LinkedIn In Progress Status: What It Means and Next Steps
A LinkedIn application marked "In Progress" means the employer's applicant tracking system has accepted your submission, but it does not mean a human has read your resume. Most companies do not manually update candidate statuses until they either schedule an interview or close the role entirely, leaving candidates waiting indefinitely.
As noted in the original discussion notes, job seekers frequently watch applications sit in limbo without knowing whether hiring teams have even reviewed their materials. Instead of waiting for a dashboard status to change, use a systematic plan to confirm your application and keep your pipeline moving.
Why do applications stay stuck in "In Progress"?
When you submit a resume through LinkedIn Easy Apply or an integrated portal, the company's internal software logs the file. Recruiter workflows vary widely:
- Batch reviews: Recruiters often wait until a posting reaches a target number of applicants before sorting through the pool at once.
- Automated syncing: Many systems do not push real-time status updates back to LinkedIn, so your dashboard status remains unchanged even after internal screening occurs.
- Passive archiving: If a hiring team finds qualified candidates early, remaining resumes sit in review status until the position is officially filled.
How to follow up without sounding pushy
Treat the "In Progress" label as an automated receipt, not an indicator of timing. To find out where you stand, follow this sequence:
- Record the date: Add the job title, company, and submission date to Destava's application tracker. Set a reminder to review the entry five business days later.
- Locate the decision-maker: Search LinkedIn for the company's talent acquisition specialist who handles that department, or the functional lead (such as an Engineering Manager or Head of Content).
- Send a direct, three-sentence note: Keep your message focused on fit rather than asking about application status.
Use an outreach template like this:
"Hi Sarah, I submitted an application for the Senior Product Analyst role last Tuesday. Over the past three years, I focused on reducing onboarding drop-off and redesigning core analytics dashboards for SaaS users. I would welcome the chance to share how that background aligns with what your team needs right now."
What should you do while waiting for a response?
Waiting for one company stalls your search. Take control of your momentum while applications process:
- Keep applying to comparable roles: A submitted application is never a guarantee. Use Destava to decode a job description in chat with the slash command /decode, identify the primary three skills the employer asks for, and tailor your next application.
- Engage with target teams publicly: Follow leaders at target companies and add thoughtful observations to their industry posts using Comment Assist. Showing domain knowledge publicly often surfaces opportunities before jobs are posted.
- Move on after one follow-up: If you reach out to a recruiter and receive no reply after one week, mark the role as inactive in your tracker and reallocate your energy to active leads.