re right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent

As the head of hiring for a nonprofit lobbying organization, I regularly see job candidates missing out on some of the most effective ways to make themselves stand out. Here are some of the things I wish every applicant knew.

A cover letter can get you in the door.

Too many people use cover letters to simply summarize their r?sum?s. With such limited initial contact, don't squander a page regurgitating the contents of the other pages.

When used correctly, a cover letter can win you an interview that your r?sum? alone won't. Use it to explain why you want this particular job -- not just a job in this field. The more specifically you can tie it to the job description, the better. Other ways to stand out:

* If this is your dream job, say so and explain why. I want candidates who want this job, not a job. I'll always take an extra minute on the r?sum? of someone who says the position is his or her dream, even if it's not an obvious fit. (But be honest -- if you're applying for your "dream job" at every gig in town, you'll probably get caught.)

* If you're not a perfect match, acknowledge it. You probably can't hide it, so explain why you're right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent

eople use cover letters to simply summarize their r?sum?s. With such limited initial contact, don't squander a page regurgitating the contents of the other pages.

When used correctly, a cover letter can win you an interview that your r?sum? alone won't. Use it to explain why you want this particular job -- not just a job in this field. The more specifically you can tie it to the job description, the better. Other ways to stand out:

* If this is your dream job, say so and explain why. I want candidates who want this job, not a job. I'll always take an extra minute on the r?sum? of someone who says the position is his or her dream, even if it's not an obvious fit. (But be honest -- if you're applying for your "dream job" at every gig in town, you'll probably get caught.)

* If you're not a perfect match, acknowledge it. You probably can't hide it, so explain why you're right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent

ticular job -- not just a job in this field. The more specifically you can tie it to the job description, the better. Other ways to stand out:

* If this is your dream job, say so and explain why. I want candidates who want this job, not a job. I'll always take an extra minute on the r?sum? of someone who says the position is his or her dream, even if it's not an obvious fit. (But be honest -- if you're applying for your "dream job" at every gig in town, you'll probably get caught.)

* If you're not a perfect match, acknowledge it. You probably can't hide it, so explain why you're right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent

of someone who says the position is his or her dream, even if it's not an obvious fit. (But be honest -- if you're applying for your "dream job" at every gig in town, you'll probably get caught.)

* If you're not a perfect match, acknowledge it. You probably can't hide it, so explain why you're right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent

re right for the job anyway. Candidates who acknowledge they may not look ideal on paper but tell me why they would do a great job show they're well grounded, humble and realistic but also genuinely passionate about the job.

* If something that makes you well suited for the job isn't apparent from your r?sum?, mention it. I once had an applicant for a financial position mention in her cover letter that she carried a calculator in her purse and was obsessive about balancing her checkbook. These sorts of details can make you a compelling candidate.

We're scrutinizing everything.

Candidates often act as if only "official" contacts (interviews, formal writing samples, etc.) count. They will send flawlessly edited cover letters and then follow up with error-ridden e-mails. Or they're rude to my hiring assistant.

Other things we're looking at:

* I take note of how quickly a candidate responds to requests for writing samples and returns phone calls -- and it gets marked on the application. I assume you're on your best behavior now. If I have to wait a week for you to get back to me, what will you be like when you're working here?

* My organization posts our application instructions online, specifying five points all cover letters must include, but at least one-third of applicants ignore these instructions. If you can't follow directions before we've hired you, we assume you won't follow them if you work for us.

* Do you hav