Talent Acquisition Review in Progress
Last updated: 2026-09-08
Meaning
Talent acquisition review in progress usually identifies the recruiting function responsible for the current review. “In progress” can describe an open workflow even while the application waits for its next action.
What it doesn't confirm
The label does not explain every internal step or the reason for this update. Read the employer's messages for the specific decision, request, or next step.
What to do next
Complete any requested task by its deadline. If an agreed update date passes, ask whether the next step is recruiter screening, hiring-manager evaluation, or another requirement. Continue other applications while waiting.
Also seen as: talent acquisition review in progress, what does talent acquisition review in progress mean, talent acquisition review, TA review
This is a general interpretation of the wording, not a standardized status shared by every ATS. Check the employer’s status guide if one is available.
What’s usually happening behind the scenes
The recruiting team may be checking required experience, reviewing application answers, asking for missing details, or deciding which applications to send to a manager. These are possible tasks, not a way to identify what happened to your record from the label alone.
| Comparison | Useful distinction |
|---|---|
| TA review vs. recruiter review | Talent acquisition is the recruiting function; these may describe the same team’s work |
| TA review vs. hiring manager review | Recruiting-team evaluation and manager evaluation can be separate steps |
| TA review vs. application in progress | The TA label names a function, while in progress alone is broader |
For context, Microsoft describes application review and possible screening conversations before interviews. That illustrates a recruiting process; it does not define this exact status for other employers. Microsoft: How we hire.
Read Hiring Manager Review for the manager-stage distinction and the ATS explainer for how application records move through workflows.
Why it stays in this status
The team may be comparing a group of candidates, awaiting clarification, or waiting for another reviewer. A public label can remain the same across those activities. Lack of a visible change does not prove either ongoing personal attention or rejection.
The unchanged-status guide explains what evidence is more useful than repeated portal checks.
How long it usually lasts
There is no universal duration. Use a published review schedule or the recruiter’s promised update date if available. The label does not supply a countdown or your position in a queue.
What usually doesn’t help
Treating the words “in progress” as proof of shortlisting can lead you to overestimate what is known. Repeated applications to the same requisition and frequent requests to interpret the label rarely supply new information.
When to follow up
Complete any requested task by its deadline. If an agreed update date passes, ask whether the next step is recruiter screening, hiring-manager evaluation, or another requirement. Continue other applications while waiting.
Possible next events include a screening conversation, a request for information, manager review, an interview, continued waiting, or closure. Their order depends on the employer.
Sources
- Microsoft: How we hire, for the distinction between reviewing applications and selecting interviews.
You might be wondering…
Disclaimer
This explanation is general. The exact meaning and sequence depend on the employer’s recruiting process and candidate portal.