It gets worse. Just wait for that one single interview where you have the exact skill set, it's your dream job, and you've spoken to your competitors (other people applying) and you know they're not the sharpest tool in the shed.
This literally happened to me at 27. Went to the interview, did tests, shook hands with the big guy (the CEO) who literally said "I think we can start you next Monday". Only to not hear back from the HR person for 2 weeks. When "pushed" (i.e. phoned) the HR Person said I did not have the right skill set (generic answer for the unwashed masses).
Later I found out why. It was a politically-charged role (Embassy) and the person who took the job was the daughter of an Admiral in the Navy.
Connections. That's all that matters.
This literally happened to me at 27. Went to the interview, did tests, shook hands with the big guy (the CEO) who literally said "I think we can start you next Monday". Only to not hear back from the HR person for 2 weeks. When "pushed" (i.e. phoned) the HR Person said I did not have the right skill set (generic answer for the unwashed masses).
Later I found out why. It was a politically-charged role (Embassy) and the person who took the job was the daughter of an Admiral in the Navy.
Connections. That's all that matters.