Why You’re Not Hearing Back After Submitting Your Resume (and What to Do About It)

You’re an experienced attorney. You’ve worked hard, built a strong resume, and you’re ready for the next step in your legal career. So why does it feel like your job applications are vanishing into a black hole?

You’re not alone. Even highly qualified candidates often hear crickets after applying to law firm or in-house roles. But that silence doesn’t always mean you’re unqualified—it may just mean something’s getting lost in translation.

Here are five common reasons you’re not hearing back—and what you can do to fix it:

1. Your resume isn’t tailored to the role.
It’s tempting to send the same resume to every job posting, but legal employers are looking for alignment. If you’re applying to a litigation boutique but your resume highlights mostly transactional work, it might not resonate.

Fix it: Tailor your resume for each opportunity (but never lie). Emphasize experience and skills that match what the job description is asking for.

2. You’re applying to roles outside your level.
A midlevel associate applying to senior counsel roles—or a senior associate applying to first-year roles—again, those don't align. Firms and companies are often hiring for specific experience bands.

Fix it: Make sure the roles you're applying to match your JD year and type of experience. When in doubt, ask a recruiter for insight.

3. You're missing key terms and credentials.
Some firms and companies use resume scanners to identify candidates with certain keywords (e.g., “M&A,” “Title VII,” “Deposition,” “Barred in FL”). If your resume doesn’t speak their language, it may never be seen by a human.

Fix it: Mirror the language of the job description. Highlight relevant practice areas, jurisdictions, and tools.

4. You’re not using your network—or a recruiter.
Blind applications rarely stand out. Most top firms and companies prioritize referrals or recruiter-submitted candidates over cold resumes.

Fix it: Reach out to your law school classmates, colleagues, or a legal recruiter who can advocate for you directly.

5. Your LinkedIn isn’t aligned with your resume.
Recruiters and hiring managers often cross-check LinkedIn. If your profile is outdated, bare, or missing your current role, it may look like you’re not serious about a move—or worse, hiding something.

Fix it: Update your LinkedIn with an accurate headline, summary, and work history. Add key accomplishments and make sure your location and practice area are clear.

The Bottom Line:
The legal job market is competitive, but small tweaks can make a big difference. If your resume isn’t getting traction, don’t get discouraged—get strategic.

At Premier Pursuit, we help attorneys stand out and connect with roles that align with their goals, not just their resume.

→ If you're tired of the black hole, let’s talk. Reach out to us using the contact information below.

Martina Ellerbe

Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
Book an Appointment
201-745-5901
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com
www.premierpursuitllc.com