Median days to a first recruiter reply on knowledge-work applications increased from April to September 2026. The change is consistent with higher process load, not with a score assigned to a single applicant.
A complete application still affects whether a record passes an applicant-tracking screen. It does not shorten recruiter response time when the desk is already delayed.
Waiting on a portal status line after submission does not change the outcome. Recording the application and continuing to the next vacancy is the usual next step.