As CEO of Mullin Associates, a provider of career consultancy for senior executives tran-sitioning between job assignments, I’ve seen a tumultuous last two years within the executive ranks of many companies.

The recession and subsequent bounce back has created a new paradigm for career-changing executives wishing to move to growth industries.

The new normal for job-hunting involves social media in a big way. Skype, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter all are the new networking tools you need for finding a position.

Hiring executives are using these tools to winnow the resumes received for each position.

The message is:

* Be prepared to brief your contacts, friends and colleagues well in advance of actually interviewing/networking.

* Have a great written, verbal and online resume showing results on the job. Results matter.

* Pick companies you think you can work for and develop a rationale as to why you think so.

* Be humble and assertive. These qualities are not contradictory when used in the proper setting. Employers want stars who do not act like stars.

* Be prepared for a long haul. The process will take longer than you think.