After Apply
After Apply
What candidates could learn and do after applying
What candidates could learn and do after applying
What candidates could learn and do after applying
After an application, candidates had questions. What had happened to it? What could they do while they waited? I explored what Stepstone could reliably tell them and what it could help them do next
After an application, candidates had questions. What had happened to it? What could they do while they waited? I explored what Stepstone could reliably tell them and what it could help them do next
Across six months and several releases, I worked on experiments to improve what candidates saw and could do after applying
Stepstone · Mobile product design · 2023
Stepstone · Mobile product design · 2023
Stepstone · Mobile product design · 2023
Role
Role
Product Designer
Product Designer
Timeframe
Timeframe
Approx. 6 months across several releases
Approx. 6 months across several releases
Collaboration
Collaboration
Product Owner, User Researcher, two iOS engineering teams and B2B stakeholders
Product Owner, User Researcher, two iOS engineering teams and B2B stakeholders
My contribution
My contribution
I mapped the application routes, questioned whether tracking was enough, designed the interactions and helped define the experiments
I mapped the application routes, questioned whether tracking was enough, designed the interactions and helped define the experiments
Problem signals
Problem signals
Many candidates stopped after one application. Recruiters also reported that candidates contacted them outside Stepstone or emailed to ask whether their application had arrived
Many candidates stopped after one application. Recruiters also reported that candidates contacted them outside Stepstone or emailed to ask whether their application had arrived
Business context
Business context
Employers paid Stepstone to distribute their listings and attract applicants. We mainly measured listing views, Apply starts and completed applications. Search and Apply received most of the roadmap attention
Employers paid Stepstone to distribute their listings and attract applicants. We mainly measured listing views, Apply starts and completed applications. Search and Apply received most of the roadmap attention
Stepstone couldn't reliably track applications across every route. We looked at what we could show candidates, while also testing clearer confirmation and ways to help them continue their search.
Stepstone couldn't reliably track applications across every route. We looked at what we could show candidates, while also testing clearer confirmation and ways to help them continue their search.
The visual identity changed during the project. Later screens use Stepstone's updated design system.
The visual identity changed during the project. Later screens use Stepstone's updated design system.
Measured relative lift across A/B tests
Measured relative lift across A/B tests
These results came from separate A/B tests against the existing experience. Each test ran until it reached the statistical significance threshold. In Stepstone's highest-volume application flow, that typically took around two weeks.
These results came from separate A/B tests against the existing experience. Each test ran until it reached the statistical significance threshold. In Stepstone's highest-volume application flow, that typically took around two weeks.
37%
37%
More candidates submitted at least one additional application after seeing the new confirmation screen
More candidates submitted at least one additional application after seeing the new confirmation screen
16%
16%
More candidates opened the recommended job from the confirmation screen
More candidates opened the recommended job from the confirmation screen
11%
11%
More new job alerts were created from the confirmation screen
More new job alerts were created from the confirmation screen
THE LOOP
THE LOOP
Sisyphus Job Search Simulator
Sisyphus Job Search Simulator
You apply, then wait. Was the application seen? Is anything happening? Should you follow up, change something or keep looking? Most of us know the feeling.
You apply, then wait. Was the application seen? Is anything happening? Should you follow up, change something or keep looking? Most of us know the feeling.
Each click is another application and another step forward in time. See where it takes you.
Each click is another application and another step forward in time. See where it takes you.
