Well, interesting thread. Jeff, sorry you are getting some hostile responses and a lot of assumptions made.
People are correct that sometimes the easiest answer for a hiring manager is that you aren't a good fit. When I reject someone I try to explain a bit more, such as, "We've had many applicants and unfortunately you weren't chosen because we were looking for someone with more experience...a different degree...with experience in such and such."
When I say someone is not a good fit, it often is a personality trait. That doesn't mean they have a bad personality. It just means that based on the team dynamic I would expect a clash with other employees.
You mentioned trolley driver and caretaker. Is the caretaker a job in a rec center? Anyhow, seems these jobs rely heavily on a bright and happy personality with the public. You know, the type that is overly happy and non-confrontational. That may or may not be you, but how you portray yourself in an interview is important and the best advice I can give is tailor your resume and your interviewing style to the job. Also watch YouTube videos on interviewing. I learned a lot from the vids and they helped me land a much higher paying job within my company, a job I had been rejected for a few times.
Sometimes you gotta just play the game until your foot is in the door. Good luck.
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