Steve Jones - SSC Editor (9/10/2014)
Good luck, Rod, and hope something shakes loose.The soft skills are important, but they won't be direct asks in many interviews. However the way you answer, interact with interviewers, even greet the receptionist can all matter. You can make a bad impression, a good impression, or no impression on the people. I'd say two of those three are bad.
Companies that leave openings on the books often just cant' find the person they want. Or they don't like people for some reason. However hiring also isn't the first job of many people and things can move slow. I know I was rarely in a hurry to take time to interview new people.
I think you're doing the right things, but keep networking with people you know and asking about opportunities. You might also see if a friend will mock interview you, especially if they interview for their company. They might help you get a feeling for how you're doing. I do know companies can be reluctant to disclose non-hiring choices for legal reasons.
Good luck again.
Ah, you've answered a question I've wondered about for a while now. So companies do not divulge their reasons for not hiring you, due to some legal reasons! OK, then. That's something I'll live with; of course I've no chose but to live with it. However, I'll continue to ask to find out why I wasn't chosen. I figure that whenever they give me an answer, then I can improve myself! Thank you, Steve!!
Rod