WEEK: 1
APPLICATIONS: 0
RESPONSES: 0
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER
COMPANY 1
REMOTE
APPLICANT
MORALE
100%
SAVINGS
€ 4,200
ENERGY
10/10
CONFIDENCE
STABLE
WEEK: 1
APPLICATIONS: 0
RESPONSES: 0
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER
COMPANY 1
REMOTE
APPLICANT
MORALE
100%
SAVINGS
€ 4,200
ENERGY
10/10
CONFIDENCE
STABLE
WEEK: 1
APPLICATIONS: 0
RESPONSES: 0
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER
COMPANY 1
REMOTE
APPLICANT
MORALE
100%
SAVINGS
€ 4,200
ENERGY
10/10
CONFIDENCE
STABLE
The simulator exaggerates things, but the frustration is real. Research has linked feeling stuck during a job search with negative emotions. In a representative German survey, 61% felt stressed or worried. A missing response frustrated 41% of respondents, and missing reasons for rejection frustrated another 41%
I exaggerated the simulator, but the pattern comes from research. It links a perceived lack of progress with more negative emotions during job search.
Stepstone had no control over what the employer did next. We did control the screen right after applying.
Stepstone had no control over what the employer did next. We did control the screen right after applying.
THE STARTING POINT
THE STARTING POINT
Straight back to job listings
Straight back to job listings
The original flow confirmed that the application had been sent, then immediately showed more jobs. It said little about what might happen next.
The original flow confirmed that the application had been sent, then immediately showed more jobs. It said little about what might happen next.
Tap through a recreation of the original iOS flow, from job details to post-application recommendations
Tap through a recreation of the original iOS flow, from job details to post-application recommendations
This recreation reflects the iOS application flow used around the beginning of 2023
This recreation reflects the iOS application flow used around the beginning of 2023
Job Details
1 week ago
Software Engineer (m/f/d) – Input Management & Digital Workflows
myToys.de GmbH
Berlin
1 week ago
Feste anstellung
Salary prediction by StepStone
€ 49 000 - 70 000
Gross annual salary
With over 2,000 employees and 7 million customers, the Berlin-based MYTOYS GROUP is one of the leading e-commerce businesses in Germany and is also a member of the Otoo Group. Our multi-shop concept focuses on in-house solutions and developments in all areas - starting with IT and ranging to purchasing, marketing, customer services, through to our logistics team.
Candidates didn't know where Stepstone ended and the employer's process began. They had applied through Stepstone, so the silence still affected their experience of the platform.
Candidates didn't know where Stepstone ended and the employer's process began. They had applied through Stepstone, so the silence still affected their experience of the platform.
THE SHARED BET
THE SHARED BET
The application tracker
The application tracker
An application tracker was already being discussed across the company. At first, I thought it might be the answer too.
An application tracker was already being discussed across the company. At first, I thought it might be the answer too.
It could show whether an application had arrived and, where the data was available, what happened next.
It could show whether an application had arrived and, where the data was available, what happened next.
#1
Highest-rated of five concepts
Highest-rated of five concepts
In 10 semi-structured interviews, participants rated five concepts already being explored on the roadmap. The tracker received the strongest and most consistent response.
During 10 semi-structured interviews about job search, we showed participants five concepts already being explored on the roadmap
In 10 semi-structured interviews, participants rated five concepts already being explored on the roadmap. The tracker received the strongest and most consistent response.
People liked the tracker. Now we needed to check whether Stepstone had the data to support it.
During 10 semi-structured interviews about job search, we showed participants five concepts already being explored on the roadmap
People liked the tracker. Now we needed to check whether Stepstone had the data to support it.
THE APPLY ROUTES
THE APPLY ROUTES
Several different routes
Several different routes
Before taking the tracker further, I needed to check what Stepstone actually knew after someone tapped Apply.
Before taking the tracker further, I needed to check what Stepstone actually knew after someone tapped Apply.
I reconstructed the candidate-facing routes while engineering investigated the signals behind each integration. The same button could lead to very different flows.
I reconstructed the candidate-facing routes while engineering investigated the signals behind each integration. The same button could lead to very different flows.
Across six application routes, Stepstone could confirm submission in three. One depended on a callback from an external system. Two ended with a handoff and no completion signal. Later updates, such as review or rejection, needed additional data from the employer's ATS
Across six application routes, Stepstone could confirm submission in three. One depended on a callback from an external system. Two ended with a handoff and no completion signal. Later updates, such as review or rejection, needed additional data from the employer's ATS
We could build a tracker for some routes. Supporting more would take significant integration work, and some candidates would still see an incomplete picture.
