8. Develop a quality CIO resume. For some reason, the quality of most CIO resumes is pretty unimpressive. Hammond says she rarely sees a CIO resume that clearly presents and translates the technologies that the CIO has worked with into measurable business outcomes. (For tips on putting together a noteworthy resume, see "The Bulletproof CIO Resume", end of story.)

"This is not the area to cut corners or try and put this important document together yourself. Seek professional assistance when developing your resume and keep in mind that the audience who will typically read this document is focused on business outcomes and achievements versus technology and technical jargon."

9. Build your networks. A mutually beneficial' relationship with an executive search firm can be enhanced by using online professional networking tools such as LinkedIn.

"I have been a regular user of the LinkedIn service for the past three years," says one CIO. "I am finding that increasingly the calls I receive from recruiters are more targeted. It is often the case that the recruiters use these tools to supplement their methods to locate the appropriate candidates they need both here and other abroad for senior posts.

"In the last few years, I have consistently been approached by recruiters who use these tools to track me down for potential new opportunities - including ones I had not thought of as possible before. Given the more targeted nature of the calls, I find that the recruiters and I are able to reduce the effort looking at job competency match of the role, instead, we are able to spend more time in jointly identify whether there is a 'close fit' of the role for their clients and for me - after all, it's a two way street when it comes to matching the right person to the right job.

"As tempting as it is to look into every great opportunity that comes my way - and mind you, there are increasingly more opportunities I am hearing through targeted referrals from recruiters - these targeted calls have helped me to become a lot more selective in deciding whether or not to pursue those opportunities further beyond my initial discussions with the recruiters. Whenever I turn down an opportunity to pursue a prospective new role, I always make referrals to the recruiter if I know of other candidates who may fit the bill. This practice has worked well for me and helps a small number of recruiters and me to form strong working relationships over the past few years."