LinkedIn Jobs Stuck 'In Progress': Should You Apply?
A job posting stuck on "In Progress" on LinkedIn usually means the hiring team has started screening candidates or running interviews, but has not yet filled the role. Treat it as an active search where competition is already established, rather than an automatic dead end or an early-stage opening.
Why do job postings linger "In Progress" for weeks?
Recruiting teams rarely update job board statuses the moment their internal priorities shift. When a posting sits in this state for weeks, it usually comes down to one of three situations:
- Active interview loops: The recruiter has passed three to five candidates to the hiring manager. They keep the posting open in case finalists decline an offer or fall through during background checks.
- Internal hiring pauses: Budget reviews, team restructuring, or shifting quarterly priorities frequently put searches on hold without officially canceling the headcount.
- High applicant backlogs: When hundreds of resumes arrive in the first few days, recruiters often freeze inbound review to work through existing submissions before opening the pipeline again.
As documented in this tracked job listing review, positions can linger indefinitely without giving applicants any clear signal about whether reviews are still happening.
How to evaluate whether you should still apply
Applying to an older listing takes the same time as applying to a fresh one, but the probability of a review drops as the days tick past. Filter the listing using these concrete steps before spending your time:
- Check the initial publish date. If the role was published more than 30 days ago and sits "In Progress," assume the team is already deep into second- or third-round interviews.
- Assess your overlap ruthlessly. When a listing is new, meeting 70% of the criteria is often enough. For an older listing, only apply if you meet every essential requirement. You can run the listing through the /decode-job-description skill to quickly strip the fluff and verify your core qualifications match their exact must-haves.
- Apply directly on the company careers site. Third-party status tags on job boards can lag behind the employer's actual Applicant Tracking System by days or weeks. If the role is gone from their careers page, it is closed.
What to write when reaching out about an older listing
If you fit the requirements tightly, do not just submit an application and wait. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or department head with a brief, focused note that acknowledges the search is already underway.
"Hi [Name], I noticed your search for the [Job Title] role is currently in progress. I recently led [concrete accomplishment, e.g., migrating our billing infrastructure with zero downtime], which mirrors what your team is tackling this quarter. I submitted my resume through your portal today. If you are still reviewing candidates, I would welcome a brief conversation."
How to track your pipeline without guessing
Relying on platform-specific status tags like "In Progress" or "Viewed" leads to second-guessing. A job board interface is built to serve advertisers and recruiters, not to give you accurate project management data.
- Log every submission immediately: Track the posting date, the exact job description, and the date you applied.
- Use Destava's application tracker: Centralize every role you target into one clear dashboard. This keeps your records organized and prevents you from checking inactive listings repeatedly.
- Set a firm follow-up window: If you send an outreach note or application, set a reminder to follow up once after five business days. If there is no response, archive the entry and direct your energy toward active openings.