Skip to main content

What Shortlisting Means (and What It Doesn’t)

J
Written by Joseph At Lemyi
Updated over 3 months ago

Being shortlisted on Lemyi is a positive signal, but it is not the same as being hired. Understanding this distinction clearly helps creators respond professionally, avoid confusion, and set the right expectations.

When a brand shortlists you, it means your profile and application stood out as a potential fit for the job. The brand is signaling interest and narrowing down candidates they may want to move forward with. At this stage, no commitment has been made by either side.

Shortlisting is part of evaluation, not a promise of work.


What shortlisting actually means

A shortlist indicates that the brand has reviewed your application and believes you could be a good match based on factors like:

  • Your experience and portfolio

  • Relevance to the brief and deliverables

  • Engagement metrics or audience fit

  • Location, availability, or logistics

You are now part of a smaller group of creators the brand is actively considering. This is where thoughtful, professional behavior matters most.


What shortlisting does not mean

Shortlisting does not mean:

  • You are hired

  • A deal has been created

  • Payment is secured

  • Work should begin

  • You should contact the brand off-platform

No work should start at this stage. There is no agreement yet, and there are no obligations on either side.


What happens after shortlisting

Once creators are shortlisted, the next steps happen behind the scenes:

  • The brand decides whether to request a deal offer for one or more shortlisted creators

  • If the brand wants to proceed, they request an offer through Lemyi

  • Admin reviews the request and prepares a formal deal

Only after a deal is created, funded, and accepted does work officially begin.

Some shortlisted creators may never receive a deal offer. This is normal and does not reflect negatively on your profile.


How creators should respond to being shortlisted

Shortlisting does not require action from you unless a deal offer is sent. The best approach is to:

  • Stay available and responsive

  • Keep your profile and availability up to date

  • Avoid messaging brands outside the platform

  • Continue applying to other relevant jobs

Professional patience matters here. Brands often shortlist multiple creators while finalizing internal decisions.


Why Lemyi uses shortlisting instead of instant hiring

Shortlisting protects both sides.

For creators, it prevents unpaid work and unclear expectations.
For brands, it allows careful selection without pressure or premature payment.

This step ensures that when a deal is finally created, it is intentional, reviewed, and ready to proceed.


If you’re unsure whether a shortlist will move forward, or if you believe a situation needs clarification, you can email [email protected] or start a chat with us anytime.

Did this answer your question?