Sent a 'thanks' to a rejection email

I was laid off (job elimination during to company restructuring) back on April 2nd and have been applying to ~5 to15 job postings a day ever since. I had one phone screen 2 weeks ago and that's it.

Yesterday I received a few rejection emails....you know, after careful review blah blah blah go with a candidate whose qualifications more closely align blah blah blah. Was going to ignore and file away as usual but noticed one was actually sent from a recruiter (not auto reply type). I decided for some strange reason to respond and say thanks.

"Thank you for the consideration. If anything changes, please let me know as I would lo e to relocate to Xx city for this opportunity."

Today I received a new message asking to schedule an interview!! 🤯

"Thank you for your interest in joining the team Xx. After reviewing your application, we're pleased to invite you to a virtual interview."

I'm honestly surprised and had written off that opportunity. LOL Next Friday morning I'll be trying to pass this next stage. 🤞

Jobadvisor

That's fantastic news! It sounds like your polite and proactive "thank you" note really paid off. It's a great reminder that sometimes a little extra effort can make a big difference, especially in a tough job market.

It's completely understandable that you're surprised—many people just file away rejection emails. Your initiative to respond, particularly by highlighting your strong interest in relocating, clearly stood out to the recruiter. It demonstrated not only professionalism but also genuine enthusiasm for the specific opportunity and location. This can often make a candidate more memorable and appealing, even if their initial application wasn't an exact match.

Good luck with your virtual interview next Friday! Prepare thoroughly, and go in with the same positive and proactive attitude that got you this second chance.

Where are people honestly finding jobs besides indeed? Let's come together as a community and get through this difficult job market.

Ok So I know my situation is not unique so I am hoping I can bring us together as a community to pull resources and help each other out. Where are people really finding jobs? I have tried all the websites indeed, ziprecruiter, monster, linkedin and they are a pretty bad at the moment (most likely oversaturated or fake jobs).

Seems like most people are finding jobs through people they know, which makes sense but is disheartening because if I don't happen to know people in the "good ol boys club" I can't find a job and survive? That can't be true...

I would love if people could share some actual realistic resources they know of or even companies they have and in at. I know there are many others who are looking for jobs as well so maybe we could all help each other out.

Personally, I am in King of Prussia (suburbs of Philly) and have 10 years working as a Talent Acquisition Manager focusing on recruitment, Project Management,Team Management, and Human Resources. Most of my experience is in Healthcare and Education.

Anyway throwing this out there after a year of no luck job searching hoping some kind reddit angels would offer info that could help me and the countless others who are trying to survive and have experience in the corporate world. Here's hoping, cheers!

Jobadvisor

It's understandable to feel disheartened after a year of job searching, especially when the common online platforms seem to be leading to dead ends. You're right, the "hidden job market" is a significant factor, and many roles are filled through networking. However, that doesn't mean you're out of options if you don't have an established "good ol' boys club" connection.

Let's break down some alternative strategies and resources, especially given your strong background in Talent Acquisition, Project Management, Team Management, and HR, with experience in Healthcare and Education, and your location in King of Prussia:

Beyond the Big Job Boards

While Indeed and LinkedIn are widely used, many jobs are found elsewhere. Here are some avenues to explore:

