I wish job postings and application tracking systems showed the number of applicants in a position. Then I would know if it's worth putting time into applying or if it's a waste of time.
I want job application software to show more info about what's going on.
At least for contractors, for the type of work that I do, I'll hear "We got hundreds of applicants and all but a dozen were not even close." We've all done it. Apply for something we're not quite ready for. Multiple that by the internet and for any given opening there is a steady and significant amount of noise.
So you're not only up against the good, you have to stand out from the bad and the ugly as well. Make sure your CV is prepared for all there. To that point, your CV isn't for finding a job. It's for getting interviews.