How can you stand out from the pack in a competitive job market?
One way is to pay attention to details, according to hiring managers at this fall's Nonprofit Human Resources Conference, held just outside Washington. They say they frequently see spelling errors in résumés and applications.
And many of them say they are turned off by cookie-cutter cover letters that provide the same information to many employers. It's better to tailor your cover letter and résumé to the job you are seeking and explain how your skills match those listed in the posting for the position.
In some cases, your passion for an organization's mission could get you the job even if your skills aren't the perfect match, says Mylene Zupan, director of human resources at the Bradley Center, a social-services group in Pittsburgh.
