A well-executed applicant screening process is a critical component of effective talent acquisition. It can lead to higher-quality hires, increased efficiency, lower turnover, legal compliance, enhanced employer branding, and greater diversity and inclusion. Standardize your review process and focus strictly on job-relevant information when reviewing the candidate’s LinkedIn profile. Use a checklist to quickly identify the presence of minimum qualifications like specific degrees, certifications, or years of experience. Utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automate the initial screening, setting criteria based on the job requirements.
Whereas, “process completed, shortlisted, and hired” contain positive connotations. If you’ve only been waiting a few days or weeks, it’s likely that “under review” means they haven’t gotten around to viewing your application. Or, if they have, they haven’t had a chance to decide whether you’re a suitable candidate. If there are many other candidates who have applied, then it’s possible that the company is waiting for all of their applications to be reviewed before making a decision. This can take some time and often does not happen until after an interview has been scheduled.
Jobs with a larger number of applicants may take longer to review, as recruiters need more time to carefully consider each application. Additionally, industries with highly specialized roles or complex hiring processes may have extended review periods. Depending on the size of the company, they might have a team of recruiters or their own managers reviewing incoming applications here.
As the owner of a job board, I know that only 1 in 4 applicants will get an interview once the review process is finished, and this is a generous estimate. Every organization has its challenges, but sometimes it’s hard to ask directly about them. Framing a question like this can offer the recruiter a chance to be more frank about the challenges they face in the workplace without pushing them to bad-mouth their employer.
Understanding their approach to time management and prioritization reveals their organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines. This allows you to assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills and resilience. Other times, they might wait to hear from your referees before making a decision. But keep in mind that many people apply for jobs without expecting any response.
However, this duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of applicants and the complexity of the hiring process. For positions with a large applicant pool, it may take longer for the employer to review all the applications thoroughly. The lack of transparency in the recruiting process can lead to anxiety for job seekers, as status updates may not always be accurate or reliable indicators of progress. It’s important to remember that every company has its own unique processes and timelines. While waiting for a response, it is wise to focus on improving your skills and exploring other opportunities.
When job seekers submit their applications online, it’s common for them to see the status of their application change to “Under Review” shortly after. But what does this actually mean in terms of the recruitment process?
Under Review typically indicates that the hiring team has received the application and is currently evaluating whether the candidate meets the requirements of the job. This stage involves a thorough review of the applicant’s resume, cover letter, and any additional materials they have submitted.
Recruiters may compare the candidate’s qualifications against the job description to determine if there is a good fit. They might also be looking at factors such as relevant experience, skills, and education to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role.
During the Under Review stage, recruiters may also be conducting preliminary screenings, such as checking references or running background checks. This helps them gather more information about the candidate to make an informed decision.
It’s important for applicants to remain patient during this stage of the process, as it can take some time for recruiters to thoroughly evaluate each application. If you find yourself in this situation, consider following up with the company after a reasonable amount of time has passed to express your continued interest in the position.
