Same for my husband. He tried hard core for over 3 years but could hardly even get a call for an interview (Principal Engineer with over 25 yrs experience). After a long time, like OP, we noticed the same jobs posted for months on end...never filled...or sometimes just reposted every 6 weeks for over a year. Thats when we felt like many postings were not legit. We also found out that most companies use resume screening software that if your resume doesn't match like 80% of their keywords, its never seen. All of his networking connections don't help much because we were forced to go to another state (due to the financial hit) far from where they all are and there are no jobs in his wheelhouse within less than 3-4 hours from us.

Also agree with the "over 50" comment. Seems they want "fresh out of college/will work for much less". Poor guy has never not had a job so it is hard for him, but after years of trying we have given up. Plus now with jab mandates...well he'd have to leave anyway.