What 'In Progress' Means on LinkedIn Jobs
When a role shows an "In Progress" status on a hiring board or internal candidate portal, it means the employer has begun screening applicants and scheduling initial rounds. It does not mean the position is closed, but it does mean hiring decisions are actively moving forward.
What does an "In Progress" status actually tell you?
Job boards and applicant tracking systems update listing statuses as hiring teams move through workflow stages. When an entry shifts to active review, as shown in this job posting tracker, it typically points to one of three situations behind the scenes:
- Resume review is underway: A recruiter or hiring manager has opened the batch and is actively shortlisting profiles for screening calls.
- Interviews have started: First-round phone screens are taking place, but the team has not yet locked in final candidates.
- The role remains open to exceptional applicants: Until an offer is signed, hiring teams review new incoming resumes to maintain an active pipeline.
Should you still apply if you see this status?
Yes, apply if the portal accepts submissions. Teams frequently reject initial interview cohorts after screen calls, leaving the requisition wide open for fresh applicants. Submitting your resume into an active pipeline can actually lead to faster review times than applying on day one.
However, relying solely on an automated form submission during this phase is risky. To ensure your resume gets seen:
- Apply immediately: Do not wait days to polish minor details. Submit a clean, targeted application that matches the core requirements.
- Reach out directly to the hiring manager: Find the person running the department on LinkedIn and send a short, tailored note within hours of submitting.
- Highlight a concrete outcome: Connect your background directly to a stated goal in the job post.
Here is an example of an outreach note you can send directly to a department lead:
"Hi Sarah, I saw your team is hiring a Senior Operations Lead and submitted my application today. In my last role, I rebuilt our fulfillment workflow and cut backorder resolution time from five days to two. I would welcome the chance to share how I can bring that same operational discipline to your current expansion."
How to follow up if you have already applied
If you already submitted your materials and the listing just changed to "In Progress," that change is your prompt to take action rather than passively waiting.
- Check your timeline: If it has been five to seven business days since your submission, send a brief check-in message to the recruiter.
- Provide fresh context: Reference a specific project or achievement relevant to the role rather than simply asking for a status report.
- Keep your records organized: Log every outreach date, contact name, and status update in Destava's application tracker so you can follow up with exact context.
If you need to draft a customized outreach note or tailor your cover letter quickly before a pipeline closes, open Destava's Writing Hub to generate a tailored draft based on your verified career history.
What to do next
Do not pause your search while waiting for an update on an in-progress role. Continue submitting applications for other positions, maintain active conversations across your target industry, and use status updates as indicators for when to reach out directly.