Last Updated on 03/18/2024
You might have heard already that applying for a federal government job is a process that takes much time. First of all, you will need to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into creating a decent resume tailored for the specific job announcement you want to apply for. After creating a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder or uploading your own federal resume file, you will need to complement your application with other documents listed in the job announcement requirements, as well as fill in the self-assessment questionnaire. This is when your application package becomes complete and ready to be submitted.
But what happens next?
After submitting your application, you enter the process of being screened and evaluated by the Federal Human Resources Specialist. On your part, all you can do now is watch the changes in your USAJOBS application status, which you can find at “my USAJOBS account“.
When you go to the usajobs.gov application manager page, you will see the list of all your applications with the updated application status displayed next to each application. Below, we will explain what each status means, in other words, the current position of your application in the long federal government job application process.
Table of Contents
USAJOBS Application Status
Each status in the following list shows that your application has been received and moves forward in the application process.
Received
This status means that the hiring agency has received your application. Your application status will change into Received when your application has successfully gone through.
Reviewed
The USAJOBS Reviewed status will most likely appear only after the job announcement is closed by the hiring agency. This ensures that the process of evaluating the applications is fair. However, this also means that you might have to wait for quite a long time until the Received status of your application changes into the Reviewed status. Please note that not all hiring agencies assign this status to a candidate’s application after it was reviewed.
How long does USAJOBS take to review applications? The application reviewing process might take some time, so you will need to be patient when waiting for your application status updates. The duration of this process depends on many factors including the number of applicants for the specific position. Normally, it will take from 2 to 4 weeks for your application to get reviewed.
Referred
You might not see the USAJOBS application status Best Qualified shining next to your application, however, this is what basically the USAJOBS Referred status means. Those applications that are considered by the Federal Human Resources Specialist best qualified for the position at USAJOBS are referred to the selecting official. This means that your application has moved one step further in the application process, and the selecting official will now be evaluating your application to determine whether to select you for the job interview.
Selected
This status shows that your application has been chosen by the selecting official, who decided that you are qualified enough to be invited for an interview and receive a job offer. Nevertheless, after seeing this application status, the candidate should still be patient since it might take some time before they receive a phone call from the hiring agency.
Hired
This is the status that does not need much explanation. It appears next to your application after you have accepted the job offer you were made by the hiring agency.
Paused USAJOBS Application Status
If you can see such a status next to your application, this means that you need to take further action in order to complete it.
In Progress
This status basically shows that your application is in the middle of the completion/submission process, which is to be finished.
Incomplete
When you see the USAJOBS Application Incomplete status next to your application, this means that you need to take action so that your application could be accepted by the application system. This status can appear when your application lacks some documents required by the position or when you have not completed the application submission process.
Stopped USAJOBS Application Status
If one of the following status updates appear next to your application at USAJOBS, this means that either your candidature has been considered not qualified enough to continue the competition or the hiring agency has canceled the job announcement.
Not Referred
This status means that your application, after being reviewed, was not considered one of the best qualified in order to be referred to the selecting official.
Not Selected
This application status shows that the selecting official has not chosen your candidature to be offered an invitation to the job interview.
Not Hired
This status appears when you have either declined the job offer made by the hiring agency or when you have not been offered the job.
Canceled
You might see this application status when the hiring agency has canceled the job announcement without hiring anyone.
What Does Status Candidate Mean on USAJOBS
While sounding like one of the USAJOBS application status terms, the “status candidate” has a different meaning.
This term refers to the former or current federal employees who have a total of three years of qualifying service. The status candidates can apply for the positions that are marked as open to Federal employees – Competitive service, also known as “merit promotion”.
Still unsure about how to use USAJOBS site? Read our guide articles:
How to complete an occupational questionnaire on USAJOBS
Daniella HendersonDaniella knows all ins and outs of the federal hiring process. She is excellent at job hunting strategies, starting from federal resume writing to the final stage of interview conduction.
