Below is a quote that I think is relevant to your career search:

“You cannot sell to someone who isn’t listening; word of mouth is the best medium of all; and dullness won’t sell your product/service, but neither will irrelevant brilliance.” ~Bill Bernbach (Pioneered creative advertising for Volkswagen – Think Small, Avis – We Try Harder, Life Cereal – Mikey Likes It)

Questions to think about from this quote:

1. How are you getting a hiring manager or HR to listen? It probably won’t be by yelling or pestering the same message: “Pick me” more or louder.

2. How are you using and amplifying the medium of word of mouth to get you a little closer to an interview? Can you be referred in, are you building relevant relationships through networking?

3. How are you helping to ensure your message is not “dull”? Dull may also mean the same message as everyone else.

4. How is your brilliance relevant to where you’re applying or who you’re interviewing with? You have brilliance, but having a one size fits all resume as your only credential is not it.

Hope these ideas help as you strategize your career search this year.