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One of the most frustrating parts of the job search is trying to make your resume stand out. A good way to draw attention to your resume is to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. But how do you do this?

We recommend a small test: when your resume is drafted for a specific job opening, hand it to a friend and ask them, “Can you tell what job I’m applying for?”

Upon glancing at your resume for a minute or less, your friend should be able to tell you what the new job entails. This is because the job description should be reflected throughout your resume in the following ways:

  • The language you use: adopt the language used in the position description, with special attention paid to any nonprofit lingo or job-specific acronyms found in the job posting.
  • The tasks you describe: share your experience(s) doing tasks that are similar to the ones laid out in the job description so they know you're capable and willing to do the work.
  • The accomplishments you share: demonstrate your ability to successfully complete the work put forth in the description by sharing quantifiable results that you achieved in past roles.

If the above points are represented in your resume, you should be good to go! For more tips on crafting an effective resume, check out our "Perfect Resume" Roadmap, a free downloadable resource designed to help you share your work experience as clearly as possible.

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