Now that the summer season has cooled off and fall has begun, now is a great time to put your job search in high gear before the holiday season gets going. Recently, the unemployment rate dropped to an all-time low, and as a result there is an even higher demand for talented candidates in the current market. So whether you are an active job seeker or just perusing the market to see what your options are, in order to remain competitive it’s important to take the time this fall to fine tune certain areas of your job search.

Make sure you’re on the right track by taking a look at the following areas to ensure a productive job search:

Resume strategy

If you intend on standing out throughout the candidate screening process, we recommend creating a resume that not only flows with clarity and readability, but one that also markets your attributes in a strategic and creative manner. While you should always have an error-free resume, be sure to tend to the other specific areas of your resume that prospective employers focus on the most. In our article titled, “Resume Strategies That Will Help You Stand Out,” we provide a few strategies that you can use to set yourself apart from competitors. Likewise, if you want to grab the attention of your reader and hopefully make it to the first (or next) round of interviews, we highlight 6 ways to do so in this article.

Enhance your online presence

In this technological age, an updated social media profile could be the difference between being found by your next employer or losing out on your next opportunity. In fact, an increasing number of companies are utilizing social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with prospective candidates and to familiarize themselves with their background. Therefore, you need to ensure your profile(s) are always up-to-date, and make the effort to be more active on social media. You can emphasize your industry involvement/expertise by:

• sharing more unique content;
• actively participating in industry specific groups; or
• regularly commenting on interesting news updates.

It is also important to ensure that your social media profiles portray you as a professional and responsible individual. In our article titled, “Social Media Blunders That Can Cost You the Job,” we provide a few ways to avoid hurting your job search via social media.

Practice different interview methods

Over the years, the interviewing process has changed to match advances in technology and communication. As a result, many companies are utilizing a combination of phone and video interviewing to gauge if a candidate should move on to an in-person interview. To prepare for one of these interviews it may be helpful to review one of the articles above.

Once you get invited to an in-person interview at the employer’s office, this article will help ensure you make a lasting impression.

Emphasize soft skills

While highlighting your experience and skills on your resume is key to getting noticed by a prospective employer, the soft skills you emphasize can make just as much of an impact on how well you’re perceived on your interview. With this in mind, the more aware you are of the soft skills that are in high demand by employers, the better positioned you will be to stand out throughout your job search. Therefore, if you are currently in search of your next opportunity, take a look at our article titled, “The Importance of Emphasizing Your Soft Skills in Your Job Search,” to ensure you’re showcasing the soft skills most employers want to see in prospective candidates.