We could build a tracker for some routes. Supporting more would take significant integration work, and some candidates would still see an incomplete picture.
THE SHIFT
THE SHIFT
Would status updates be enough?
Would status updates be enough?
The missing data wasn’t my only concern. Candidates wanted more information, but I was becoming less sure that status updates alone would help. As the tracker took shape, I started asking what someone could actually do with those updates.
The missing data wasn’t my only concern. Candidates wanted more information, but I was becoming less sure that status updates alone would help. As the tracker took shape, I started asking what someone could actually do with those updates.
?
What if the tracker only confirmed rejection?
What if the tracker only confirmed rejection?
What would the tracker offer someone who kept getting rejected? If their CV was weak or the jobs were a poor fit, it could show the pattern. It wouldn't explain why it was happening or help them change the outcome.
What would the tracker offer someone who kept getting rejected? If their CV was weak or the jobs were a poor fit, it could show the pattern. It wouldn't explain why it was happening or help them change the outcome.
I still saw value in the tracker. I also wanted to explore how Stepstone could help candidates decide what to do next, alongside those updates.
I still saw value in the tracker. I also wanted to explore how Stepstone could help candidates decide what to do next, alongside those updates.
THE SUPPORT MODEL
THE SUPPORT MODEL
Where Stepstone could help
Where Stepstone could help
I organised the ideas around three moments: just after applying, during the wait and before the next application. This let me work on three different problems without trying to fit them all into the tracker.
I organised the ideas around three moments: just after applying, during the wait and before the next application. This let me work on three different problems without trying to fit them all into the tracker.
Right now
Right now
Did everything go through?
Did everything go through?
Confirm what happened, reduce uncertainty and be clear about what Stepstone knows.
Confirm what happened, reduce uncertainty and be clear about what Stepstone knows.
While I wait
While I wait
What can I do instead of just waiting?
What can I do instead of just waiting?
Give candidates something they can act on, so waiting doesn't feel like their only option.
Give candidates something they can act on, so waiting doesn't feel like their only option.
Next time
Next time
Could I improve my chances?
Could I improve my chances?
Help candidates think about what they could change, without blaming them or pretending we know why they were rejected.
Help candidates think about what they could change, without blaming them or pretending we know why they were rejected.
THE EXPERIMENTS
THE EXPERIMENTS
Three changes
Three changes
I focused on what we could change right after applying. We tested three changes separately: giving the confirmation more space, making the next job easier to assess and helping candidates set up an alert.
I focused on what we could change right after applying. We tested three changes separately: giving the confirmation more space, making the next job easier to assess and helping candidates set up an alert.
SHIPPED · A/B TESTED
SHIPPED · A/B TESTED
Confirm the application before showing more jobs
Confirm the application before showing more jobs
The previous screen showed recommendations almost as soon as it confirmed the application.
The previous screen showed recommendations almost as soon as it confirmed the application.
That felt too quick to me. Candidates had barely had time to register that their application was sent.
That felt too quick to me. Candidates had barely had time to register that their application was sent.
We tested a confirmation that stayed on screen until the candidate closed it. Recommendations sat below it, and an email gave candidates a record they could return to.
We tested a confirmation that stayed on screen until the candidate closed it. Recommendations sat below it, and an email gave candidates a record they could return to.
A/B test result
A/B test result
+37% more candidates submitted at least one additional application after seeing the new confirmation page.
+37% more candidates submitted at least one additional application after seeing the new confirmation page.
BeforeAfterSHIPPED · A/B TESTED
SHIPPED · A/B TESTED
Making the first recommendation count
Making the first recommendation count
A longer list seemed more likely to contain a relevant job. I was also concerned that giving candidates more options would make the next decision harder.
A longer list seemed more likely to contain a relevant job. I was also concerned that giving candidates more options would make the next decision harder.