After the Job has been closed, and they acknowledged they received your application, can they still refer you? Or if you are not referred and it closes does that mean you will no longer have a chance to be referred?
Daniella,
I retired from the U.S. Army (24 years) with a service connected disability of 20%. I am also retired from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. I retired from CBP after 24 years of service as a GS-12 step 8. I applied for a position that was created at the San Antonio Int’l Airport. I was told that I did not qualify for the position as a Mission Support Assistant because I did not meet the minimum assessment score.
Thank you.
Feliciano Cruz, Jr.
Hi Daniella,
I was referred for a position 01/08/2020 but I haven’t heard anything since then. Is this normal? How can I know if a decision has been made?
Also how does “Qualifications under review” compare to “Your application has been received for processing”?
Hi Linda,
Yes, it’s absolutely normal, but I would recommend you to make a call and ask about the final decision.
Check out the contact of the hiring manager at the bottom of the job announcement.
Your application Received means the hr received your job application.
Your application Reviewed means the hr reviewed your job application, but still didn’ choose you as a qualified specialist.
What if there is no hiring manager or servicing agency listed in the announcement? Who do I direct inquiries to?
Hi Fred,
Check out How to Apply section on USAJOBS.
You’ll find Agency contact information.
Even if there is no phone number, write your inquiry to the email address.
If there is no email address, copy the address of the agency and search it on Google. You’ll find contact number for sure.
I have several application that only say received and I have never heard anything else about them? Does this mean my application is not going through??
Hi, Lisa. We’re sure your application is going through, it just takes time to mark it as Reviewed. As you know, the federal hiring process is not so fast, so please be patient and good luck! 🙂
Hi Linda
If I bear out all of the criteria of a particular position on my resume, and am not referred; is there a mechanism of appeal or challenge to be referred and get an interview ?
Hello, Daniella!
I have two applications with a “Referred”status, one since the beginning of March, the second one about a month ago. Is this normal? I understand that I might or might not get contacted for an interview, but will the status change at all?
Thank you for your time!
Miguel.
Hi Miguel,
It’s quite normal as the federal hiring process takes time and your application status as “Referred” may last from 1 month to 6 months. Also please take into consideration the situation with coronavirus…
The job application has been received by the hiring agency and is being considered for employment.
Why word “incomplete”? I did send everything what they need.
Hi Vanessa,
1. Make sure all the required documents are submitted.
2. Sometimes it happens because the data you submitted is still processing by the hiring manager.
Good luck!
I applied for a job back in March and I was referred in April. I looked on the bottom of the announcement but all it lists is a army portal and no contact information. I see that the process can take 1 to 6 months is that the typical timing after being referred?
Yes, it takes approximately 3-6 months and it’s quite normal, especially now, in the period of pandemic.
Hi Daniella,
I’ve applied for a position and the posting is closed. I’ve been interviewed, and my references have been called, but my application status still says “received.” I was told the hiring process would be complete by the end of this month. Does the website sometimes not update at all until an offer is extended (or ever)? Thank you!
Hi Scott,
The website may have bugs.
The best option is to call the hiring manager of the agency and clarify the question with your application status.
Good luck!
Hi Scott!
I have the same situation.
I applied for a position I got referred, interviewed,my reference have been called.
Now it shows received after referred.
Do you know what does it mean?
I just got an email that says
Eligible – Application Referred to Selecting Official
What does that mean?
Hi Victoria,
It means that your application will be considered as Minimally qualified or Highest qualified.
After that your appliaction status will change to Reffered/Not Reffered.
Good luck!
Thank you for the information. I also received an email that says Eligible and that I may be contacted but the status just says Received.
Hello. I was selected for a position and accepted a tentative offer back in March/ April. I am already a GS employee so I knew the process can take time. However, when I checked this morning on USAjobs, my status had changed to not referred. Does this mean I am no longer getting this position? I’ve received no other word from HR stating I was no longer selected, etc
The status says advancing.
