400 applications in two years is less than one application a day. The last time I was unemployed I was applying to five to ten companies a day all with targeted cover letters. I kept track of every application and followed up. I made it an eight hour a day job to find a job.

Question is really, was it easier to find a job in 2023 or now?

You are missing the point that a director level resource, could only apply to a relatively smaller number of roles. Entry level IC might not be worth applying. So despite what they say, the limitation factor might also be number of posted jobs.

I know they said they applied to anything - but still anything for that profile might be a bit more broad - entry level IC to FANG may be which pays better or a role that is open to leveling or start up or any other combos.