What each application status means in the self-managed tracker (preparing to withdrawn), when to use it, and typical Ausbildung hiring timelines.
6 min readUpdated October 26, 2026
Understanding Application Status
When tracking your Ausbildung applications on GoAusbildung, each status represents a stage in your job search. Since you apply directly on employer websites, you control your own status updates. This guide explains what each status means and when to use it.
Why Status Tracking Matters
Keeping your statuses up to date helps you:
Know where each application stands at a glance
Identify which applications need attention
Plan follow-ups at the right time
Stay organized when applying to multiple positions
Your applications progress through these statuses:
Status
Meaning
When to Use
Preparing
Kit generated, not yet applied
After generating an Application Kit
Applied
Application submitted
After applying on the company website
Waiting
Awaiting employer response
After submitting, while waiting
Interview
Interview scheduled or completed
When you have an interview
Decision
Final decision pending
After the interview, awaiting the result
Accepted
You got the position
When you receive an offer you accept
Declined
You declined an offer
When you turn down an offer
Rejected
Application unsuccessful
When the employer rejects your application
Withdrawn
You withdrew from consideration
When you no longer want the position
Preparing
What it means: You've generated an Application Kit but haven't submitted your application to the employer yet.
What to do:
Review the cover letter and materials in your Kit
Prepare all required documents from the checklist
Visit the company's career page to apply
Once you submit, update your status to "Applied"
Tip: Don't leave applications in "Preparing" too long. Companies may close positions, and your kit is most relevant while the job is still active.
Applied
What it means: You've submitted your application to the employer through their website.
How to update: Click the three-dot menu on your application card and select "Mark as Applied".
What to do next:
Note the date you applied for follow-up timing
Keep checking your email for responses
Continue applying to other positions
Timeline: Most employers respond within 2 to 4 weeks, but some take longer.
Waiting
What it means: Your application is submitted and you're waiting for the employer's response.
What to do:
Check your email regularly, including the spam folder
Consider a polite follow-up after 2 to 3 weeks of no response
Keep applying to other positions while you wait
Tip: If an application stays in "Waiting" for more than 3 to 4 weeks with no response, you may want to move on.
Interview
What it means: You've been invited for an interview or have completed one.
How to update: Click the three-dot menu and select "Schedule Interview". You can add the interview date and time, the type (phone, video, or in-person), and notes.
Select the appropriate action: Mark as Applied, Got Response, Schedule Interview, or Withdraw
Undo Status Changes
Made a mistake? When you change a status, a short notification appears with an Undo button. Click it within a few seconds to revert the change.
Best Practices
Update promptly: Change status as soon as something happens
Be accurate: Your response rate depends on correct statuses
Check regularly: Visit your dashboard 2 to 3 times per week
Timeline Expectations
Since you apply directly to employers, timelines vary widely. Here are typical expectations:
Stage
Typical Wait Time
Applied to first response
2 to 4 weeks
Response to interview invite
1 to 2 weeks
Interview to decision
1 to 2 weeks
Offer to start date
2 to 8 weeks
Factors affecting timeline: company size, number of applicants, time of year, industry, and internal approval processes.
Attention Alerts
Your dashboard highlights applications that may need action:
Interview soon: An upcoming interview within the next day or few days
Follow-up suggested: An application waiting without a response for a while
Ready to apply: A kit generated but not yet submitted
No response yet: Applied a while ago with no reply
Troubleshooting
My status doesn't reflect reality
You control your statuses. Update them using the three-dot menu to match your actual situation.
I forgot to track an application
Add it as an external job using the "Add Job" button. You can track any application, even those from other job sites.
I applied weeks ago with no response
Consider sending a polite follow-up email to the employer, or update your status if you're certain they won't respond. Focus your energy on new applications.
The employer contacted me but I can't update the status
Use "Got Response" from the three-dot menu to move to the appropriate next status (Interview, Decision, or Rejected).