What does that really mean?
Hi Bonnie,
It seems you’ll get your desired job soon.
Your application considered for the employment.
I applied for a job and the status reads, “min qual (auto score),” what does that mean?
Hi Giselle,
It means that your application didn’t meet the minimum qualifications.
Hi Daniella,
I just received an email for a job at the VA that says eligible and Not Referred. I called to inquire and was told that the Not Referred is because I’m not a veteran but that since it said I was eligible that there is still a chance. Would you agree or should I stop thinking about it and move on?
Sue
Hi Sue,
I would recommend you to have 3-4 additional job options.
It’s best to not obsess over this situation, but move on.
Good luck!
Hi, I received an email stating Qualified. Is this an official lower status than Highly qualified, with less chance of being referred?
Hi Chris,
Yes, Qualified is a lower status, but don’t give up.
Some Highly qualified candidates may be dropped out of several reasons.
So you’ll have a chance to became #1 candidate )
Good luck!
I Applied for a job last year. I was interviewed Dec 2019, then no word. In April 2020 my status changed to “Best Qualified – Pending qualifications”. As of today, Jul 29, 2020, I haven’t heard anything. I have called/emailed the HR through the listed contact information, but I haven’t received any response.
During the interview, they had mentioned the start date of Jun 2020. Am I correct to assume, I didn’t get the job and I need to move on? The status still says, “Best Qualified – pending qualifications”.
Thank you
Hi Zach,
As you can see life is so unpredictable right now. Coronavirus pandemic has a huge impact on the federal hiring process.
So it’s complicated to give you the right answer, I mean to promise you that you’ll get the desired job.
I would recommend you to apply for several jobs, don’t wait to be chosen, always choose yourself.
Good luck!
What does forwarded to Agency mean? Is that the same as referred?
Hi. Yes, it seems your application sent to the hiring manager.
On USAJOBs.gov my application status says “Hired” but the agency has not told me anything.. does this mean i got the job?
Hi,
Tentatively, yes. But it’s better to wait for official communication from the hiring agency.
Hi Daniella,
I applied for a position with the VA with 4 open positions for Ophthalmic Assistant GS 6-7 and 8 and received an email stating that I did not qualified for GS-8 but tentatively eligible for GS-7. My status still says Reviewing Applications. What does this mean? Do I still have a chance?
Thank you
Hello Dorian Borges,
Being tentatively eligible means you are being considered for that level. This is a positive sign that your application has passed an initial screening. But HR specialist hasn’t reviewed your resume to confirm eligibility.
I applied for a job, application received…but then I looked to check the status and under Application status it says application status unavailable contact hiring agency for update…what does that mean
It usually means that there might be a technical issue or an update is required on the agency’s end.
I received a status as “stopped” What exactly does that mean? Thank you for your time.
Hi Ethan,
It means that your application is no longer being considered for the job or the agency canceled the job. Applications with this status will automatically archive three months after the last status update. Don’t give up and keep applying!
HI Daniella,
I applied for the job, interviewed and followed up on the post interview. They replied me back “the current status on your interview is selection pending”. What does it mean?
Hi Prapti,
It means that hiring agency is still in the process of reviewing candidates and making a decision.
My application was changed to “reviewed”, does this mean is the end of the process for me? Or is there’s still a chance? Should I call to inquire?
Hi Lina,
It usually means that your application has been reviewed by the hiring agency. It doesn’t necessarily mean you were selected or not.
I received a email saying I was referred to hiring official. How many candidates are referred to the hiring official.
There is 9 positions available.
Hi,
Generally, the number of candidates referred is a subset of the total number of applicants who applied for the position.
I am a prior Federal employee, employed for 10 yrs at a federal Agency, where my job duties and responsibilities match those for 2 jobs posted on USAJobs. I currently work as a contractor at a governmental Federal Agency, and I applied for these two identical jobs, one specifically set aside for veterans, which I am not, and the other position open to the public. I am considered a “status” candidate with my 10 yrs experience, which I have told means that Ii don’t have to compete with the general public.
