Sponsor feature article, 11/20/2025

Candidates get one chance to make a positive first impression

By Jody Duckwall and Jim Yunker

Whether entering the job market for the first time or as a seasoned professional, you often have one chance to impress a potential employer or its representative. These twelve suggestions may seem obvious, but our four decades of experience helping nonprofits find future team members suggest otherwise.

1. Do your homework. Visit the nonprofit’s website, review its Form 990 or most recent annual report, and ask colleagues what they know. The more you learn, the better you will demonstrate that you’re serious.
2. Be authentic. If your experiences don’t fully align with the advertised expectations, explain the value you bring and why you’d still be a strong fit.
3. Tailor your cover letter. It’s fine to begin with a general template but always personalize it by naming the specific role and organization, and by explaining your special interest in its mission.
4. Think professional. Your letter and résumé should reflect professionalism in tone, structure, and appearance.
5. Avoid careless copy-paste. When reusing language from a template, triple-check that you haven’t left in another organization’s name or details. (Yes — this happens more often than you’d think, and it’s the quickest route to the circular file!)
6. Proofread thoroughly. Don’t rush. Read every line aloud, then ask a colleague or friend to review it. Don’t rely solely on AI or spell-check.
7. Customize your résumé. Highlight experiences most relevant to the advertised role. If you have a LinkedIn profile, make sure it’s current and matches your résumé’s employment history and dates.
8. Follow application instructions. Respect submission directions and deadlines and refrain from circumventing the identified contact person.
9. Handle request for references tactfully. If references are requested, it’s appropriate to say you’ll provide them after an initial conversation.
10. Respect your references. Keep them informed and prepared, share the position posting, and confirm their willingness to speak candidly about your abilities and character — as well as their preferred contact information. (Again, this seems obvious but not always observed.)
11. Prepare for the initial conversation. When invited to speak with a representative about your application, choose time and place free from distractions so you can focus 100% on the conversation. If connecting by Zoom, dress appropriately, position your camera for natural eye contact, and prepare thoughtful questions.
12. Show your appreciation. Often overlooked but always appreciated: a brief follow-up email – or handwritten note - to express thanks and, if appropriate, reiterate your interest and availability for next steps.

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