Quick Answers
There are a few potential reasons why a job posting may have disappeared but your application still shows as under review:
- The company filled the position but is keeping your application on file in case another similar role opens up
- The company took down the posting because they have enough applicants but are still reviewing applications received
- The company decided not to fill the role at this time but hasn’t formally rejected applicants yet
- The company is still interviewing candidates and deciding, so left the posting up initially but took it down so more applications wouldn’t come in
- There was an error or technical issue that caused the posting to disappear accidentally
So the disappeared job posting doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been rejected, and your application could still be under consideration. The best thing to do is follow up with the company to get clarification on the status of the role and your application.
The job search process can be filled with mystery and uncertainty. You find a job posting that looks like a great fit, take time to customize your resume and cover letter, submit your application, and then – the posting disappears. What does this mean if you notice the job you applied to is no longer posted, but your application still shows a status like “under review” or “received”?
This ambiguous situation leaves many job seekers confused about where they stand. There are a few possible explanations for what may be going on behind the scenes if a job posting vanishes but your application remains in limbo. Understanding the potential reasons can help you follow up effectively and avoid jumping to conclusions.
Common Reasons Job Postings Disappear
While it may seem ominous, there are several benign explanations for why a job posting you applied to disappeared. Here are some of the most common reasons this can happen:
The Position Was Filled
The most straightforward reason a job posting may be removed is that the role was filled, but the company has not yet formally rejected the remaining applicants. Especially for companies that receive a high volume of applicants, they may decide to close the posting once they have found their ideal candidate.
However, they may keep the remaining applications on file in case the candidate accepts another offer or the hire doesn’t work out. Some companies will even review applicants that came in near the end or after the position was filled in case similar roles open up in the future. So removing the posting does not necessarily mean you’re out of the running.
They Received Enough Applicants
Another possibility is that the company received an ample number of qualified applicants faster than they anticipated and decided to take down the job posting, even though they may still be in the review process. Especially for roles that are in high demand or at well-known companies, applications can flood in very quickly.
The company may decide to close off the application pipeline once they have a sufficient selection of candidates to consider, rather than keep reviewing more applicants after the posting has been up for some time. However, they may still be assessing candidates that applied earlier on.
The Hiring Needs Changed
Companies’ hiring plans can change or evolve, meaning a role that was posted may end up being paused or cancelled altogether. Perhaps they intended to hire multiple people for a certain position, but then changed their minds and decided to only take on one new employee in that function. Or leadership may have decided to halt recruitment for the role temporarily until other priorities shift around.
Rather than rejecting all in-progress applications or keeping the expired posting up, the company may have simply removed it once the circumstances changed around the hiring needs for that role. Your application could still be under consideration if the position resurfaces in the future.
Still Interviewing and Deciding
For roles where the company expects to interview multiple qualified candidates before deciding, they may initially keep the job posting open to build up a pool of applicants. Once they have enough options to consider and start setting up interviews, they may take down the posting so that no more applications come in.
However, interviews and evaluations of existing applicants could still be happening. So while the posting is gone, your status could show as “under review” until they formally reject candidates who weren’t selected to move forward.
Accidental or Technical Issues
Less commonly, a job posting could disappear accidentally due to some kind of technical glitch or error. For example, it may have been removed prematurely before the company intended, expired unintentionally, or there may have been issues with the job board platform itself.
In rare cases, postings are taken down and reposted later on if they notice it was removed too soon by mistake. So it’s possible your application status remains pending if the job opening removal was unintentional.
Following Up on a Disappeared Job Posting
Rather than playing a guessing game or jumping to conclusions if a posting you applied to vanishes, the most constructive thing is to follow up. Here are some tips on how to best follow up if a job posting disappears but your application remains under review:
Wait a Reasonable Time
Before immediately following up, consider waiting a few weeks or longer to allow the company reasonable time to review applications and conduct interviews if relevant. Following up immediately or even a few days later may be too aggressive. Give the process at least a couple weeks, or longer for roles you applied to early on.
