The Careers Advisory Service (CAS) has issued a list of things to avoid when submitting your CV - advice even graduates may wish to take heed of.
Among the more obvious errors that often see applications discounted are spelling and grammatical mistakes, as well as sloppy formatting.
The length of the resume is also important - a good CV should be a maximum of two pages in length, but still hold all of the relevant information an employer needs.
Meanwhile, any gaps in employment should be explained in order to avoid arousing potential bosses' suspicions.
CAS careers coach Mark O'Pray explained that the body is used to seeing common mistakes.
"We want to help candidates avoid all the major CV no-no's in order to put them in the best possible light in the eyes of prospective employers," he said.
Mr O'Pray added that the employment market is as competitive as it has ever been and that it is absolutely necessary to get your CV right.
Meanwhile, Badenoch & Clark research has shown that one in four professionals have been forced to take jobs they are over-qualified for due to the recession.
