In this age of practically all job applications being filled out online, what is a good way to follow up?

When businesses used mostly paper apps, you had the opportunity to discuss them (and your resume) right there on the spot. Now, everybody it seems wants you to fill out the app at home, online, and just wait for a phone call. If I call a business after filling out the application, or go back there to talk to a manager, they just say the same thing: "we'll call you."

What can I do further to get an interview? Am I doing anything wrong? I'm not a teenager. I'm an out of work 32 year old mother of 3, married and with a college degree. I need a job desperately, esp. since my husband is a disabled vet who can't work anymore. Thanks for any advice or words of wisdom.