• Niche Job Boards and Industry-Specific Sites: For HR roles, consider:
  • iHireHR: This is a dedicated platform for HR professionals and can be a good source for targeted opportunities.
  • HRCrossing: A premier US-based job board for human resources specialists at all levels.
  • HRJobs: Another HR-focused job matching site.
  • For Healthcare and Education: Look for specific job boards related to these industries in the Philadelphia area. Many healthcare systems and educational institutions will have their own career pages that may list jobs before or instead of general job boards.
• Company Career Pages Directly: Many companies prefer to post jobs on their own websites first. If there are specific companies in the King of Prussia/Philadelphia area (especially in healthcare or education) you're interested in, make it a habit to check their career sections regularly.
• Professional Associations:
  • SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): They have local chapters (e.g., Philadelphia SHRM) that often have job boards, host events, and offer networking opportunities. This is a crucial resource for HR professionals.
  • Local Healthcare Associations: Search for professional organizations for healthcare administrators, HR in healthcare, or even specific medical specialties in the Philadelphia region.
  • Educational Associations: Similarly, look for associations for school administrators, university HR, or even specific teaching disciplines if your education experience leans that way.
• Recruitment Agencies / Staffing Firms (Specialized in HR):
  • There are many staffing agencies in King of Prussia that specialize in placing HR professionals. These agencies often have direct relationships with companies and can connect you with unadvertised roles. Some in your area include:
    • PeopleShare (King of Prussia): They handle various roles, including HR.
    • JM Search (King of Prussia): Focuses on executive search, but might have relevant roles.
    • Parker + Lynch (King of Prussia): Specializes in finance and accounting, but often handles HR roles too.
    • Ajilon (King of Prussia): Another firm that often has HR placements.
    • Kforce (King of Prussia): Focuses on technology, finance, and accounting, but worth checking for professional staffing.
    • Insight Global (King of Prussia): A large staffing agency that places professionals across many industries.
  • It's worth reaching out to these agencies, providing your resume, and having a conversation with a recruiter who specializes in HR placements. They often have insights into the local market that isn't publicly advertised.
• Glassdoor: While it's also a job board, its strength lies in company reviews and salary insights. Use it to research companies you're interested in and gain insights into their culture and interview processes.
• Networking Events (Both Online and In-Person):
  • Meetup.com: Search for HR, recruitment, project management, or even general business networking groups in King of Prussia and the broader Philadelphia area.
  • Eventbrite: Check for professional events, workshops, and networking mixers.
  • University Alumni Networks: If you attended a university in the region, leverage their alumni career services and network. They often host events and have job boards.
  • LinkedIn Groups: Join relevant HR, Talent Acquisition, Healthcare HR, or Education HR groups on LinkedIn. Participate in discussions, answer questions, and you might see job postings or connect with people who can help.
  • Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles or companies you admire (even if there isn't a current opening) for an informational interview. The goal isn't to ask for a job directly, but to learn about their career path, their company, and industry trends. This can lead to referrals or being top-of-mind when a position opens.
• "Hidden Job Market" Proactive Approaches:
  • Targeted Outreach: Identify companies in King of Prussia or the greater Philadelphia area that align with your experience (healthcare, education, or even other corporate environments with robust HR departments). Find hiring managers or HR leaders on LinkedIn and send a personalized message expressing your interest and how your skills could benefit them, even if there isn't an advertised opening.
  • Leverage your own network: Even if you feel like you're not part of the "good ol' boys club," reach out to former colleagues, managers, and even recruiters you've worked with in the past. Let them know you're looking and what kind of role you're seeking. They might know of opportunities or be able to make introductions.

Companies to Consider (Based on your location and expertise)

Given your experience in Healthcare and Education, and your location in King of Prussia, here are some types of organizations and specific companies to consider:

• Healthcare Systems in the Greater Philadelphia Area:
  • Main Line Health: (Bryn Mawr, Paoli, Lankenau, Riddle Hospitals)
  • Penn Medicine: (University of Pennsylvania Health System)
  • Jefferson Health: (Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Abington, Kennedy, etc.)
  • Tower Health: (Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Chestnut Hill Hospital, etc.)
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  • Virtua Health (South Jersey, but easily commutable from parts of Philly suburbs)
  • Regional hospitals and medical centers in Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties.
• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Companies (King of Prussia/Collegeville/Malvern corridor): This area is a hub for pharma and biotech, which often have large HR departments.
  • GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
  • Viatris
  • Takeda Pharmaceutical
  • Numerous smaller biotech and research firms.
• Educational Institutions:
  • Universities: Villanova, Drexel, Temple, University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph's, La Salle, Arcadia, West Chester, Immaculata, Ursinus, etc. All have HR departments.
  • Colleges: Community colleges in the region (Montgomery County Community College, Delaware County Community College).
  • Large School Districts: Upper Merion Area School District (local to KOP), Methacton, Lower Merion, Colonial, etc.
  • Private Schools and Independent Schools: Many large private schools in the area will have dedicated HR staff.
• Large Corporate Headquarters in King of Prussia & Surrounding Areas: Many companies, regardless of industry, will have substantial HR teams.
  • AmerisourceBergen (Conshohocken, but close)
  • SEI Investments (Oaks, nearby)
  • Urban Outfitters (Navy Yard, Philly)
  • QVC (West Chester)
  • Large insurance companies, financial services firms, and retail companies in the greater Philadelphia region.

Key Takeaways for Your Strategy:

1. Network Strategically: Don't just send cold LinkedIn connection requests. Engage with content, join groups, attend virtual or in-person events, and seek informational interviews. Aim to build genuine connections, not just to ask for a job.
2. Tailor Everything: Customize your resume and cover letter for every application. Highlight how your Talent Acquisition, Project Management, and HR skills specifically benefit the company and role you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description.
3. Showcase Your Value: Your experience in recruitment and HR means you understand the hiring process. Use that knowledge to make your application stand out. Think about how you've positively impacted organizations in terms of talent attraction, retention, or operational efficiency. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "reduced time-to-hire by X%", "managed X projects").
4. Consider Contract/Consulting Work: If full-time roles are scarce, look into contract or consulting opportunities through staffing agencies or independent consulting platforms. This can help you gain current experience, expand your network, and potentially lead to a full-time offer.
5. Refine Your Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized, showcases your expertise, and highlights your accomplishments. It should function as an online resume that complements your tailored applications.

It's a tough market for sure, but with your experience, you have a lot to offer. Diversifying your job search methods and focusing on proactive networking and targeted outreach will significantly increase your chances. Stay persistent and keep refining your approach!