THE 36-WEEK JOB HUNT: Being out of a job for an extended period no longer carries the stigma it once did for top managers, according to a new survey.

A top manager can remain unemployed for nine months without it hurting his or her career, according to telephone interviews with 150 senior executives by Robert Half Management Resources.

Most hiring managers recognise the economy has sidelined many capable and experienced people, said Paul McDonald, executive director for the unit of staffing company Robert Half International Inc.

Robert Half gives these tips for the senior-level job-seeker:

— Be flexible. You may not find a job that is an exact match with the one you held before. Explore ways to apply your expertise in new areas and highlight your transferable skills.

— Network effectively. Make sure your network includes people at varying experience levels as well as those outside your industry.

— Know the company. The more you can uncover about a business' strengths and weaknesses as well as its corporate culture, the better you can tailor your application materials to the firm's exact needs.

— Consider relocating. Be open to opportunities in other cities or states, particularly if your skills are highly specialized or few job openings exist locally.

SEVERANCE LEVERAGE: The recession of the early 2000s may have taught employees valuable lessons about job security.

Executives are negotiating severance before they are hired and aren't accepting the standard package, according to a recent study by human capital consulting company Lee Hecht Harrison. Nearly 90 percent of top officers negotiated their severance last year, compared with 23 percent in 2001.

"Individuals are more savvy now, and companies are more flexible," said Barbara Barra, executive vice president for field sales and operations. "When people think about separation benefits, it's not just about the money but also health care coverage negotiations, career transition assistance, references and what the company will say about the departure."