.

“In Progress”

This is the vaguest status in the whole list, and also the one people stress over the most. It usually just means your application hasn’t been closed out yet. It could sit here for days or weeks without changing.

You’ve probably seen this status sit unchanged for way longer than feels normal. That’s common. Workday doesn’t force companies to update statuses quickly, so a lot of recruiters let applications sit at “In Progress” until there’s an actual decision to make.

“Under Review”

This one’s a bit more specific. It usually means a real person, often someone in HR or talent acquisition, is actively looking at your application instead of it just sitting untouched.

This stage can also mean your resume is being compared against other applicants before anyone moves forward. It’s a neutral-to-positive sign, but it’s not a guarantee of an interview.

“Manager Review”

This status is generally a good sign. It means your application cleared the initial HR screening and got passed along to the actual hiring manager for the role. That’s a real step forward in the process, not just a system update.

At this point, your resume is being judged by the person who’d actually be your boss, not just a recruiter working through a stack of applications.

“Interview”

If your status changes to something interview-related, you’ve made it past the resume screening stage completely. You might get this update before you’re formally contacted, so check your email and spam folder if your status changes but you haven’t heard anything yet.

“Reference Check” or “Background Check”

These statuses show up late in the hiring process, usually right before an offer. If you’ve reached this stage, the company is seriously considering you and is doing due diligence before making it official.

“Offer”

This means the company is either preparing a formal offer or has already sent one. It’s one of the clearest positive statuses in the whole system. If you haven’t received an email or call yet, it’s worth reaching out to your recruiter directly.

“Not Selected” or “Unsuccessful”

This is the rejection status. It means the company has decided to move forward with other candidates, or closed the role entirely. It’s disappointing, but it also closes the loop instead of leaving you guessing forever.

“Withdrawn”

This status means the application was pulled out of the process, either by you or by the employer. If you didn’t withdraw it yourself, it can mean the role was cancelled, filled internally, or closed for budget reasons.

What Each Status Means For Your Chances

Not every status update is equally meaningful. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Generally positive signs:

• Manager Review
• Interview
• Reference or background check
• Offer

Neutral, “wait and see” signs:

• Applied / Submitted
• In Progress
• Under Review

Signs the process has ended:

• Not Selected / Unsuccessful
• Withdrawn
• Position Filled or Closed

None of these are guaranteed outcomes. Hiring timelines move at different speeds depending on the company, the role, and sometimes just how busy the recruiting team is that month.

How Long Does Each Status Usually Last?

There’s no official timeline built into Workday itself, since every company runs its own hiring process at its own pace. That said, a few general patterns show up often:

• Applied/In Progress: can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks
• Under Review: usually a few days to two weeks
• Manager Review: often one to three weeks, depending on how fast the manager responds
• Interview through Offer: typically two to six weeks total, though it varies a lot by industry

If your status hasn’t moved in over a month, it’s reasonable to send a polite follow-up email instead of just refreshing the portal.

Workday Status Labels vs Other ATS Systems

If you’ve applied through Greenhouse, iCIMS, or Taleo before, you might notice the stages feel familiar even when the wording changes.

Workday Label	Common Equivalent Elsewhere
In Progress	Active / In Pipeline
Under Review	Screening
Manager Review	Hiring Manager Review
Not Selected	Rejected / Closed

The underlying hiring steps are pretty similar across most applicant tracking systems. Workday just has its own naming style, and that’s usually what throws people off.

Workday Application Status Meaning: What Every Status Really Tells You (Reddit)

The meaning of a Workday application status can be confusing, especially when you have submitted a job application and are waiting for an update. Workday is a recruiting and human resources platform that employers use to manage applications, review candidates, schedule interviews, and communicate hiring decisions. However, the exact meaning of each status depends on the employer’s hiring process and how its recruiting team has configured the system.

