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?