VisualCV, Inc., an online professional profile system, has issued a news release to help anyone – from entry level job seekers on up – manage their job search during the current economic downturn.

• Attitude Check - Be mindful of attitudes and assumptions about the job market. "Often, the beliefs we buy into determine outcomes more than anything else," says Ford Myers, M.Ed., president of Career. "It's natural to feel nervous, but people can smell cynicism and negativity a mile away. Instead, maintain a positive, open-minded attitude.”
• Take Inventory - How are you currently marketing yourself to your current or prospective employer? Myers recommends evaluating your strategic approach, methodology, the resume, work samples and portfolio items, oral presentation, etc. to be sure you're on top of your game at all times. This way you'll always be ready to showcase results and achievements to your boss or to a potential employer.
• Showcase Yourself - Whether you're networking or job seeking, be sure your accomplishments are visible. "You're more likely to be recognized internally or found by recruiters if you can tangibly show your areas of expertise and the value you bring to the table," says Louise Kursmark, MRW, CCM, principal of Your Best Impression.
• Take a Consultative Approach - Be proactive and ask probing questions to find out what's keeping your current boss or prospective employer up at night. Then, jump into action.
• Network - That next opportunity is far more likely to come from connections than from a job listing, says Myers. Be active in professional associations, do volunteer work, participate in online peer communities - stay out there.
• Be Smart Online - "Recruiters and employers are absolutely Googling you. They don't want to see discrepancies between your in-person and online personas. Your online presence can make a difference in landing the job or securing a promotion," Kursmark says. Be professional and polished wherever you have a digital footprint.
• Be Selective - It may sound counterintuitive, but the worst thing to do is abandon your career goals and throw a wide net "doing anything for anyone," according to Myers. For example if you've been laid off, don't panic and send out 1,000 resumes the next day and take any job offered. Take a little time. Breathe.
• Stay Engaged and Informed - "Keep an eye on what's going on in your company and in your field so that you're not the last one there to turn out the lights," says Kursmark. Be active in professional organizations and keep up-to-date about current trends. This will help in identifying growth areas and opportunities.