One in seven job applications goes straight in the bin because of the paper it is written on, according to a survey by internet job search service fish4jobs.
Research conducted among 300 personnel managers revealed poor quality paper and bad presentation of CVs were key reasons for swift rejection.
Use of industry buzzwords and lying about exam results were also cited as reasons applicants failed to get interviews.
The UK's leading online job search service advises people to update their CVs every year, even if no job change is on the horizon.
A spokesman said: "A CV spring-clean forces you to review your achievements and career development.
"Recognising all you've done in the past year can boost your confidence and even support your case in salary negotiations."
For more cv tips, visit www.fish4jobs.co.uk
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