That's my main gripe. I find it hard to believe that the time it takes to send an acknowledgement or rejection compared to the time it takes to read a cover let

That's my main gripe. I find it hard to believe that the time it takes to send an acknowledgement or rejection compared to the time it takes to read a cover letter/resume and decide on the candidate is that big of an issue. Really, just hit reply and say "Sorry, but we're looking for someone with more experience". Took me 5 seconds to write that. As for job platforms, they usually give an automated receipt. Dismissal rarely. I still have applications with the status "new", from November.