This is the second article in a two-part series on using power words and actions to build and manage a winning executive search campaign. (Read Part I here.) Use the following strategies to stay in control and drive your job search forward.

Selling: Sell It to Me, Don't Tell It to Me

In your resume, cover letters, interviews and networking contacts, you have two options: you can either tell the facts or sell the success. Selling is more effective than simply telling; you can tell your reader that you increased sales or you can sell the fact that you identified a new market, developed key accounts and increased sales revenues by 45 percent within the first year.

Innovation: There Are No Rules

This is the single most important concept in resume writing. What you include and how you include it are entirely dependent on your current career objectives, not your past career history. Your challenge is to create a resume that powerfully sells your skills, qualifications and successes for the type of position you are seeking.

Perception: Paint the Right Picture

My resume motto is: "Paint the picture of yourself that you want someone to see while remaining in the realm of reality." Push your reader in the right direction by highlighting the skills, experiences and achievements that are most relevant to your career objectives.

Judgment: Age and Job Searching

Do you include the fact that you graduated from college in 1964 when writing your resume? What about a job you held in 1962? Is your age closing the door before you get in for an interview? Resumes are marketing tools and not career biographies. There are no rules stating that you must include date of graduation or all of your early positions. Use your judgment to determine what information gives you value on your resume and what detracts from your candidacy.

Thoroughness: Take Nothing for Granted

Never make assumptions in job searching. If you are attempting to communicate a specific message, spell it out. For example, do not assume that because you tell someone you managed international M&A activity, they will also know you sourced potential candidates, managed legal relationships in eight countries or personally negotiated a $22.8 million deal. Leave nothing to chance and communicate all that is vital.

Target: Targeted Direct Mail Can Work

There is a lot of controversy about direct mail and whether it is a reasonable search strategy. It can work, but only if well-targeted. Mailing thousands of pieces is not the answer. Targeted mailings only work if you position yourself in front of the right companies and recruiters -- people who would be interested in a candidate with your specific qualifications. This requires research and effort on your part, but the benefits can be phenomenal.

Reality: Let It Go

You have all the qualifications for the position and know you can do the job. However, for whatever reason, the company is not interested. There is nothing you can do or say that will change their minds. Move on to more promising opportunities.

Patience: Interviewing

Your only purpose in the first interview is securing an invitation for a second interview. It is extremely rare to be offered a position after only one interview. Therefore, your challenge is to impress your interviewer, favorably position yourself against other candidates and get on the short list.

Problem Solving: Thank-You Letters That Solve and Sell

Thank-yous are not simply a formality. They are an excellent tool to demonstrate the specific value you bring to a company based on the specific needs and issues they communicated to you during your interview. Use your letter to sell the fact that you can solve their problems, meet their challenges and deliver impressive results.

Perspective: Life Is More Than Work