As every job-seeker would have learnt by now, it is well worth having a first grade CV when it comes to impressing future employers, as this is what helps recruiters form their initial opinion of candidates.

But according to Dan Hawes, co-founder of the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, many job-hunters are too careless with regard to their personal resume.

"Sixty per cent of CVs have a linguistic error. That includes spelling mistakes and grammatical errors," he noted. "You really need to proofread your CV. People sometimes treat their CV like an autobiography rather than a sales document."

Mr Hawes said a successful curriculum vitae contains details of achievements the candidate has secured in their working life to date, rather than a list of dry facts. Good CVs are also limited to two pages - employers will switch off if they believe you are waffling.

"Finally [another mistake is] not following up or giving a phone call. People think they are being pushy but they are not. They just need to phone up a couple of days later and ask 'did you get my CV?'"

Ringing the interviewer to follow up a job opportunity could widen candidates' career options because it helps them stand out from the crowd.

"Other tips [include] posting out your CV as well as emailing it because not many people post out their CVs anymore, so that is one way to stand out. Another way would be to handwrite your cover letter," Mr Hawes added.

One man who knows how to catch the attention of prospective employers is Joe Busby, who made headlines when he wore his CV on a T-shirt.

The Chronicle News reported that the 27-year-old graduate was inundated by requests from impressed recruiters and has now decided to set up his own sandwich delivery company.

"I've got 14 years' catering experience and I need to do something on my feet. I always said I'd give it six months and if I hadn't found the right job I'd look to start my own business. It's always a risk to start a new business, but with my background what I'm doing now just makes sense to me," the entrepreneurial Joe told the newspaper.