"We see at least 20 unsolicited security resumes a day, and most of them are really lame," said Snyder. "We are looking for a real business-focused, value-driven resume. When the resume can show they understand their connection to the business, they are the ones that stand out and the ones that get read from top to bottom."
2. Distinguish yourself and your 'brand'
"The business people looking to fill these security positions are looking for leaders who have come from similar backgrounds," said Lee Kushner, founder and CEO of L. J. Kushner and Associates, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in senior information security management placement.
Security career development strategies
* Lohrmann: Why security pros fail and what to do about it
* 10 tough interview questions and how to answer them
* Security and business communication 101
* Make yourself a security job dream candidate
In the past, the bar security professionals have been measuring themselves by has been their peer group, said Kushner. But if security professionals want the kind of respect they have been clamoring for in business, it's time to set a different goal—one makes you seem like you belong in an environment with business executives.
"If you want a seat at the executive table and to be taken seriously, you have to be able to show your peer group is an executive peer group and not a security peer group," said Kushner.
Kushner advises security pros now to make career investments in themselves that will differentiate them from their peer group. For example, while a security certification may mean something within group of security professionals, certifications will not seem as important to business leaders. Look for ways to ramp up your business background instead, whether it's taking on new responsibilities in your current position, or getting some business-related education.
Read more about how the CISO role has changed in the past 5 years