My application was referred to the Selection Official (SO), but I never got a job offer or a request for an interview.. I was encouraged to apply by my onsite Supervisor and the Department Director, who I believe is the SO. I have received no communication at all for several months, then i saw the entry “Selection Has Been Made” under my status. I’m trying to hold out hope that,, maybe, just maybe, and I suppose it is a long shot, but I’m hoping that “Selection Has Been Made” is not the same as “Not Selected,” an d perhaps I am still in the running. Does anyone have experience with this?
The status “Selection Has Been Made” usually means that the selection process has concluded, and a candidate has been chosen for the position. Unfortunately, it is likely that someone else has been selected for the position, and the status has been updated to reflect this decision. Don’t give up and keep applying!
Hi Daniella , I applied for a GS 12 0501 position , I received a notice referred to hiring manager.
Three days later they emailed me a notice for a writing and technical assignment, I completed it on time and
emailed it back. It has been a week and I have not heard back from the hiring manager
Hello Charles,
The hiring process can take a long time and delays can be caused by a variety of factors. Be patient and keep applying!
I received an email with a firm job offer in which I have accepted. I did my enrollment appointment for credentials and even received an email to pick them up although it was canceled and I had to reschedule. However, my question to you is how come on usajobs the status of my application still only says selected?? I have already picked up my equipment for telework and begun training??? Is this common??
Hi Shawneen,
The status on the USAJOBS may not always reflect the most current information.
What does mean when it says outside the area of consideration.
It usually means that the agency has specific eligibility requirements or restrictions for the position, and applicants who do not meet those criteria will not be considered for the job.
The application status says “You didn’t submit your application.” However, I received and email stating that the job I applied for has closed. Did the agency get my application even though I did not submit it?
Hi CT,
This could be due to an issue during the submission, such as not finalizing or confirming the application.
Hi Daniella,
My application status “Grade NA: Application Referred for Additional Consideration. Future status updates will be provided by email.” .I applied 2.5 months back,still showing the same status.I don’t see any HR contact info. Please advise.
Hi Venkat,
It can also take up to six months. Don’t give up and keep applying!
HI!
applied for a job. status said “application received”. but now it changed to “application received” with a “Req” number. what does that mean?
It means that your application has been assigned a requisition (Req) number for tracking and reference purposes within the hiring system.
Has anyone been hired since the pandemic? I was selected as Best Qualified around April 2021, had an interview and selected my shift. Status to this day (5/24/2022) my status still remained as “Received”…other positions I applied for either stated “Not Referred or “Incomplete” except for the CRS position. I’ve email HR on several occasions but no response….I was told by a former employee that the backlog is out of this world! I guess that answered my question…Was also told from a recently hired employee that it took her 2 years.
Hi I have a quick question. I applied for a position and there are two openings. I interviewed and one status update at 11:18:45 said regret to inform you you aren’t selected. Then i got another at 11:18:56 and it said you have been referred to the hiring manager for this position? Does that mean I’m possibly getting the second position? Thank you
Probably yes. Good luck!
Had an interview with selecting official. My application status changed from referred for interview to referred for further consideration.
what does that mean?
Hello Walter E,
It’s likely that there were other candidates for the position. And after the interview, your status changed to “referred for further consideration”.
I filled out an application on USAJOBS website, after a month I received phone interview which passed very good.after an other month status on USAJOBS website changed from you have filled an application…..to No Comment.
What does that mean?
Thank you
Hi Al doyle,
It is best to contact the agency’s human resources or the person listed in the job announcement.
I called AFPC about a position status and was informed, I’m in the tentative selection group. what does that mean?
Hi,
It means that you are on the list of the most suitable candidates for the position. Good luck!
