The HotJobs 100, showcasing many of the top U.S. employers, is a great starting point for job seekers who want to know which companies are experiencing robust hiring activity.

Despite recent increases in the unemployment rate, industries such as health care are seeing continued growth in job openings. In addition, several cities in the United States, such as Atlanta and Dallas, offer a wide array of career opportunities in growing industries.

Variety in the Job Market

"You can't think of the job market as too monolithic," says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's oldest outplacement consulting firm. "A number of industries out there are doing very well currently. Health care, energy, international business, agriculture, and commodities are thriving."

On the right side of this page, you'll find more information on the top employment categories and locations within the HotJobs 100.

Make Sure You Stand Out

Today's job market is nevertheless competitive, so take these steps to make sure you put your best foot forward:

Update and upload your resume. Focus on your accomplishments and tailor each resume to the job description. You can save several versions of your resume in your Yahoo! HotJobs profile.

Research potential employers. Start by looking into the top employers listed here, and learn about their businesses by viewing their online profiles here. Informed candidates always have an advantage.

Prepare for interviews. Spend time reviewing job descriptions and anticipate relevant questions. Prepare brief stories that focus on your achievements and how you might bring value to a prospective employer.

Keep networking. Talk to friends and associates about your career interests. Attend relevant professional conferences. Explore other networking resources available in Yahoo! HotJobs.

Finally, keep applying -- until you land the next job that's right for you.