We tested lists of 10, 5, 3 and just 1 job. Longer lists didn't lead to more job opens. Most clicks went to the first one or two recommendations anyway.
We tested lists of 10, 5, 3 and just 1 job. Longer lists didn't lead to more job opens. Most clicks went to the first one or two recommendations anyway.
I focused on making the first recommendation easier to judge, with salary, useful job details and a clearer action.
I focused on making the first recommendation easier to judge, with salary, useful job details and a clearer action.
A/B test result
A/B test result
+16% more candidates opened the recommended job from the confirmation screen.
+16% more candidates opened the recommended job from the confirmation screen.
BeforeAfterSHIPPED · A/B TESTED
SHIPPED · A/B TESTED
An alert based on the last application
An alert based on the last application
Applying took effort. I wanted to offer a smaller next step before asking candidates to assess another job.
Applying took effort. I wanted to offer a smaller next step before asking candidates to assess another job.
The alert reused the role and location from the application they had just submitted. Candidates could create it with one action, then look at the recommended job.
The alert reused the role and location from the application they had just submitted. Candidates could create it with one action, then look at the recommended job.
We showed it only if a similar alert didn't already exist, to avoid duplicate notifications.
We showed it only if a similar alert didn't already exist, to avoid duplicate notifications.
A/B test result
A/B test result
+11% more new job alerts were created from the confirmation screen.
+11% more new job alerts were created from the confirmation screen.
BeforeAfterTHE IDEAS I DROPPED
THE IDEAS I DROPPED
The recruiter card and the undo window
The recruiter card and the undo window
Two ideas became harder to justify as I worked through them. Showing the recruiter could set expectations we couldn't meet. An undo window would delay every application to address a problem we hadn't measured.
Two ideas became harder to justify as I worked through them. Showing the recruiter could set expectations we couldn't meet. An undo window would delay every application to address a problem we hadn't measured.
EXPLORED · DROPPED
Showing a recruiter implied direct contact
Once candidates applied, the employer controlled what happened next. I explored whether showing the recruiter could make that handoff feel less anonymous.
We only had reliable recruiter information on some application routes, so the card would appear on those routes. That worked around the gaps in our data. But showing a real person could also suggest that candidates could contact them. B2B stakeholders raised privacy concerns and worried that we would duplicate the employer's process.
I tried versions without the recruiter's name or photo. With the person removed, the idea lost most of its value. I dropped it.
Decision 1 of 2
EXPLORED · DROPPED
Showing a recruiter implied direct contact
Once candidates applied, the employer controlled what happened next. I explored whether showing the recruiter could make that handoff feel less anonymous.
We only had reliable recruiter information on some application routes, so the card would appear on those routes. That worked around the gaps in our data. But showing a real person could also suggest that candidates could contact them. B2B stakeholders raised privacy concerns and worried that we would duplicate the employer's process.
I tried versions without the recruiter's name or photo. With the person removed, the idea lost most of its value. I dropped it.
Decision 1 of 2
EXPLORED · DROPPED
Showing a recruiter implied direct contact
Once candidates applied, the employer controlled what happened next. I explored whether showing the recruiter could make that handoff feel less anonymous.
We only had reliable recruiter information on some application routes, so the card would appear on those routes. That worked around the gaps in our data. But showing a real person could also suggest that candidates could contact them. B2B stakeholders raised privacy concerns and worried that we would duplicate the employer's process.
I tried versions without the recruiter's name or photo. With the person removed, the idea lost most of its value. I dropped it.
EXPLORED · DROPPED
A five-minute undo would delay every application
Once an application left Stepstone, candidates couldn't replace the CV or correct a mistake. I explored a five-minute window in which they could undo the submission or send it immediately.
Even the wording was a problem. We couldn't call an application “sent” while holding it back. Calling it “ready” added another confirmation step. More importantly, I had no evidence that mistakes happened often enough to justify delaying every application.
