Stage names are not universal, but most processes contain some combination of application, screening, evaluation, team conversations and decision. Tracking the meaning behind the label helps.
A practical workflow
Use the following as a working sequence, then adapt it to the companies and conversations in front of you.
- Write what each stage is intended to assess
- Record who owns the next move
- Keep changes and outcomes dated
Keep the system workable
Keep one clear record for the opportunity, its current stage, the people involved and the next action. That gives you enough structure to return to the search without adding ceremony.
Candidate keeps this context together so a useful update after an application, conversation or exercise does not need to be copied across several tools.