[tomwphillips]

Did you re-apply to the same places with and without those factors? Because if you didn’t, it’s hard to be sure what you’re implying is true.

Alternative explanation: you applied for competitive roles and didn’t hear back because there were better candidates, then you applied for less competitive roles and got interviews.

[fidla]

Oh yes I should have made that clear. I resubmitted my application to all of the original jobs