Greenhouse application status: what Active and Inactive mean
In MyGreenhouse an application is Active by default and becomes Inactive when the company closes it, for example when it is no longer considering you. Some applications show Not sharing updates, which means that employer doesn't share status in MyGreenhouse at all. Greenhouse itself can't tell you where an application stands: its support page says it is solely a processor of candidate applications on behalf of customers and will not share the status of any candidate application.
Where you can see a status
If the employer shares it, you'll find it under Applications in MyGreenhouse, which needs a free account (see whether you need a Greenhouse account to apply). Some companies also share tasks there. Greenhouse's FAQ says MyGreenhouse only shows the updates a hiring company chooses to share: you may see a high-level status, but not every step or decision.
What the labels mean
- Active. The default. Nothing has closed your application.
- Inactive. The company closed it, or you moved it yourself to tidy your view. Moving it to Inactive doesn't withdraw it, and you can't undo the move.
- Not sharing updates. The company doesn't share status in MyGreenhouse, so the label won't change however the process goes. Contact the company for the latest.
- Stages. Employers can turn on MyGreenhouse Stages, which show standardized, candidate-facing stages with descriptions the team can customize, which can give you a clearer idea of where you are than Active alone.
Employers who turn on application status can have Greenhouse mark rejected applications inactive after a rejection email, or 4 days after rejection if no email is scheduled. An Inactive label can therefore be the first sign of a rejection.
Why a status doesn't change
Greenhouse lists the common reasons: a status may stay the same until the hiring team shares a new update; MyGreenhouse doesn't show every internal step; and the employer may not be sharing updates at all. If your status hasn't changed it may only mean the team hasn't shared a new one.
Why an application is missing
If it doesn't appear in MyGreenhouse, Greenhouse gives three reasons: the company hasn't shared it there; you didn't submit through a Greenhouse-hosted application (applications through LinkedIn, Indeed or other third-party sites may not appear); or you applied with a different or incorrect email address. Greenhouse can't change the email on a submitted application, so contact the employer or reapply with the right address if the posting is still open.
No confirmation email?
Organizations can configure job posts to send confirmation emails, but Greenhouse says some organizations opt not to. If you applied and got nothing, check spam, then contact the recruiting team.
What to do next
- Save any confirmation and note the application date.
- Check Applications in MyGreenhouse, if you have an account, for a status or task.
- Ask the company directly about status; Greenhouse can't and won't.
- Follow up on a sensible schedule: when to follow up after a job application.
How Applier fits in
We fill in and submit Greenhouse applications for you and lists every application in your dashboard. Applications that can't be finished show as Failed, so you don't have to guess whether one went through. See how Applier works and auto-applying to Greenhouse jobs.
Related guides
- Do you need a Greenhouse account to apply for a job?
- Greenhouse application tips: Quick Apply, resume file and AI review
- When to follow up after a job application
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AWSFrequently asked questions
What does Inactive mean on a Greenhouse application?
Applications are Active by default. An application becomes Inactive when the company closes it, for example when it is no longer considering you. You can also move one to Inactive yourself to tidy your view, which does not withdraw it.
What does Not sharing updates mean in MyGreenhouse?
It means that company doesn't share application status in MyGreenhouse, so the status there won't change. Contact the company for the latest.
Can Greenhouse tell me where my application stands?
No. Greenhouse says it is solely a processor of candidate applications on behalf of its customers and will not share the status of any application. Contact the company you applied to.
Sources
- MyGreenhouse FAQ for Candidates, Greenhouse Support, 2026
- MyGreenhouse candidate portal, Greenhouse Support, 2026
- Candidate inquiries about application status, Greenhouse Support, 2022
- I applied to a job post, but I didn't receive confirmation, Greenhouse Support, 2022