Understanding the “Not Selected by Employer” Message on Indeed: What It Means and What to Do Next

If you've applied for a position on Indeed and received the notification, "Not selected by employer," it's a mixed bag of news. The bad news is that this message signals a rejection. The good news is that there are actions you can take to improve your chances in future applications, from updating your resume to answering screening questions more effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down the meaning behind the message, offer advice on what to do next, and provide helpful tips for moving forward.

The “Not selected by employer” notification means your job application was declined. If you see this message, take a moment to review your resume and compare it with the job description to see if there’s a reason for the rejection. You can always refine your resume and apply for similar positions in the future.

The phrase “Not selected by employer” means that your application has been rejected. While it’s never easy to hear, the meaning is quite simple: your application didn’t meet the employer’s requirements and, as a result, was declined. Some employers may offer personalized feedback, which can be useful for future applications.

• Don’t take the “Not selected by employer” message as a reflection of your worth. Employers have many reasons for not choosing a candidate, and your application might just not have aligned with what they were specifically seeking.
• Rejection is simply an opportunity to refine your resume and keep applying for other positions that suit your skills.

Immediate Rejection If your application was rejected almost instantly, it’s likely due to an issue with one of the screening questions. Many jobs on Indeed feature questions designed to quickly filter out applicants who don’t meet specific criteria. If your answer to a screening question didn’t align with what the employer was looking for, your application might have been rejected without anyone reviewing it.

• For example, if there’s a question like, “Do you have at least 2 years of experience in social media management?” and you answer, “No,” that could be the reason your application was rejected.

Quick Rejection (1 to 3 Days) If you were rejected within a few days of submitting your application, it was likely filtered out by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). ATS technology scans your resume to detect keywords and qualifications that match the job description.

• If your resume was improperly formatted, the ATS might have had trouble reading it, leading to a rejection.

Delayed Response (3+ Days) If your application takes over 3 days to be rejected, it was probably reviewed by the hiring manager. This means you passed the initial screening and ATS check, which is a positive sign. However, if the employer decided not to move forward with you, don’t be discouraged. You can still strengthen your resume for the next opportunity (we’ll discuss how below).

• Sometimes this message comes after an interview, which, while disappointing, can happen. It simply means the employer has chosen another candidate to move forward with.

There are many possible reasons why an employer might reject your application. Even if your resume is seen by a person, rejection doesn’t reflect your worth. Keep in mind that the person reviewing your application doesn’t know you personally. Here are a few common reasons for rejection:

• You may not align with the company culture. Some companies place high value on culture fit, so even if your qualifications are perfect, they might choose another candidate who fits in better with their team dynamic.
• Your qualifications might not match the job requirements. If your experience doesn’t meet the qualifications the employer is looking for, this is a common reason for rejection.
• There’s a more qualified candidate. It’s not uncommon for an employer to find someone with slightly more experience or a better skill set, even if you are a strong fit for the role.
• You might be overqualified. It might sound strange, but some employers may be hesitant to hire someone with more experience than the role requires, fearing that you’ll become bored or leave the job too soon.

Review the job description again. Take a fresh look at the job listing, particularly the required experience and qualifications. See if there’s something you may have missed—maybe you need a bit more experience or didn’t emphasize a key skill in your resume.

• If you’re unsure why your application was rejected or want more detailed feedback, consider reaching out to the employer for advice on how to improve your application.

Revisit and Update Your Resume. If you still believe you're a strong fit for the job, it’s time to review your resume. Make sure it clearly demonstrates why you’d be a great candidate. Is all the information easy to find? If you spot any areas for improvement, now’s the time to make changes. Here are a few tips:

• Use clear headings for each section (education, experience, skills) to make your resume easy to navigate.
• Ensure all details are current, showcasing your most recent achievements and relevant work experience.
• Highlight any promotions or significant milestones in your career, especially if you’ve advanced faster than expected.

Tailor your resume for each job application. Before submitting your resume, read the job description thoroughly and make sure your resume highlights the qualifications the employer is seeking. It’s helpful to customize your resume for each role, emphasizing specific skills and experience that match the job requirements.

• If there are “yes or no” screening questions on Indeed, make sure your answers align with the job’s prerequisites to avoid automatic rejection.
• If you don’t meet all the requirements, it’s okay to answer a screening question in a way that reflects your strengths. For instance, if the job asks for 5+ years of experience but you have 3, and you feel confident, answer “yes” to keep your application in the running.
• Make sure your resume and cover letter truthfully reflect your qualifications.

Use ATS-friendly Formatting for Your Resume. Since many employers rely on ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software to screen resumes, it’s essential to make your resume compatible. Keep your formatting simple, avoiding elaborate fonts, graphics, or images. Use tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create your resume and save it as a PDF; these formats are ATS-friendly.

• A single-column layout is typically more compatible with ATS systems.
• If you're unsure whether your resume is ATS-compatible, try highlighting the text. If it highlights, it’s readable by ATS. If it doesn’t, your resume may need adjustments.
• Avoid creating your resume in Photoshop or an online tool, as they can result in non-highlightable text, which can be problematic for ATS.

Ensure You Meet the Job Requirements. To increase your chances of success, apply for jobs that match your qualifications. Employers are more likely to select candidates who meet all or most of the required criteria, so focus on positions where you clearly fit the profile.

• However, don’t let minor gaps stop you from applying. If you’re close to meeting all the requirements, it’s worth applying—many employers are flexible.
• For example, if you have most of the desired skills but fall short on one or two years of experience, you might still be considered for the role or get an interview.