An effective job search requires dedicated time and energy. There’s a lot to think about, a lot to keep track of. So it’s not surprising that, sometimes, the longer the process takes — and the more eager we become to find a new job — the easier it is to forget some of the more fundamental steps.

This can be especially true for cancer survivors who are re-entering the workforce after taking time off or who are trying to forge a new path in a new industry — particularly if they’re dealing with the lingering effects of chemo brain.

An article in The Daily Muse doles out five key pieces of advice that, although they seem obvious, can be overlooked when you get caught up in the busyness of job-hunting.

First and foremost: “You’re going to have to go out of your way to prove that you can do [whatever] job” it is you’re applying for. The fact is that although you know the depth of your experience and the well-honed skills you bring to the table, the employer who is reading your application doesn’t — at least not right off the bat. Plus, there is likely a host of other, similarly qualified people going after the very same position. So you want make sure you convey clearly and impactfully why you’re the best person for the role.

As the article suggests, there are a number of ways you can do this, including writing “a killer cover letter explaining your passion” for the work or revising your resume so that it has “a summary section” at the top that highlights the specific skills you have that are directly relevant and transferable to the position you’re targeting.

To find out The Muse’s other pieces of job-search common sense, click here.

For tips on crafting that killer cover letter, click here.

And for advice on your resume and the best format for presenting your skills and experience, check out our free Resume Review Service.