Brand Yourself (sounds painful but it isn't)

It's a bit of a paradox, but executives who are most successful in their job search are not those who try to appeal to a broad audience, but those who have narrowed their focus to the specific kinds of opportunities where they will excel. In other words, they have clearly articulated their executive brand - who they are, what they know, what industries and functions they're expert at, how they do things differently from others.

Just recently I was speaking to a prospective client who said, "But won't that eliminate me from consideration for some jobs that I could do?" Well, it might, but even more probably it will allow you to demonstrate that you are IDEALLY suited for some positions rather than GENERALLY suited for many others. With the glut of resumes on the market, recruiters and hiring executives will quickly overlook "sorta" candidates in favor of those with clear differentiators that are a tight fit for their needs.

You won't appeal to everyone... but do you really want to? Articulating your brand benefits you as much as it does those you contact during your search.