Things are tough so for the next few blog posts, I’ll focus on ideas to help middle and senior executives with job strategies.

Competition for jobs is high as an increasing number of skilled professionals are laid off. While the Internet has made it easier than ever for job seekers to post their resumes, that convenience has made it harder for candidates to stand out.

Forget the ‘shotgun’ job application method

Many people still use the ‘shotgun’ method to conduct a job search. They read the job ads and submit a standard resume to as many job boards as they can find. Then they submit their standard resume to either a handful of opportunities each week, or they submit to dozens of jobs with the same resume as long as the position sounds remotely interesting.

WRONG. It’s a strategy that does more harm than good. Recruiters are not likely to help you because you’ve given all potential hiring firms free access to your information. When you try to be all things to all prospective employers, you end up being nothing to no one.

Hiring managers want leaders with demonstrated success in finding creative solutions to difficult problems. Business plans, project plans, budgets and presentations all take time to research and develop. So you research a specific job and then apply.

By taking the time to zero in on a specific career goal and to plan an effective job search, you demonstrate to hiring managers your clarity and ability to manage projects.