The issue is that no human or ATS can handle the volume of applications today due to how easy AI makes it to apply to many jobs. It’s luck whether you get through the initial screening process. I recently had 500+ applications, with only 20 passed through a phone screen and most to the hiring panel. After 3-4, I realized there was a problem with the system. I met with the recruiter and asked to look at Greenhouse with them. We reviewed dozens of rejected applications, many of which appeared better qualified than the candidates sent through. The recruiter explained that with so much volume and multiple roles, they were relying heavily on the ATS recommendations, which were not configured correctly for this role. It was a crap shoot. The solution is to find a connection at a company to flag your resume to the recruiter, but this approach is catching on, leading to people being overwhelmed by random connection requests. The best strategy is to expand your network today by engaging with as many people as possible before there’s an opening. Post consistently on LinkedIn, but more importantly, look for ways to add meaningful comments to posts with people outside your network. Share gratitude for new ideas, posts, etc. Make as many friends as you can, and when a role opens up, you already have an in to ask for an internal referral.