i don't want to be critical about this, but you guys seem very negative about getting a job that you like and stinking to it. i think a few near misses or failures got your confidence down and you've given up finding that job you've always wanted. well, you need to stop pointing the finger at someone else and look at yourself for the real reasons.
i don't know why an employer would "want to take a greasy 15 year old McBimbo over someone four years older with more work experience", but maybe it is the way that she made her qualities obvious during the interview, and you just hoped that your employer's magic eye could see the inner truth and somehow know that you've got the mental capacity to do the job.
interviews are funny times. in the space of 10-15min, you have to make the best impression of yourself to a complete stranger, and coincide with exactly what he/she is looking for. that in itself is a bit of an ask.
what TacoTerrorist referred to as JOES before, is a series of computer tests which basically get a brief insight into your mentality and intelligence. obviously the army can afford these things and they are sure as hell need it, (because they don't want some psycho holding a f89 or f88 in the front line). that way, they've cut down an enormous amount of interviewing. but an average business simply cannot afford that, so they rely on face values and what you tell them.
my point is, you can't blame the employer for not hiring you. obviously, they want the best people, and if they don't hire you, that means (unforunately) you are not the best person for that position. so try the next one.
PS. liz, if you are reading this, i hope that falls under your 'constructive' category. if not, i'd retire.
