Comment by tracker1

I have zero formal education past A levels, but I've had two in-person interviews at Google and had an offer, and I have their charming recruiters chasing me to make sure I wouldn't be happier working for Google every 6 months or so. :)

It does take a ferociously long time to get through the initial screening if you just send them a CV, and I'm sure a lot of people fall through the cracks - my suggestion would be to find a Googler or Xoogler and ask them to recommend you, I understand you get a lot more traction that way. Chin up.

"Too bad you guys don't seem to give a second glance at someone without any formal education, despite working on systems for government, training, banking security and airline industries."

I find it doubtful that your lack of education alone is what's keeping you from getting a callback. Do you have a portfolio linked from your resume? Have you got friends that work for these companies that are willing to go over your resume with you?

If you know anyone internal who's familiar with your work, have them write up a referral for you. That can give the recruiters a lot more context.

To be fair, and in context: neither does Microsoft.