If you were consumed by news of NFL kneeling and election results this week you probably missed a pretty astounding milestone: the U.S. Labor Department reported that there are now more job openings in the U.S. then there are people to fill them.

This is the first time this has happened in 20 years.

CNN reported that at the end of April there were 6.7 million job openings.

Does that mean the odds are in your favor to find a job?

Maybe.

Experts told CNN that it is possible that the numbers represent a gap that shows how the jobs and the people searching for jobs are not in the same place. The large number of jobs available also may indicate that there are not enough people with the right qualifications to hire for those positions. 

What it may also mean is that if you polish that resume and begin networking with vigor, you might find yourself in front of a hiring manager faster than you would in a meager job market. So take advantage of it, and get to work.

CNN also reported that the average job search lasts 10 weeks. That can be a very long 10 weeks if your household relied on your second income. Search for jobs not only in your direct career field but also in related fields where you can flex your know how and talents to fit an employers’ needs.

Before you apply to each job, review your resume and rewrite as necessary to show strengths that might be beneficial to each new employer. Be willing to be open-minded and learn new skills on the job.

At the end of the day, a job you never considered may become your dream career.