At my wits end with not hearing back from companies

I’ve been on the job hunt for a depressingly long amount of time recently. I’ve been working since I was 16, have background in sales, hospitality, and the food industry. My longest job was 5 years an

I’ve been on the job hunt for a depressingly long amount of time recently. I’ve been working since I was 16, have background in sales, hospitality, and the food industry. My longest job was 5 years and my other jobs were long term (2 years minimum) and I was always told having 2-3 long term employments at a young age would look better than 10+ jobs lasting a few months each, as it makes you seem more reliable. My college background is in a quite difficult industry to make money from, so I’ve been trying to centre on sales and customer facing jobs as it’s what I’m good at. I’ve never had issues applying for jobs like I have been now. I have been applying left right and centre to every damn job that opens up on Indeed or businesses social media advert. I’ve been applying to cafes, coffee shops, sales in every damn avenue, receptionist jobs, housekeeping, grocery stores etc. I’ve been trying my shot applying to places I’m not experienced/qualified in but have key skills, I’ve been applying to places I’m over qualified for….and getting nothing back. There was a period of time I was applying to 5+ jobs a day for weeks. I heard back from 2 companies, and it was a rejection (that I got 2 months after applying). I eventually got an interview for a donut shop. Interview went great. I fit all the criteria, had experience, was available and capable to do all shifts and had nothing holding me back (ie college, holidays). The store lead who was doing my interview was really nice and she explained that the GM who usually does interviews was stuck in commute so she would be interviewing me, but wanted to assure me that she has a different method of running the shop and likes everyone to feel relaxed and doesn’t want the workplace to be stressful. She conducted the interview in a very casual and laid back manner, and I still remained professional but her calm energy took off the usual interview anxiety so I felt I was able to put myself across well. She seemed really happy with me, and alluded that I would get a call very quickly because they need to fill the role fast, and I’d be getting a go ahead call within a few days if she has anything to do with it. Unfortunately, GM was the final decision on interviews though, and I was obviously at a disadvantage of him not seeing me in person. I was hopeful the store lead would have enough influence, but after 2 weeks I still hadn’t heard back. Over a month later I get a rejection email. I think ok. That’s fine. I’ll try not to panic over the fact that I’ve still been applying consistently for the last month and haven’t even heard back from one person. I keep up the job hunt. Even small grocery stores are turning me down now or ghosting me. I eventually get a second interview. It’s a 2.5 hour group interview for a beauty shop. I am thrilled as I have strong passion in beauty and makeup. Interview arrives, there is only two of us. I am dressed smartly, wearing makeup to show off my skills. I have researched trending beauty and skincare for the last month so I am knowledgeable for the role. Practical portion of the interview goes good. There is multiple points throughout the interview where I say something or ask a question and the manager gets a big smile and says “that is EXACTLY what I was hoping to hear” or “that is the exact type of question we expect you to ask as part of this role”. I had researched well enough to give detailed sales pitches on products. The one on one interview portion also went well. The manager seemed happy with all my answers, was happy that I was readily available and open to all hours. At the end she even put the interview sheet down and just started asking me about myself and my hobbies because she said I was so passionate talking about my previous jobs and experiences she felt moved to learn more. Before I left I specifically asked “when will we hear back from you, and will we hear back either way?” She said yes, I should hear back by early next week (about 4-5 days time). It has been almost 2 weeks and I still have not had a single call or email. I am fucking gutted. I really enjoyed the interview process and was so excited at the idea of working for this company. Part of me wants to email and ask for a follow up, even though I know I clearly haven’t gotten the job, but just as a sign of respect so they will at least tell me to my face rather than ghosting me. Why are so many companies now so prone to ghosting and ignoring candidates? I can almost understand not emailing at the application stage because surely they get hundreds of applicants…but after you’ve already done an interview? Leaving people waiting in limbo for a month? And even then, you might not get a reply at all? I’d just like to think that if I can spend almost 3 hours of my time for an interview, the least I can get back is an automated rejection email thanking me for my time. I’m so sick of this cycle. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, or if the market has just gotten incredibly tight. I never had problem getting a job in my 9 years of working, but now, with more experience under my belt, I can’t even get an interview for a fast food chain, and if I do get an interview, I’m not even good enough to get a rejection call.