NALSC: the National Association of Legal Search Consultants’ Post

Legal professionals, here’s a hard truth: If your job applications aren’t getting responses, the problem might not be your qualifications—it might be your approach. Think about this: When was the last time you analyzed a job description rather than just reading it? ✅ Reading is skimming for qualifications. ✅ Analyzing is understanding the deeper needs behind the role—what challenges the organization is facing and how you can uniquely solve them. For legal professionals, job descriptions are more than just lists of requirements—they’re roadmaps to the organization’s pain points. They reveal exactly what the company values and how they’re measuring success in the role. But here’s the catch: If your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile doesn’t “speak the language” of the job description, it’s likely to get passed over. On December 5th, we will be hosting a FREE webinar in collaboration with legal expert Lucianna Thuo designed specifically for legal professionals ready to elevate their careers. We’ll dive into: 🔍 How to decode job descriptions to position yourself as the ideal candidate 📄 Crafting standout resumes and LinkedIn profiles that resonate with recruiters 🎯 Building confidence to market your expertise and land roles aligned with your goals This session is tailored to address the unique career challenges faced by those in the legal field. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure of how to make your next move, this webinar is for you. Don’t wait—slots are limited! 📌 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gxTER8eZ Your next opportunity might be one strategy session away. Will you join us? #LegalProfessionals #CareerDevelopment #JobSearchStrategies

If you’re applying to jobs on Indeed and not even getting an interview, you’re not alone. Here’s a personal experience I had—and it might help you, too! After applying to over 70 legal industry jobs with my resume, cover letter, and experience letter, I got responses from just a few. But even those responses didn’t lead anywhere, as employers claimed they "couldn’t understand my resume." Confused, I decided to visit some of these firms in person to get to the bottom of it. 👉 Here’s what I discovered: Sometimes, Indeed glitches and doesn’t send your resume to the employer, only forwarding certain documents like your experience letter. This makes things even worse if you’re relying 100% on the site to land your next job, as it can create the wrong impression. 🚨 Lesson Learned: Some firms have non-technical staff managing applications, so things can easily get missed. Double-check that your documents are received correctly: - Attach your resume, cover letter, and experience letter again in the “Additional Documents” section. - Consider reaching out to confirm they’ve received all your files. Thanks to the seven law firms that helped me realize this issue—hoping this insight can save someone else the hassle! #JobSearchTips #LegalIndustryJobs #Indeed #ApplicationTips #JobSeekers #Hiring

Here’s some good advice for handling any sticky situation with a client: “Keep calm and carry on.” Randy Steinberg, recruiter with NALSC: the National Association of Legal Search Consultants member search firm Mestel & Company learned that and other lessons when he encountered a perplexing situation with a client’s online resume submission portal. For the whole story of how Randy successfully navigated this sticky situation, read https://buff.ly/3T6UblO in the latest issue of the NALSC newsletter. Randy’s story was part of our occasional “Well THAT was a Surprise!” series. Now, it’s your turn to surprise us! Send us the most surprising thing you’ve encountered in your recruiting career. We welcome submissions from NALSC recruiters and legal employers. We’ll select one and a member of the newsletter committee will work with you to craft an article for the next NALSC newsletter. We all might learn something unexpected! #nalsc #legalrecruiting #legalrecruiters #lawjobs #legaljobs

Here’s some good advice for handling any sticky situation with a client: “Keep calm and carry on.” Randy Steinberg, recruiter with NALSC: the National Association of Legal Search Consultants member search firm Mestel & Company learned that and other lessons when he encountered a perplexing situation with a client’s online resume submission portal. For the whole story of how Randy successfully navigated this sticky situation, read https://buff.ly/3T6UblO in the latest issue of the NALSC newsletter. Randy’s story was part of our occasional “Well THAT was a Surprise!” series. Now, it’s your turn to surprise us! Send us the most surprising thing you’ve encountered in your recruiting career. We welcome submissions from NALSC recruiters and legal employers. We’ll select one and a member of the newsletter committee will work with you to craft an article for the next NALSC newsletter. We all might learn something unexpected! #nalsc #legalrecruiting #legalrecruiters #lawjobs #legaljobs

