There are a couple of reasons I think online job applications are so spammy:
1. Sometimes the companies don't adhere to the requirements they posted. For example the job post might list skills A, B, and C with a minimum of 3+ years, but some of my friends recommended that I apply anyway. I don't track such cases but I think I got a couple of responses when I did that.
2. Some companies leave job posts up after they've been filled, or ghost candidates during the interview process, so candidates tend to spam to ensure that even if a small fraction replied, they'd get at least one offer.
I'd assume that contacting hiring managers directly might lead to better chances, but aren't 200 other people doing the same?
I'd assume that contacting hiring managers directly might lead to better chances, but aren't 200 other people doing the same?