For those of you looking for a job this summer, you may be in luck. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recently released June unemployment report revealed some very positive information about the state of the job market. Not only did the unemployment rate drop to 6.1%, the lowest it has been since September 2008, but also, the 288,000 new jobs added to the market in June exceeded the estimated monthly gain of 215,000. This upward trend is also visible in TESG’s monthly employment index, which shows a 52% year over year increase in the number of new jobs our clients are looking to fill.

If this report has motivated you to kick your job search into high-gear, here are some ways to ensure that you are taking advantage of the recovering market:

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you’ve been holding off on updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, don’t wait any longer! With the number of new opportunities only increasing, you have to be prepared to apply to a job at a moment’s notice, and the first step in doing this is updating your resume. Some simple ways to do this include adding any new responsibilities that you have taken on or new skills you’ve acquired, ensuring your resume is in an easy-to-read format, and removing any irrelevant information. The next step is making sure that you are searchable via social media, specifically LinkedIn. In today’s digital world, employers will most likely search for your profile on LinkedIn, so you want to ensure you have a compelling profile that includes an up-to-date summary of your skillset and accomplishments.

Brush up on your interviews skills. Interviewing may be one of the most intimidating parts of a job search, but don’t let your nerves get the best of you. The key to a successful interview is preparation. As a result, before your interview, we suggest that you do significant research on the company, review the requirements of the position you are interviewing for, and conduct a mock interview with a friend or yourself. This will not only help you prepare for difficult questions thrown your way, but also give you the confidence you need to ace your interview and hopefully land the job.

Make a portfolio. A portfolio is not always an application requirement, but having one may give you a competitive advantage over other job seekers. A well-organized and concise portfolio that showcases your skills and accomplishments can say more about you than your resume can, and is also a great tool that can be used to market yourself as a qualified candidate in an interview and showcase your personal brand when networking.

Grow your network and reach out to existing contacts. In today’s job market, submitting your resume and applying to jobs online isn’t the only way you should be looking for a job. For instance, there are some great opportunities out there that aren’t always publicized on the internet and can only be found through a personal contact or referral. This makes networking just as vital a tool in your job search as any other.

With these 4 steps in mind, you should be well on your way to finding success at the end of your search!