When looking for a job, it is easy to get overwhelmed in what feels like the minutia of the process. With so much focus and emotional energy going toward the end goal of actually landing a job, it’s no wonder that the many details of the process itself get lost. And, what makes that worse is that others who don’t even you are making a judgment based on how you handle or present these different facets of the process.

Breaking the process down into actionable items not only makes the process feel more manageable, but it keeps you from getting lost in your own thoughts. In his article “11 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job,” Aaron Gouveia offers a list of top reasons someone may remain unemployed. I turned them around from “don’t do these things” to “do these things well” during your search to create a positive list of action items. They are sure to help keep you focused through some often overlooked details and considerations:

• Apply for only those jobs for which you are completely qualified. Even though job descriptions aren’t exhaustive, they do tend to list some non-negotiable highlights. Pay attention and take seriously every qualification listed. If the description specifies fluency in a particular computer program that you don’t know, or if you aren’t able to travel as listed, skip the application.
• Arrive to your appointment with enough time to not be rushed. Be there 5-10 minutes early; no more, no less. Any earlier can make those at the hiring company feel pressured to tend to you. And, clearly, you should not ever be late.
• Dress in your professional best. Make sure your first impression reflects you are neat and tidy from head to toe. Tending to your appearance reflects that this interview matters to you.
• Make sure your cover letter and resume are both in good shape. Ensure your documents are tailored to the open position. Have someone else proof them for both what they communicate about you as well as for grammar and punctuation. These details can be a measure of how seriously you take the current position.
• Be prepared for your interview. If you tend to freeze and/or stumble when asked questions, practice with someone, or record yourself, ahead of time. Even if you feel completely comfortable in such situations, be sure you are prepared to focus and stick to topic. From your body language to your answers, make sure your interview skills are in top form.
• Keep negative opinions about former employers to yourself. No matter how bad the situation, it is unprofessional to bad-mouth your past experiences. Focus, instead, on your current goals and how the position for which you are interviewing is a great next step.
• Be yourself so as to ensure the right personal/cultural fit. You may be completely qualified for the open position, but the work environment might not be right for you and vice versa. Some work environments are fast-paced and structured while others are more relaxed. Not everyone thrives in the same environment, so you don’t want to be hired portraying something about you that you don’t want to live up to day after day.
• Be nice to every, single person you encounter at the company. From the person at the front desk to visitors to the company to every employee you meet whether or not they are interviewing you, be courteous. You never know from whom the hiring manager will collect information about who you are.
• Avoid the money talk unless the hiring manager brings it up or if you’ve been extended an offer. While the salary matters, the fit between you and the position have to take precedence before you can discuss what’s in it for you on a monetary level. Period.
• Ask questions of your interviewer. Whether you further inquire about the range of responsibilities or you ask what a day or week “looks like” in the open position, show your interest in the opportunity by engaging further when you have the opportunity to do so.
• Write a thank you note. Yes. Those can still matter. This is your opportunity to not only bring your name to the forefront one more time, but you also demonstrate your continued level of interest in the position.

There are, most definitely, a number of details that need tending. But, keep in mind, any one of these items can contribute to or contaminate your candidacy. The great thing is, you have a lot of control over each of them! Paying attention to the pieces that comprise the bigger picture will help you rise to your highest level of consideration.

Gouveia, Aaron. “11 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job.” Salary.com. International Business Machines Corporation. 2016. Web. (4 March 2016)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com. ExecSearches provides various recruitment and executive search services for nonprofits including its nonprofit job board.