No matter how much we anticipate and plan for anything in life, the outcome isn’t always what we hoped. For myself, I am quite peaceful about such an outcome if I can look back and see I did every, single thing I could to influence the one I wanted. It’s when, in retrospect, I see where I took a short cut and knew better, or when there was so much to manage I figured “that little detail won’t matter,” that it is difficult to feel settled with an undesirable result.

This basic scenario is frustrating in any situation. Apply it to a job search, and I, personally, might just come undone. With a personal goal, aspiration or even livelihood in the balance, making avoidable mistakes during this process should be avoided at all costs. To that end, check out the advice from Alyse Kalish from her article, “5 Little Reasons You Didn’t Get the Interview That Are So Fixable,” as it applies to details that need your undivided attention during your search:

Too Many Words. Kalish advises both your cover letter and resume should be no more than one page long at most. In both cases, make every word matter. Stay focused on your most important qualifications that match the job description keeping the hiring manager’s attention on the task at hand: finding the right candidate.

Too Many Mistakes. One of the steps people often do not want to take is rereading a document for the sole purpose of editing. But, this is a crucial one. In at least one read-through, separate yourself from the content, and read for accuracy. In your review, include the names of those to whom you address your materials as well as your overall grammar presentation. Using spellcheck is useful, but it will not catch every error (think of how many times a word is spelled correctly but is the wrong word for the context). After you edit your work, have a friend do it, too.

Too Many Problems. Technology is wonderful, but it is not always friendly particularly among devices. And, frankly, it is unlikely hiring managers will take the time to figure out how to open your document or read it if it opens but is wonky. Send your materials to people you know who have different phones and use different browsers to make sure everything not only opens but also appears in the intended format.

Waited Too Long. I remember the day when it seemed all job postings had a hard deadline while, now, it’s a pretty even split between a particular date and “open until filled.” In both cases, it’s likely that the review process begins as soon as the first application comes in. Never mind “likely” and just assume this is the case. To that end, Kalish suggests making a strong practice of frequently checking for postings and applying as soon as your materials are personalized and reviewed. She also encourages messaging the hiring manager or human resources department to inquire about the posting’s application status if it seems to have been posted for a while.

Too Generic. Remember when it was okay to address a cover letter, “Dear Hiring Manager”? (Truly. There was such a day.) Of course, those days are so long gone that many of job-search age don’t believe it existed. Keep that mindset if you have it because it’s simply no longer okay. Find the name of the hiring manager or search director. Call, research and dig until you have it.

It can’t be said enough: Tailor your materials, and personalize your letter. Not only does this effort make it clear you are paying attention to where and for what you are applying, but Kalish also states that, oftentimes, it’s “a combination of your personality and experience that really makes people want to meet you.” Don’t let your cover letter and resume be just one of many in a pile, and certainly do not let them be discarded for being generic.

It’s often said that it’s the little things that matter. In the case of your job search, it might just be the little things that make a very, big difference! The extra effort put forth to polish your work may be exactly what your materials need to rise to the top!

Kalish, Alyse. “5 Little Reasons You Didn’t Get the Interview That Are So Fixable .” The Muse. Daily Muse, Inc. 2016. Web. (16 July 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.