I don't know how it is in Canada, but here in the States there are just a lot of people looking for too-few jobs. It's been common for the last many years to not reply to people applying for work; it isn't right, but it is common.

One thing I use as a technique when I interview is I go to the interview with the expectation that I will enjoy meeting the person; I will find the chance to look around the place interesting, and I am going to see if I would like to work there (rather than focusing on whether they will hire me). You might try that.

I also have realized more and more that people tend to hire others they feel a kinship to--they either meet a physical type, or they share some sort of hobby or outlook that appeals to the person hiring, or they are recommended by someone the hiring person likes/admires/owes a favor to, etc.

Is this fair? Heck no. And in some cases it is illegal (not hiring someone due to their race, for example). But I say use this knowledge to your advantage.

If you know who you are going to interview with: Google the person to see if you can find anything that will strike a chord if you can work it into the interview. He/she likes cocker spaniels? What a coincidence! Your favorite aunt had a cocker spaniel and boy was he a wonderful dog! Of course you don't let them know you googled them.

You'll have to work by what you see in the office and what you can casually bring up. If the company has a website -- read all of it. I knew someone who hired another person because the hiring person and the interviewee were both left-handed. Use those biases to your own advantage! If I were looking to hire on at a bank that has its employees wear a particular shade of blue, I'd wear a shirt similar under my suit.

I wouldn't be above dropping off homemade cookies the next day as a thank you for the interview if I thought it would get me hired. Good luck. You'll find a you-shaped spot in the workforce.