diff --git a/src/components/search/search.js b/src/components/search/search.js
index 84f808c0..4029245b 100644
--- a/src/components/search/search.js
+++ b/src/components/search/search.js
@@ -124,9 +124,11 @@ const Search = {
 
       let searchTypes = allSearchTypes
       if (searchType) {
+        // Search only for `searchType` if it is provided
         searchTypes = [searchType]
-      } else if (this.currentResultTab !== 'statuses') {
-        // Sort search order; selected tab first
+      } else if (this.hasUserSelectedTab && this.currentResultTab !== 'statuses') {
+        // Start the search from the tab that the user has selected
+        // No need to sort if userPreferredTab === 'statuses'
         searchTypes = [
           this.currentResultTab,
           ...allSearchTypes.filter((tab) => tab !== this.currentResultTab)