Writing a CV not only takes time but also an unwavering attention to detail. You have to think back for dates of education and jobs; you need to write, revise and polish so you paint a glowing picture. And then there's the proof reading...

So that your CV gets the attention it deserves, avoid these 10 common clangers:

1. Not bothering with a covering letter.

If applying by post, the lack of a covering letter will probably result in your CV going straight in the bin. A covering letter is vital because it gives you the opportunity to highlight any relevant qualifications or experience, explain any employment gaps or provide other information to make the employer want to read your CV. If applying through a job search site, make sure you include a covering note if it is possible.

2. Assuming a spelling check is good enough.

In a 2007 survey, 63% of recruitment managers told CareerBuilder.co.uk that spelling errors are the most frequent mistakes in CVs.

Never rely on doing a spelling check (I typed 'relay' instead of 'rely' accidentally and it wasn't picked up). Check and check again and ask a friend to check for you. Attention to detail and strong written communication skills are requirements of many jobs. If there are two similarly skilled candidates and one has spelling errors on the CV, who is more likely to be picked?

3. Same CV, different job.

In the same CareerBuilder.co.uk survey, 30% of recruitment managers said CVs not tailored to the position were the most frequent or annoying mistake. Don't dish out the same CV and covering letter time and time again. Always make them relevant to each job and employer.

4. Focussing on roles, not achievements.

Explain what you have achieved for the company. For instance, it's easy to state you have experience in sales, but employers will take more note if you say you were responsible for a 10% growth in overall sales.

5. Being general.

Some employers may search through CVs online using keywords. If you're posting your CV online, make sure employers can find you quickly and easily by using key phrases that are similar to the ones in ads for jobs you like.

6. Giving your CV a creative touch.

One candidate printed his CV on 'Garfield the Cat' paper. Avoid being snazzy - keep your CV looking professional by sticking to standard white or cream-coloured paper, black type and an easily readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman.

7. Stretching the truth.

Prospective employers are scrupulous and any white lies - including stretching employment dates to hide gaps - could be spotted.

Why take chances? According to a UK survey for Experian, nearly half of HR managers at the UK's biggest firms can tell when someone was CV is lying. It found that 37% of job seekers had lied about their previous experience, 21% about their qualifications and 19% about their salaries.

8. Saying why you left previous jobs.

Honesty is always the best policy but it's perfectly acceptable to stay quiet until asked. Don't put anything negative on your CV - if you left because you were laid off or fired, then only mention it if asked.

9. Include lots of personal information.

What you do in your spare time is up to you, but there's no point mentioning it unless it's relevant to the job you're after. The same goes for your height, weight, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other facts that could potentially be used against you.

10. Droning on.

The paper round you had when you were 12 isn't relevant to your career, so don't include it on your CV.

Your CV should be no more than two pages, and no more than a page for most professionals, so only include your most recent and relevant work history. The CareerBuilder.co.uk survey found one candidate took eight pages to describe all the tasks done at previous jobs.

With so much competition around, it's crucial that you present employers with a good, mistake-free CV and covering letter or you'll stand little chance of getting an interview, let alone the job you want.