Comment by gtirloni
Most recruiters are using ATS[0] systems that can automatically rank and show candidates with the best looking resumes. I'd assume there is no cutoff based on number of applicants, maybe if it's a position with a deadline, but otherwise it makes no sense.
Job applications these days are like email, there's a lot of spam and automated systems fighting it.
Re: networking. I often see this advice but it's not been my experience. Usually finding a job posting on LI even weeks after, going to the company's website and applying there works.