Hi,
Just seeing what pending review mean? Does it mean it’s about to be reviewed or it’s reviewed but waiting for next step?
“Pending” means your application has not yet been reviewed. The next step is “under review”.
What does reffered in the exception group
Hi Casey,
This means that you are already qualified and have proven it. You are placed on a separate selection list.
hello what does referred mean?
Hello Ariel Crumpler,
“Referred” means you were on the list of candidates for possible interview. It may take months to process your application with this status. Good luck!
Hi Daniella,
Is it a good idea to contact the hiring manager once you are referred for a position or should I wait for sometime to let them contact you first?
Thanks
Hi Narjis,
It may take months to process your application with this status. Be patient and keep applying!
HI, if you get referred should you contact the hiring manager or wait for them to contact you.
Hi NK,
It’s good to be referred, it means they’re going to look closer at your application. However, it can take weeks to months before you get an invitation for an interview. Just keep applying and good luck!
How long after taking a GS-6 position would you have to wait before posting for a GS-7
The timing for promotions, including moving from a GS-6 to a GS-7 position, depends on agency-specific policies, individual performance, and other factors. On average, waiting periods of 1 year at steps 1-3, 2 years at steps 4-6, and 3 years at steps 7-9.
Hello,
I applied to a USA Jobs position listed as “Direct Hire”. The first day when I applied before the application deadline, I submitted my resume, application, and two transcripts and got an automated reply that mentioned the questionnaire. I went back in as I had not seen anything specific during the application process that said questionnaire on it, but when I double checked, I had completed everything asked for on the application.
Since this position is a “Direct Hire”, I crafted a email and submitted it directly to the local office as a cover letter of sorts. My status Day 1 said “Received”…Then when I printed it out, it listed “processed”only for my resume. It said “pending retrieval” for my transcripts.
I decided to go back in, since it was before the application deadline, and submit a cover letter (online to the hiring authority that is not local).
I got the same automated email, the status still shows “Received”, but now, my resume has switched from saying “processed” to “pending retrieval”…on Day 2, my cover letter says “processed”but my resume and two transcripts still say “pending retrieval”.
Should I be concerned that the resume status went from “processed”to “pending retrieval”, or that the transcripts are still “pending retrieval”?
I am really psyched about this job opportunity so would love any insights that can be shared.
Thank you!
Hi Colleen,
I recommend you wait a little bit. Remember that application processing times may vary, and it is not uncommon for the status of an application to change during the evaluation process. Stay positive and patient, and best of luck with your application!
I applied for a federal job on 5/31/2023. It closed 6/13/23. On 8/21 the vacancy was canceled. No reason no date of cancellation. It was reopened and closed for first 200 applications. I was never notified to reapply as I worked during the time it was open. What’s going on?
Hi Regina,
Things happen. There are several reasons: not enough applicants, the first publication was a mistake, etc.
Hello,
I was referred to the hiring manager; had a very good interview with panel. I was told it would be the ejd of September, (about 2 months). Then I noticed the top of results say Not referred. I did not receive an email associated with this change, maybe it was just a fluke? Thank you!
Hello Suzanne,
In this case, I would recommend you to speak directly to the hiring manager or contact person with whom you communicated during the hiring process. You can send a polite email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and inquiring about the status of your application.
I have a message that states “you are not within reach to be referred” i cant find what that statement means. Im assuming they are not moving forward with my application but i would like to kbow how to get “within reach”
Hi Shannon,
It has nothing to do with your location. It means that other candidates scored higher, have a preference or are internal candidates so your application was not considered.
What does Veterans in Best category were referred mean?
Hi Jo,
It means that veterans are given preference in hiring. It is important to note that Veterans’ preference does not guarantee a job and does not obligate the agency to use any particular appointment process.
Hi, what does “non-competitively referred to the selecting official” mean and what to expect next? Thank you.
Hi Eric P,
This means that the candidate’s qualification is based on a non-competitive hiring authority.