I had given up all hope with one airline many moons ago but 8 months later I was invited for an interview, 2 weeks later I started with them.
My current employers had my application on a Wednesday, they phoned me on the Friday resulting in a flight bound for Sim evaluation early Saturday morning and commenced the ground/school company course following Monday morning.
So I have experienced both extremes. Depends on what day of the week it is I suppose.
I have given up with Virgin now, which is a shame as they were always my first choice. Never even got an interview or a "perhaps maybe". Never mind, their loss 😉