@advice_7, I have to apologize in advance because I cannot help with the question you have but I am trying to share my experience. I started working as a generalist (BA, QA, Prod Support) through desi IT companies since 2011 and currently working a full time job, for past 3 years, (with approximate 95k annual cash remuneration). Some of my friends who started working around same time are today earning way more so recently I tried to apply "direct vendor consulting jobs" with similar clients that are nearby. These vendors and clients have way too rigorous process of vetting (compared to when I started with desi consulting companies in 2011). They want to talk to my current manager, they want to talk to at least 2 previous managers, they have to meet me face-to-face, they want my previous 5 years' W2s, when I asked for a specific per hour rate (because that was the whole point of my discontent with current job that I was comparing with others who are earning more), they want to look at my current pay check etc and etc. So I am finding that even going through a recruiter is not easy. Is it just me? or has the bar been really set high by the vendor firms? But at the same time I see lot of new (desi & young) faces at my current employer who is hiring like crazy. So I am totally confused. Is it only for BA type of jobs?

My advise or rather question to you was, let's say even if you nailed the interview what was your plan to get vetted for the job?