I liked the idea in theory, but I dropped it.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
Combining the ideas
Combining the ideas
Each idea worked on its own. Put them on one screen, though, and they competed for attention. I had to choose what to show and when.
Each idea worked on its own. Put them on one screen, though, and they competed for attention. I had to choose what to show and when.
PRODUCT CONCEPT · DESIGNED, NOT TESTED
What comes next depends on the candidate
A confirmation, a recommended job, an alert and a CV tip could all be useful. Together, they gave candidates too much to weigh at once.
I kept the confirmation as it was and added one optional next step below it. The choice depended on what we knew about the candidate: a saved job that was still open, an existing alert, the same CV sent to different kinds of roles, or applications that had drifted from their requested title and location. Three examples are shown here.
We prepared a study to check whether candidates understood and trusted the recommendation. The team prioritised work expected to increase application volume sooner. When I left Stepstone, this concept was still untested.
CV tip
New match
Location
PRODUCT CONCEPT · DESIGNED, NOT TESTED
What comes next depends on the candidate
A confirmation, a recommended job, an alert and a CV tip could all be useful. Together, they gave candidates too much to weigh at once.
I kept the confirmation as it was and added one optional next step below it. The choice depended on what we knew about the candidate: a saved job that was still open, an existing alert, the same CV sent to different kinds of roles, or applications that had drifted from their requested title and location. Three examples are shown here.
We prepared a study to check whether candidates understood and trusted the recommendation. The team prioritised work expected to increase application volume sooner. When I left Stepstone, this concept was still untested.
CV tip
New match
Location
PRODUCT CONCEPT · DESIGNED, NOT TESTED
What comes next depends on the candidate
A confirmation, a recommended job, an alert and a CV tip could all be useful. Showing them together felt like too much to ask candidates to weigh at once.
I kept the confirmation as it was and added one optional next step below it. The choice depended on what we knew about the candidate: a saved job that was still open, an existing alert, the same CV sent to different kinds of roles, or applications that had drifted from their requested title and location. Three examples are shown here.
We prepared a study to check whether candidates understood and trusted the recommendation. The team prioritised work expected to increase application volume sooner. When I left Stepstone, this concept was still untested.
CV tip
New match
Location
THE OUTCOME
THE OUTCOME
What changed
What changed
In separate A/B tests, more candidates submitted another application, opened a recommended job and created a job alert.
In separate A/B tests, more candidates submitted another application, opened a recommended job and created a job alert.
Those tests measured what candidates did next. They didn't measure how they felt, so I can't say the clearer confirmation reduced uncertainty. They also don't tell us whether the extra applications were better matched or led to more interviews.
Those tests measured what candidates did next. They didn't measure how they felt, so I can't say the clearer confirmation reduced uncertainty. They also don't tell us whether the extra applications were better matched or led to more interviews.
Working with the data we had
The tracker needed information Stepstone didn't reliably have. The three changes we shipped used what we already knew at the moment of applying: that the application was sent, its role and location, and what the next job offered.
The tracker needed information Stepstone didn't reliably have. The three changes we shipped used what we already knew at the moment of applying: that the application was sent, its role and location, and what the next job offered.
I worked on those changes rather than waiting for tracking on every route. Tracking could come later, when the data supported it.
I worked on those changes rather than waiting for tracking on every route. Tracking could come later, when the data supported it.
What changed beyond the screen?
For a long time, little happened after Apply. Few people thought there was much worth doing there before we had a tracker. I wanted to see what we could improve with what we already had. When I visit Stepstone’s website in 2026, I still see parts of what we developed on mobile, including the single job recommendation after applying. It’s nice to see that work still being used.
For a long time, little happened after Apply. Few people thought there was much worth doing there before we had a tracker. I wanted to see what we could improve with what we already had. When I visit Stepstone’s website in 2026, I still see parts of what we developed on mobile, including the single job recommendation after applying. It’s nice to see that work still being used.
