Financial health is a real issue to most people these days. It seems as though everyone is tightening their spending. Many have lost jobs. In addition to writing a good resume, what other strategies can help find a new position?

Yahoo printed some information from David Perry. Perry, currently based in Ottawa, has been a headhunter for at least 22 years and has earned $172 million. Sounds like his advice should lead to the inside track.

Perry says to stay away from online postings. Instead, find and use the 'hidden job market,' which he explains as the positions that come open due to attrition and resignations. Every year companies lose an average of 20-25 percent of their employees in these ways. And the companies are not likely to advertise these positions.

Finding these positions is worth the effort. Prepare to sell your skills in a way that solves a problem the employer faces. Invest time to research companies. Choose 10-20 (maximum) companies that you are truly interested in. Find out who at the company has the power to hire for your position. From his profile on LinkedIn find those he is connected to. Ask those people what it is like to work for your target boss.

Here is a real no-no, according to Perry. Do not spend interview time deciding whether you want the position. Keep focused on being postitive and upbeat during the interview. Demonstrate that you are a good communicator. Leave the deciding for later.

Instead of a thank you letter, Perry suggests sending a letter that tells how you see yourself in the organization. Include your strengths that apply to the issues of  discussion during the interview.

Remember Perry is a headhunter who works at placing top executives. If you follow his strategies for a lower level position, you are likely to make yourself stand out in the crowd. And you may find yourself with both a better position and a better salary.