I once came across a resume where someone had copied the job description word for word. Almost got me—except they claimed to work with attorneys and partners (law firm roles) at a bank (where there usually aren't attorneys and partners). If a computer system reviewed their resume, they might have made it through, but any human would see it as a joke. DONT LIE IN YOUR JOB APPLICATIONS. "Fake it till you make it" does not apply to professional situations. The truth always comes out. #JobSearchTips #HonestyIsTheBestPolicy #RealRecruiter

Keen to find out how you can make your CV as effective as possible? ✏️ Keep the CV to 2 or 3 pages. It should show the hiring manager the details of your experience and projects you have worked on concisely. ✏️ Start with a clear overview of your experience to date and add some of your key skills and qualities. Feel confident in promoting yourself and the abilities you have as a lawyer. ✏️ List some of your key projects and the part that you played in each of those as it will give the hiring manager a clear idea of what you can bring to the team. ✏️ Talk about your achievements in the workplace, and outside of work. Employers will want to know what you enjoy doing and will often recruit people based on how well they fit into the team culture as well as their technical skills. We’ve had thousands of candidates interview for in-house roles, so we know how to help candidates write a strong CV. Get in touch with myself or one of the Beacon Legal in-house team with any questions that you have.

🌟Looking to elevate your legal career?🌟 Take a look at our CV tips tailored for legal professionals. Learn how to highlight your expertise and showcase key achievements. Take the next step in your career and use Absolute Executive Search to get you there. #legalcareers #cvtips #cv #careergrowth #absoluteexecutivesearch

💡 Did you know quantifying your achievements on your resume can make a big difference?  Don't just tell hiring managers what you did - show them your impact! Quantify your achievements on your resume using numbers and metrics to prove your value. This will make you stand out from the crowd. For example: Instead of saying “Drafted and reviewed various legal documents” try saying "Drafted and reviewed over 100 commercial contracts for Fortune 500 clients, ensuring compliance with industry regulations." Remember - the key is to identify a metric that demonstrates the value and impact you brought to your previous positions! #CareerAdvice #ResumeTips #JobHunting #Legal #TalentAcquisition

Penned down a few thoughts on a question I'm often asked: 'How can I make my in-house legal resume stand out?' As an executive recruiter, I've seen what works. From tailoring your resume to quantifying achievements, these tips could help you land that coveted in-house role. Check out the full article for more insights. #LegalCareers #InHouseCounsel #ResumeAdvice #Law

Both job seekers and prospective employers do better in the recruitment process if they—and their recruiters—work together. This week’s posts talk about how to do that most effectively.   It’s important to have your marketing materials ready.   Candidates: ·       Polish your resume and be prepared to provide your recruiter with highlights to incorporate in their cover letters. ·       Write a business development plan if you’re a counsel- or partner-level law firm lawyer and have your production numbers (hours, billings, collections, realization rate) and conflicts information (matters and adverse parties) at hand. ·       Review your writing samples and/or update your representative matters/deal sheet. Prepare a list of references. ·       And, associates, make sure you have a copy of your law school transcript. Your recruiter will need all those materials at some point in the process.   Employers: ·       Please have an updated and complete website, with additional practice-specific information available for recruiters to provide to prospects. ·       Encourage your marketing department and recruiting professionals to work together to create materials to attract candidates, not just clients, to the firm. ·       It’s helpful to provide recruiters with a “law firm highlights” document to share with candidates. Promote your firm’s differentiators, culture, statistics, affinity groups, etc., as well as any recent talent acquisitions, wins or deals, and other positive press. ·        And make sure your firm’s successes hit the legal press to raise your recruiting profile.   What other materials have you used to get ahead in the recruitment game? #jobsearchtips #lawjobs #legaljobs #legalrecruiting #interviewtips For more insights into job search strategies, the legal industry, and the California legal job market, follow SeltzerFontaine LLC, and connect with me and ring the 🔔 at Valerie Fontaine.