For all the efforts we make as consultants to present ourselves in as good a light as possible, sometimes we just have to step back and applaud some who turn adversity into a strength.

You may remember the job wanted ad Brian O'Dea placed in the Toronto Financial Post in February 2001 by a man who wanted to transform his experience as a drug smuggler into a portfolio of experience worthy of a respectable job.

The ad generated a flurry of job offers from companies who were looking for skills, not pedigree or marquee firm history. What does this tell you about how to market your experience?

Tip: What is there about your experience (let's presume it is not criminal, but apparently even that is not off the table), that you can repurpose as a strength?

© 2011 Institute of Management Consultants USA