EMPLOYERS receive more CVs than ever before but research shows the majority contain basic errors.

Typically less than half a minute is spent reading a CV and experts say it is crucial to stand out from the crowd. Marketing Professionals UK, which specialises in marketing recruitment, undertook research to discover the most common CV mistakes:

1) Typing errors: it is proven that around 50 per cent of CVs contain spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

2) Work experience listed in wrong order. The most recent position should be first. In particular, applicants often neglect to detail their current role, it is sometimes omitted or out of date.

3) Unexplained gaps in dates between jobs.

4) Sloppy formatting: inappropriate fonts or mixing of styles and sizes; paragraphs or bullet points that do not align.

5) Inappropriate use of colours, photographs, logos or fancy paper. It is rare they aid your application.

6) Listing of irrelevant information, such as holiday jobs or casual work irrelevant to the position.

7) Sending through a CV that has clearly been constructed in application for a different role. Employers like to see a CV tailored to their vacancy.

8) Disorganised: where a CV is hard to follow and information is scattered around the page.

9) Making it too long: CVs should be kept to 2-3 pages. Long paragraphs and sentences should be avoided.

10) Too basic: CVs that only give basic information are not enough to interest the employer. Do not hurry over the preparation of your CV. Take your time and consider the best way to explain your achievements and responsibilities in a clear and concise manner.

Jonny Cainer, at Marketing Professionals UK, said: "You'd be amazed at the number of mistakes we find on CVs. It's the first thing a potential employer sees and determines whether you should move to the next stage of the recruitment process. It's vital that jobseekers get it right.

"If a CV is badly constructed, it can seriously hinder career progression. People should be aware of the most common mistakes as this is the only document the employer has to judge you on."

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