Ann Boland was quoted in an article on Negotiating the Salary Minefield by the . Another resource that may be of use in the closing stages of a new job negotiation, is: How to Negotiate a Salary by Alex Markels of the .

First, make a crucial decision: When should you work with recruiters? (And when is it best to apply directly?) Our -- somewhat controversial -- advice, the "Three Magic Bullets", suggests that there are key factors in deciding when you should "fly solo" and when you should leverage recruiters was recently highlighted in an column.

If it makes sense to work with recruiters, consider the differences between retained versus contingent search firms. Before choosing between firms or engaging a firm to conduct a particular search, review some of the key questions. you may want to ask.

One of the questions we're asked most often is "Should I post my resume on a job board?" Read this article on how to best leverage the Internet for your job search.

There are some helpful books for execs in transition. "Rites of Passage" by John Lucht. This is arguably the best resource available to help executives who are contemplating a career transition understand 1) how various recruiters work and 2) how to leverage the process for their own benefit. "Rites" is available at RiteSite.com, Amazon.com and Half.com. Another book -- exploring the impact of executive search on companies and careers -- came out recently. Authored by Joe McCool, BusinessWeek online columnist and ExecuNet senior editor, the occasionally controversial insights in “Deciding Who Leads” range from the obvious to subtle.

One of the best ways to get your resume in front of the right executive recruiter is to identify those who specialize in your industry or function, using resources such as Kennedy Information Group's "Executive Agent" service. We find that we receive fairly targeted resumes from this source; to learn more about this option, go to their ExecAgent.com website. But avoid using the mass mailing feature. Instead, contact only those recruiters who specialize in your "sweet spot" and tailor your cover email to address the recruiter by name and the subject line appropriately, e.g. "Resume of VP level enterprise software sales exec" or "CFO with successful IPO experience in healthcare - resume attached".

For the larger retained firms, look up the appropriate practice leader for your relevant industry or functional expertise on the firm's website. While their relative rankings and names may change, we've found that the top 24 retained firms remains fairly constant. Keep in mind that the geographic office managing partner may NOT be the best person to approach. You only want to send your resume to someone who will have a vested interest in making your background known to others within the firm. Otherwise, you might inadvertently take yourself "off the market" from the perspective of hundreds of search consultants around the world, because your profile is in the "custody" of one recruiter who may not even have an opportunity that is a good fit for you (yet).

In tough economic times, it can be hard to deal with the "deafening silence" you encounter after sending your carefully crafted email cover letter and resume in response to an advertisement. You are not alone. Many companies are "interviewing, but not hiring", even in the information intensive industries in which we specialize. But this trend is starting to correct itself, and we're seeing much more pro-active interviewing, offers being extended (and accepted) and employers hiring. So keep your chin up and your eye on the ball.

Has it been a while since you've been on an interview? A recent article on CFO.com advises that executives need to be prepared to explain key career accomplishments in a behavioral interview.

Our experience has been that everyone can benefit by reviewing our "Interviewing Dos and Don'ts" and our updated "Interview Preparation Guidelines".

A good way to approach the First Interview is to stay focused on earning the option of taking the next step. By preparing in advance, you will achieve your objective of "Interviewing - Improving Your Odds." and "Your Goal is a Second Date".

Check out some advice from "Surviving The Interview" and "Preparing for the Interview"

Most successful professionals are busy with their 'day jobs' -- not particularly familiar with how executive search works -- and sometimes frustrated by 'unresponsive recruiters'.

We can help de-mystify some of search rhetoric; for example: To help you assess when to work with different types of recruiters, we developed "Differences Between Retained and Contingent Search."

We've compiled a number of resources to provide insight into how to leverage the search process on your behalf. Posted here are two articles "How to Capture A Recruiter's Attention" By Valerie Patterson and "Making Headhunters Work For You" By By Garth McCardle of WetFeet.com.

Do you wonder why recruiters don't acknowledge receiving your resume? We offer some insights and some specific suggestions to improve your chances of being contacted.

See also, how to make the most of an unexpected exit, e.g. "Negotiating a Fair Severance Package" by Paul H. Tobias and Susan Sauter of the National Business Employment Weekly.

Relocation and Home Buying and COL comparisons: Relocation for a new job can be one of the most challenging – and rewarding -- career decisions you make. We’ve found two websites that (do not currently charge a fee) which are particularly valuable during the due diligence process. The Wall Street Journal’s RealEstateJournal.com includes recent sales prices for properties in various areas, as well as local demographics (e.g. per capita income) and national mortgage rates. HomeFair.com has a very valuable calculator tool that allows you to compare the cost of living of the city in which you’re currently living to the target city, as well as information on local schools, crime rate and the community. Both of these sites can help you make an apples to apples comparisons when weighing a few of the quantitative pros and cons of a potential relocation.