diff --git a/app/dashboard/views.py b/app/dashboard/views.py
index b3d481a5d54..bae795b369f 100644
--- a/app/dashboard/views.py
+++ b/app/dashboard/views.py
@@ -308,7 +308,9 @@ def new_interest(request, bounty_id):
     msg = _("You have started work.")
     approval_required = bounty.permission_type == 'approval'
     if approval_required:
-        msg = _("You have applied to start work.  If approved, you will be notified via email.")
+        msg = _("You have applied to start work. If approved, you will be notified via email.")
+    elif not approval_required and not bounty.bounty_reserved_for_user:
+        msg = _("You have started work.")
     elif not approval_required and bounty.bounty_reserved_for_user != profile:
         msg = _("You have applied to start work, but the bounty is reserved for another user.")
         JsonResponse({