From the glaringly obvious blunder of a spelling mistake on your CV, to the more subtle faux pas of overstating your skills, recruiters say that these basic mistakes can be easily avoided and can seriously impede a candidate's chance of getting a job.

"If you make errors on your application, employers assume you'll make mistakes on the job," said Andrew Brushfield from Robert Half.

CareerOne.com.au's top 10 job hunting blunders are:

1. Spelling mistakes on a CV/cover letter.

2. Using "crazy" email addresses - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. Inventing careers and skills

4. Interrupting an interviewer to look at a text message or take a call.

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5. Reeking of that last-minute cigarette as you walk into the job interview. Yuck. Overpowering colognes/perfumes are also bad form.

6. Dressing inappropriately - the way you look should match the image of the company you are interviewing with. Also, jewellery that jangles irritates interviewers.

7. Not setting up a quiet space for a phone interview. Pet noises, house mates/family asking questions or loud music in the background are interview killers.

8. Sharing too much personal information.

9. Bagging your former employer or boss.

10. Not doing your homework about the employer - and worse - calling the employer by the name of their competitor.

Kate Southam, editor, CareerOne.com.au said that with the job market showing continual improvement it is a good time to search for a new job but hunters must not sabotage their own success.

"Job hunting blunders get you remembered for all the wrong reasons," she said.

16 February 2010