Out of interest, how did you go about actually getting the interviews?

Unlike you, I have a CS degree, and I've applied to the top five a few times now. Microsoft and Amazon contacted me, and after I agreed to an interview they both went quiet. Facebook never got back, and Google rejected me twice after sending in my CV.

I've tried a number of ways, through LinkedIn, direct applications, and even asking face-to-face at conferences, but it feels like I've angered some almighty tech god because none of them seem remotely interested, or are happy to tease me with an interview, only to ignore me after I reply.

I've always assumed that if it's this hard for me, then it must be as hard, or harder for others, so it'd be interesting to hear about the actual process of getting an interview from your perspective.