Somehow (perhaps in the days of carrier pigeons and smoke signals, when it was extremely difficult to contact many people at once?), this note has become standard in recruitment announcements, for jobs or projects.

I see it all the time in posts by international NGOs, UN entities and other multilateral institutions. Organizations with inspiring missions to build a better world (hopefully in respectful and inclusive ways)... but unable to send a simple, automatic mass-message to unsuccessful candidates (who probably worked hard to send an application).

It's 2023. Maybe time to change the standard to "We will contact all candidates"? It costs approximately zero, candidates will appreciate it, and recruiters will be more respected.