This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leslie Sonnenklar, a 55-year-old communications and content professional from Phoenix, Arizona. As a professional in my mid-50s, I have more than 32 years of experience in the communications industry. Advertisement AdvertisementOver the last 14 months, I've applied for over 300 jobs. Many people are nice and say things like, "Oh, I've been there twice" or even three times. But after nine months and only a few interviews, I started applying to jobs with companies in the Phoenix area.