Confusingly, personal one-on-one interactions with companies or hiring agencies almost invariably result in positive feedback and comments, "you are exetremely hirable," "you have a strong technical background," etc. However, none of these interactions has gone anywhere. Either they "move forward with someone else" or simply evaporate into thin air. A few have even evaporated after extensive interviews and claiming that they wish to hire.

Is positive-sounding feedback just a polite way of avoiding some "elephant in the room" problem? Am I inadvertantly projecting an image of ineptitude or hostility?

I have over 20 years of experience on Linux, tinker and program as a hobby, and also lightly contribute to open source projects. I believe I have what it takes, but geez, sometimes this job search is just soul crushing. I just want to offer my skills and talents---to be a valuable member on a good team.

</vulnerable-rant>