When I applied for my job eight years ago, they were still doing paper applications; they have since switched to applying online. From what I hear, most jobs that do paper applications don't look at 30% of them. They look over the first ten or so that are on top, put the rest in a file box, store them for approximately six months, and then dump them. If you don't hear back in that window of time, it's like you never applied. Online applications are saved in the system indefinitely and stay in circulation for years. The downside, however, is because there is more competition with this method, employers scrutinize qualifications more.