How to Stand Out From the Competition  

Even if you have reached the top rungs of the corporate ladder, you might discover in this turbulent job market that potential employers will be looking beyond your core qualifications to your creativity, flexibility and fit into the company culture. Establishing yourself as a best-in-class professional, capable of easily adapting to and thriving during fluctuating economic cycles, will set you apart and enable you to more quickly land a career-enhancing opportunity. Some nontraditional strategies  include:

1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.

2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.

3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.

Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.

This is an excerpt from The Wall Street Journal and Conducting a Successful Job Hunt from Korn/Ferry’s Career Playbook: Winning Strategies in Today’s Job Market. Courtesy Korn/Ferry International, an executive-search firm based in Los Angeles.