If a recruiter says, "The role is currently on hold for August. Next steps will be determined in September." What exactly does this mean? Is this a positive or negative sign for the candidate?

Not so sure about hacks, but here’s some sage advice.

The question is rather challenging in that you’re asking how to appeal to two different groups. If your main purpose is to appeal to recruiters, in that you are currently in job searching mode, your promotional copy needs to target them. Your promotional copy needs to be crafted so it attracts recruiters, lets them know you are looking for work and what you have to offer.

I suppose it depends on whether it affects you in any way. If it does, then actions may be warranted. If it doesn’t affect you directly, perhaps affecting a fellow team member, you’ll need to decide whether it’s any of your business to intervene on the other’s behalf. It may be more appropriate to support your fellow team member if they want to move forward in addressing the issue, rather than taking it on yourself.