Applicants discussing their experiences on Reddit often describe seeing statuses such as “In Process,” “Under Review,” “In Consideration,” and “Review.” These labels can offer clues about where an application stands, but they do not always reveal what a recruiter is doing behind the scenes.

For example, an application that remains under review for several weeks may still be active, or the employer may have paused hiring. Similarly, an application marked in process does not automatically mean an interview is coming. Understanding these differences can help you interpret updates more realistically and decide when to follow up.

Workday Application Status Meaning: What Every Status Really Tells You (Email)

When you receive an email about your Workday application, the wording usually provides more information than the status displayed on your candidate dashboard. An email might confirm that your application was submitted successfully, explain that the recruiting team is reviewing candidates, invite you to an interview, or notify you that you are no longer being considered.

A confirmation email generally means that the employer’s system has received your application. It does not necessarily mean a recruiter has read your résumé or evaluated your qualifications. Likewise, an email stating that your application is under review typically indicates that your application is somewhere in the employer’s assessment process, but it may not confirm that a hiring manager has personally examined it.

Pay attention to specific phrases such as “selected for an interview,” “we would like to discuss your qualifications,” or “we have decided to move forward with other candidates.” These messages provide clearer information than general status labels.

If your dashboard has not changed for a while, check your email’s inbox, spam folder, and promotions folder. Some employers send interview invitations or rejection notices by email without immediately updating the candidate portal.

If you need clarification, send a short, polite follow-up to the recruiter or hiring contact. Mention the position title, the date you applied, and your continued interest. Avoid sending repeated messages within a few days, as recruitment teams may need time to complete their reviews.

Workday Application Status Meanings

Workday application statuses help employers organize candidates throughout the recruitment process. Although the precise definitions vary between organizations, several common labels can help you understand what might be happening with your application.

Submitted: Your application has been received by the employer’s system. It may not have been reviewed by a recruiter yet.

In Process: Your application is still moving through some part of the recruitment workflow. This can include screening, recruiter review, interviews, or other hiring steps.

Under Review: Your application is awaiting or undergoing evaluation. Depending on the employer, this may involve a recruiter, hiring manager, or automated screening workflow.

In Consideration: You may still be among the candidates being considered for the position. However, the label does not guarantee that you have been shortlisted.

Interview: The employer may be arranging, conducting, or tracking an interview stage, depending on the organization’s configuration.

Not Selected: The employer has generally decided not to advance your application for that particular position.

Withdrawn: The application has been withdrawn, either by you or through a process recorded in the system. If you did not withdraw it, contact the recruiting team for clarification.

Job Closed: The vacancy may have been filled, canceled, or closed to further applications. This does not always explain the individual outcome of every candidate.

The most important distinction is between a status that suggests an application is still active and a status that clearly indicates a final decision. General labels are useful clues, but direct communication from the employer is usually more informative.

Workday Application Status Meanings: In Process

“In Process” generally means that your application remains within the employer’s recruitment workflow. It is one of the more ambiguous Workday statuses because it does not identify the exact stage your application has reached.

Your résumé might be waiting for an initial screening, being evaluated by a recruiter, or awaiting feedback from a hiring manager. In some organizations, the status may remain unchanged while interviews are conducted with other candidates. In others, it can remain visible until the recruiting team formally records a decision.

Seeing “In Process” can be encouraging because it does not, by itself, indicate rejection. However, it is not proof that you have passed screening or that an interview is guaranteed.

The length of time an application stays in this status varies considerably. A company hiring urgently may move candidates forward within days, while a large organization with multiple approval stages may take several weeks or longer. Holidays, budget approvals, internal candidates, and changes to staffing plans can also affect the timeline.

If your application remains in process, continue checking for emails and preparing for potential interviews. You can also review the original job description to identify the qualifications and examples you would discuss with a recruiter.

If the employer provided an expected response date, wait until that period has passed before following up. If no timeline was provided, a brief, professional message after approximately one to two weeks can be reasonable, depending on the role and circumstances.

