Lots of good actionable advice here.

As someone who has dropped many balls, I will be the first to admit that hiring is hard, especially when you're juggling a bunch of other things.

But Charlie is right, it's worth taking the time to get better at it.

If this is the case, would it be wise for the applicant to follow up, especially if they really like the job?

It seems both parties dropping the ball here...

I agree with you, Sergey.

Both parties in a relationship have a responsibility to keep that relationship going.