This is where the doctrine becomes real.

Each step:

•    Confirms status
•    Explains what is happening
•    Shows expected time
•    Reduces imagination-driven anxiety

Step 1: Application Received

What candidate sees: “Your application has been successfully received and securely logged.”

Time shown: Immediate

Psychological effect: Relief. Effort acknowledged.

Step 2: Under Review by Automated Systems

Explanation: “Our system is verifying basic qualifications and experience relevance.”

Time shown: ≤ 24 hours

Why this matter: Candidates stop guessing whether AI has rejected them unfairly.

Step 3: Initial Screening Complete

Explanation: “Your profile summary has been prepared for human review.”

Time shown: ≤ 12 hours

Hidden value: Candidates realise machines don’t make final decisions alone.

Step 4: Shortlisted for HR Review

Explanation: “An HR professional is reviewing role fit, expectations, and alignment.”

Time shown: ≤ 3 days

Trust effect: Human involvement is visible.

Step 5: Shortlisted for Functional Evaluation

Explanation: “Hiring manager or functional lead is reviewing your profile.”

Time shown: ≤ 5 days

Internal benefit: This is where dashboards expose bottlenecks.

Step 6: Invitation for Interview - Consent Required.

Candidate sees: “We would like to proceed. Please confirm your interest.”

Buttons:

✔ I consent to proceed
✖ I decline at this stage (Note: No Response is also decline).

Why this is revolutionary: Ghosting is prevented before it becomes expensive.

Step 7: Interview Outcome Under Review

Explanation: “Feedback from interviewers is being consolidated.”

Time shown: ≤ 48 hours

Effect: Candidates don’t replay conversations endlessly.

Step 8: Shortlisted for Final Decision

Explanation: “You are among the final candidates under consideration.”

Time shown: ≤ 2 days

Psychology: Hope without false promise.

Step 9: Selected & Being Contacted

Explanation: “Our HR team will contact you within 4 hours.”

Effect: Closure at the right moment.