Have been undertaking the job hunt in earnest, and as well as job sites/job boards, have been increasing my networking.

Have attended 2 networking meetings, of 2 different groups. Met 2 different people there, both of significant position within their respective firms. First time meeting them.

Followed up on both of them.

With the first--Shanghainese, foreign educated, and has had considerable experience overseas, she says--I followed up on an appropriate job within her company, and I sought further information about this. Said that she would find out from the relevant department, and call me back. Waited a day, no reply. Did so again after the intervening weekend, late in the day. Said she would call me back after 15 mns close to 5pm--no call.

With the second--foreigner--indicating that she was interested in the work I did, and would be suitable for some of her clients. She indicated to me that we should contact again. Sometime later, sent her an email, no response; some weeks later, called her, she said to call her back, did so; said she would contact me as soon as she was free; did not, neither at the end of the day, nor subsequent days.

Why do these people do these things? Do they get off on "jerking my string"? Is it advisable to contact any of these people again?

Keep on finding new oportunities, don't wasting time on them... We can never control other people's standard...

If people lose their trust at the very beginning, do you think you can work with them?!

^ This. You are currently conducting interviews with prospective employers. The first two interviewees are, alas, unsuitable.

1 Email follow up

Potentially 1 Phone follow up if you are even mildly interested in the job.

If above no reply move on.

Generally speaking they rarely outright tell you I dont need you just in case they do, like somewhere along the lines we will shelf you and call you if we have space kind of bs =)

OP you must be new to job hunting....its very normal and polite to say "sure I'll call you" will they really call? who knows? Its just like dating man, its polite to say "I've had fun, i'll give you a call" its a polite and easy way to say goodbye....

so...chill out and keep applying...thats just the way it is...its a numbers game, you'll find something soon!

Sounds pretty common. 9 times out of 10, if they say they'll call you back and they don't, they're not interested. Let it go.