If you’re seeking a new position or think you may be in the near future, now is the time to take a closer look at how you’re presenting yourself to potential employers. It’s been estimated that, on average, 118 people apply for any given job, and of those applicants, only 23% move onto the interview process. In other words, that’s a lot of competition! With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you become a more marketable candidate:

Develop an impressive resume

Did you know that on average, a hiring manager only spends about six seconds reviewing a resume? For that reason, it’s important to make sure that yours is not only an accurate representation of your experience and skills, but attention-grabbing as well. Though bright colors or non-traditional fonts may seem like a good idea, a memorable resume has more to do with its content than quirkiness. Before you send in your resume, take a look at yours and make sure that it is:

• An appropriate length
• Cleanly formatted
• Printed and proofread for typos
• Free of cliché phrases such as “team-player” or “hard-worker”

Be technologically savvy

Regardless of what field you’re working in, it’s always a big plus to be proficient in the latest forms of technology that are relevant to your profession. Since the success of a company is undoubtedly linked to its ability to stay up-to-date with the latest technology, it’s important to do a little research into the most up-to-date and widely used systems in your field. Hiring managers are seeking candidates with the technological know-how to push their company forward, so if you’re feeling a little rusty or want to master a new program, brushing up on your skills is a great way to boost your marketability.

Utilize the hidden job market

Using LinkedIn or any other professionally relevant networking site is essential, but how you use it could make all the difference. To better uncover the hidden job market, it’s important to interact with peers and reputable professionals in your field. By connecting and maintaining contact with your network, you may be privy to information that you may not have heard of otherwise such as seminars, private events, and unposted job openings.

Consider volunteering

Employers generally place a high value on volunteering because it demonstrates that you’re proactive, possess leadership skills, and are compassionate to the needs of others. If you’ve been unemployed for a period of time, volunteering can be a great way to show that you’re staying involved within the community while continuing your job search. That being said, regardless of your employment status, finding the time to volunteer to a cause you find worthwhile can be a great way to help others while strengthening your interpersonal and professional skills.