Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re looking to secure an entry-level role this year, getting your CV right is the first important step to a successful job hunt.

It also pays to know how to boost your chances of landing an interview, as well as how to utilise the internet during your job search. Not sure how to do this?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our guide below offers six valuable tips to help you supercharge your CV and job hunt in 2020:

1. Tailor every application

Yep, we mean every application — this can make or break your job search! Sending out the same generic CV 100 times won’t boost your chances of landing a job, in fact, it’ll probably lead you straight to the rejection pile.

You need to spend some time using the job description and company website to tailor every CV and cover letter you write, to the specific position you’re applying for. This will show a genuine interest in the job, allow you to better showcase your suitability and increases your chances of being asked in for an interview.

2. Learn new skills 

You should never stop learning, even if you’ve just graduated and you feel like your head is already full of all the knowledge and skills you need to land a job. 

Taking an evening class or online course looks great on your CV as it shows your willingness to keep learning. What’s more, it can help to address any gaps you might have in your skillset and opens you up to more opportunities. 

3. Highlight your achievements

Your CV will far more effective if you incorporate your stand out achievements and accomplishments. These could be from your time in education, previous jobs, volunteer work or your hobbies/side hustle.

Be sure to include your achievements throughout your application. If you can quantify these, then even better! For example, ‘I started a blog two years ago and have since grown my readership to 10,000 monthly views’. 

4. Start a side hustle 

You might be thinking ‘I’m looking for a job, why on earth would I start up my own business or side hustle as well?’ 

For example, you might want to do some freelance design work or advertise your accounting skills until you find the role that’s right for you. 

For one thing, these can be a great way to earn money while you're looking for a full-time role. For another, these can help to showcase your skills, make you more employable and give you more experience to bulk up your graduate CV.

5. Review your online presence 

Before you start this year’s job hunt, it’s a good idea to perfect your LinkedIn profile. Make sure every section is filled out as best you can. If you haven't got a profile, it’s a good idea to set one up as this acts as an online CV and allows hiring recruiters to find you directly.

Not only does LinkedIn allow you to expand your network and look for jobs, but it boosts your chances of recruiters finding you as well. 

What’s more, while you're online, it is also beneficial to do a digital clean up. Make your other social media accounts private and ensure there’s no content or photos under your name that you wouldn't want an employer to see. 

6. Use job boards 

Once you’ve perfected your CV, you can really elevate your job search by uploading it to one or two job boards. 

This gives you access to thousands of jobs, means recruiters can find you and as with many job sites, means you can get relevant roles sent straight to your inbox. 

Are you ready to get job hunting? 

Searching for your first real job can be an exciting time, but it can also be unfamiliar and a bit nerve-wracking. 

By following our tips above, you can boost your CV and supercharge your job search to help you find the perfect job this year!

Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV – he is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian and FastCompany.