Workday Application Status Meanings: In Consideration

“In Consideration” generally suggests that your application remains eligible for evaluation or is being considered within the employer’s hiring process. It can be a positive sign compared with a clear rejection status, but it does not necessarily mean you have reached the final shortlist.

Employers may use this label after receiving an application, following an initial screening, or when candidates are being compared against the job requirements. The precise stage depends on how the organization has configured its recruiting workflow.

For example, imagine you apply for a marketing position and your dashboard changes to “In Consideration.” A recruiter may be comparing your experience with the qualifications required for the role. Alternatively, the system may display that status for every application that has not yet received a final decision.

This is why applicants should avoid assuming that “In Consideration” guarantees an interview or indicates that they are one of only a few remaining candidates.

Look for additional evidence, such as a recruiter contacting you, a request for availability, an interview invitation, or a message asking for further information. These developments provide stronger evidence of progress than the status alone.

If the application stays in consideration for several weeks, the position may still be active, or the employer may be experiencing delays. You can politely ask whether the position is still open and whether the recruitment team has an estimated timeline for the next step.

Workday Application Status Meanings: Under Review

“Under Review” usually means that your application is awaiting or undergoing evaluation. The review might be performed by a recruiter, a hiring manager, or another person involved in selecting candidates. In some cases, the label may reflect a system workflow rather than a confirmed manual review.

When you first submit an application, it may take time for the recruiting team to assess your qualifications. Recruiters often receive many applications and must compare candidates based on relevant experience, education, skills, and other job-specific requirements.

An under-review status does not automatically mean that your résumé has passed every screening requirement. Nor does it mean the employer has decided to interview you. It simply indicates that the application has not necessarily reached a clearly communicated final outcome.

The waiting period can range from a few days to several weeks. Some companies review applications as they arrive, while others wait until the application deadline or until enough candidates have applied.

If your application remains under review, there is generally no reason to assume rejection based on the status alone. Continue monitoring your email and candidate dashboard, and avoid interpreting every day without an update as a negative sign.

If a substantial amount of time has passed, consider sending a concise follow-up. Express your continued interest, mention the role, and ask whether there is an update on the hiring timeline. A courteous message can demonstrate professionalism without putting unnecessary pressure on the recruiter.

Workday Application Status Review

The Workday application status “Review” can be especially confusing because it is shorter and less specific than “Under Review.” In many cases, it suggests that an application is associated with a review stage, but the label alone does not establish who is reviewing it or whether the review has actually started.

Some employers use customized status labels, and their recruiting teams may assign different meanings to similar phrases. One organization might use “Review” for an initial résumé screening, while another might use it for a hiring manager’s assessment or a later evaluation stage.

For this reason, you should not automatically interpret “Review” as a sign that you have been shortlisted. It also does not necessarily mean that the recruiter has already opened your résumé.

Consider the status alongside other information in your account. If the application was recently submitted, the label may reflect an early stage. If you have already completed an interview, it could relate to a later review or an outstanding hiring decision. These are possibilities rather than universal rules.

The most reliable way to understand the status is to check whether the employer has provided additional details in an email or candidate portal notification. If the label remains unchanged and the hiring timeline has passed, contact the recruiting team for clarification.

Until you receive a clear decision, continue applying for suitable positions rather than relying on one application. This approach helps you maintain momentum while giving the employer time to complete its process.

Workday Application Status Under Review

When your Workday application shows “Under Review,” it is natural to wonder whether a recruiter is actively considering you or whether your application is simply waiting in a queue. Unfortunately, the status alone cannot reliably distinguish between these situations.

An application may be waiting for a recruiter to assess it, awaiting feedback from a hiring manager, or remaining in an administrative stage while the organization coordinates its hiring process. Some employers also leave statuses unchanged until a formal action is recorded.

If you applied recently, allow the recruiting team reasonable time to process applications. If you have already interviewed, the status may remain under review while interviewers compare candidates or obtain internal approvals. Neither situation guarantees a positive outcome.

