The job market was greeted with a welcome surprise from the Labor Department this month: an adjusted number for the week of May 15th’s unemployment claims, bringing the total number to the lowest it’s been in seven years.

According to the Labor Department, the 297,000 jobless claims for that week were a low we haven’t seen since May 2007—dropping unemployment claims to pre-recession levels. This furthers the theory that the slow strengthening of the job market was due to the extreme winter and will pick up as the weather warms and companies continue their hiring efforts. Economists expect this trend to continue, to see an average of over 200,000 jobs added per month for the remainder of 2014, an improvement over the 190,000 monthly average of last year.

How can job seekers, as a result, take advantage of these promising numbers?

1. Get networking. We can’t say it enough—networking is a vital part of any job search that can only help a candidate’s odds, whether that be through word-of-mouth about who’s hiring or a direct reference from a professional connection. While there are more jobs being added monthly, not all of them are accessible through a quick internet search. In fact, many are a part of what some may know as the hidden job market. Having a well-organized and interactive network can help you tap into these jobs you may otherwise not have known about.
2. Work with a recruiter. A recruiter can be one of the most important facets of your network. Working with one can help your job search tremendously, from finding these hidden jobs to grooming your resume for submittal to landing and acing interviews. Even if your job search is going well, there are a number of mistakes many job seekers make that recruiters can help avoid.
3. Perfect your image. There’s a lot of emphasis on personal branding lately, and for good reason. Taking certain steps to creating a recognizable personal brand, such as creating an elevator pitch, starting a website or blog, and making sure your LinkedIn is in tip-top shape can greatly improve your chances of employers recognizing you and pinpointing you as a great fit for their company culture.
4. Have a plan. The best thing you can possibly do for your job search is to know what to expect—and how to react—at every turn. Whether or not you have any interviews slated for the near future, be sure to practice your skills, especially by formulating answers to both common and tricky interview questions. Likewise, be prepared  for any other kind of contact with hiring managers, such as emails, phone calls, and impromptu phone or video interviews. The proper preparation, combined with the bright outlook of the job market, can make for an equally bright future for a determined job seeker.