I'm so f-ed. Laid off in June at 61 [View all]

I'm a veteran business editor and writer with PR experience.

When I got laid off in June, I was optimistic. LinkedIn showed me numerous jobs for which its algorithm said I would be a "top applicant." In many cases, I matched all the skills listed. Ho boy, howdy, was I naive.

I quickly found out that applying for 100 jobs I'm qualified for gets, maybe, one or two "phone screen" interviews, followed by ghosting. I got past that first phase just once. It's hard to determine how much of this is age discrimination.

Most of the time, I get either no response or an emailed message saying they are concentrating on people who are "a better fit." Never mind that I had all the listed credentials and experience. Other people got interviews for being a "better fit."

I'm also getting rejected for "jobs" that keep getting re-posted. Those, I suspect, are phony listings for positions that will never be filled. I'm told companies want to look like they're hiring, even when they aren't. So they post zombie jobs.

I have had professional help with my resume and cover letters. But it hasn't helped.

This is frustrating because it never occurred to me to retire before age 70 or 72. I like working. And I'm good at what I do.

It's frustrating to think my career might be over before I'm financially and mentally ready for it.

How does a seasoned pro get a shot in this market? I don't expect anyone to have a definitive answer. I certainly don't.