Email, Don’t Call
Get in touch with the company via email whenever possible rather than calling. Email allows the relevant person to respond when convenient and is less disruptive than an unexpected phone call. Check the job posting and your application emails to see if a specific contact is listed. If not, contact the company’s general inbox or HR department email.
Be Concise
Keep your email short, polite, and to the point. Reference the job title and when you applied. For example:
“Hi [name], I noticed the [job title] role I applied to on [date] appears to no longer be posted on your site. I wanted to touch base regarding the status of my application, which is still showing as under review. Please let me know if you have any updates regarding my candidacy or if the position is still open. Thank you for your consideration.”
This clearly explains your intent without demanding an instant response or answers. Avoid sounding frustrated or entitled to know what happened.
Consider a Follow-Up Email If No Response
If you don’t hear back within a week or so, consider one follow-up email checking in again. But if they ignore multiple emails, take that as a sign to move on. Continuing to reach out will not increase your chances if they are not interested.
Be Prepared for Rejection
There is a decent chance the company will inform you the job is no longer available or that they have decided not to move forward. This is common if the role was filled or plans changed. Be gracious if rejected and ask if they would keep your application on file. Then move on to applying for other opportunities.
Strategies for Standing Out in Your Job Search
While disappearing job postings can be discouraging, focus on controling the controllables. Implement these strategies to put your best foot forward during the job search:
Customize Every Application
Never submit a generic application. Tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the company’s needs and role requirements. Make sure to include relevant keywords from the job description. Set yourself apart with your effort.
Apply Early On
Don’t wait weeks after a job is posted to apply, submit your application as soon as possible when the role is new. Positions that receive a lot of interest are often taken down quickly. Apply right away to increase your chances.
Leverage Your Network
Tap into your professional and personal connections at target companies to try and get your materials directly into the hands of the hiring team. A referred candidate from someone connected to the company can stand out.
Be Proactive in Your Job Search
Rather than only reacting to job postings, research companies you’re interested in and contact them proactively even if they aren’t actively advertising a specific role you want. Express interest in opportunities that may be upcoming.
Show Continued Interest After Applying
Follow up after submitting your application to reiterate your interest and strengths. Contact methods can include emails, LinkedIn messages, and networking with employees. Be politely persistent.
Handling Rejection and Moving Forward
While disappearing job postings are ambiguous, outright rejections are tough too. If you eventually receive notice that you were not chosen for the role, avoid taking it personally. Remember that many factors beyond your qualifications go into hiring decisions.
Most applicants receive some level of rejection during their job search. But with the right mindset and persistence, you can land the right opportunity. Here are tips for moving forward gracefully:
Ask for Feedback
If companies offer to share feedback about why you weren’t selected, take them up on it. This can provide valuable insights to help strengthen your candidacy. But don’t argue or get defensive about their perspectives.
Review Your Materials
Look at your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, and other application materials with fresh eyes. Make any improvements needed to showcase your best self and address any gaps they pointed out.
Check Your Interview Skills
If you had interviews with the company, reflect on how your responses, demeanor, preparation could improve. Practice addressing common questions and polish communication.
Expand Your Job Search
Don’t fixate on one posting or company. Apply to many more roles that interest you both proactively and in response to openings. Cast a wide net and be open-minded to new options.
Stay Confident
Rejection stings, but remember it’s not a reflection of your worth. Stay positive, learn from the experiences, and continue believing the right fit will come along eventually. Let downs help you grow.
Key Takeaways
Disappearing job postings are understandably confusing if your application remains under consideration. But in many cases it does not indicate outright rejection. Common reasons include:
- The role was filled but they are keeping your application on file
- They received enough qualified applicants and closed the posting
- Hiring needs changed for the position
- They are still interviewing/deciding and don’t want more applicants
- The posting was removed accidentally due to technical issues
Rather than make assumptions if a posting vanishes, follow up professionally via email. Ask directly about the status of your application and if the role is still open. Be prepared for rejection, but don’t take it personally.
Continue customizing applications, applying early, networking, and following up to stand out. Persist through rejections, request feedback, and keep believing the right fit will come along! Eventually your search will lead to landing a great new role.