Applicants sometimes interpret a long waiting period as evidence that the employer has selected someone else. Although that is possible, delays can also result from scheduling conflicts, staff availability, changes in hiring priorities, or the need to approve a position’s budget.

A practical approach is to follow any timeline the employer has communicated. If the expected response date passes, send a brief follow-up expressing your interest and asking whether there is an update. If no timeline was provided, consider following up after roughly one to two weeks, adjusting for the role and any previous communication.

Most importantly, remember that an active-looking status is not the same as a confirmed opportunity. Treat “Under Review” as an indication that the application has not necessarily received a final recorded outcome, keep checking for direct communication, and continue exploring other opportunities while you wait.

What Are the Stages of a Workday Application?

Every employer builds its own hiring workflow in Workday, but most applications move through the same six stages. Think of them as checkpoints between “I hit submit” and “I got an answer.”

1. Submission. You send your resume and answers. Workday logs the application and usually emails you a confirmation. No one has necessarily read it yet.

2. Screening. A recruiter or an automated filter checks your application against the job requirements. Most applications leave the pipeline here, which is why you may see “In Progress” or “Under Review” for days.

3. Hiring manager review. If you clear the screen, the recruiter forwards your application to the person who manages the role. Your status may change to “Manager Review” or stay the same, depending on how the company set up its workflow.

4. Interviews. You may face a phone screen, a video call, an assessment, or several rounds with different people. Some employers update your status after each round. Others skip updates until the end.

5. Checks and offer. Reference checks, background checks, and approvals come next. These stages usually mean the company is serious about you, but the offer only counts once you receive it in writing.

6. Final decision. The application ends as “Hired,” “Not Selected,” “Withdrawn,” or “Position Filled.” Some employers leave a rejected application at its last status for weeks, so check your email as well as the portal.

Not every employer uses all six stages. A small team might skip the assessment, while a large company might add two more interview rounds. If your status doesn’t match this list, compare it to the stage it sits closest to and read the latest email for clues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the different Workday application statuses mean?

Workday application statuses show where your job application stands in the hiring process. Common statuses include Submitted, In Progress, Under Review, Interview, and No Longer Under Consideration, although the exact wording varies by employer.

What are the stages of an application on Workday?

A typical Workday application moves through submission, recruiter review, screening, interviews, and a final hiring decision. Some employers also include assessments, background checks, and offer stages, so the process may differ depending on the company and position.

What does the “In Progress” status mean on a Workday application?

“In Progress” generally means your application is still active in the employer’s recruitment system and has not reached a final outcome. It may be under review or waiting for the next hiring step, but it does not guarantee that a recruiter has reviewed it or that you will receive an interview.

Does Workday tell you if your application is rejected?

Yes, an employer may update your Workday application to a status such as “No Longer Under Consideration” or “Not Selected” when you are rejected. Some employers also send an email, while others may leave the status unchanged for a period, so checking your application portal and email is helpful.

What are signs you will get a job offer?

Positive signs include being invited to additional interviews, discussing your availability or salary expectations, receiving reference-check requests, and being asked about your start date. These signals can indicate serious interest, but only a formal offer confirms that you have been selected.

How do you know if your application is rejected?

The clearest sign is a status such as “Rejected,” “Not Selected,” or “No Longer Under Consideration,” or a direct rejection email from the employer. If your status remains “In Progress” or “Under Review,” you cannot reliably determine the outcome from that status alone; contacting the recruiter politely can provide clarification.

Final Thoughts

Workday application statuses can feel confusing, but they’re really just checkpoints in a hiring process that moves at its own speed. “In Progress” and “Under Review” mean your application is still alive, while “Manager Review” and “Interview” are real steps forward.

If your status stalls for a while, don’t panic. Send a short follow-up, keep applying elsewhere, and treat the portal as one small piece of the bigger job search. Good luck with the next update.