Student job applications are riddled with elementary errors including spelling mistakes, according to a survey.
More than 1,000 applications were analysed by public relations company Lewis for its trainee positions and the firm found it was common for them to be incorrectly addressed or to relate to the wrong job.
The worst application had 17 spelling mistakes in the covering letter, while 90 per cent of applicants managed to "disqualify themselves" by the end of the first page.
The firm said universities should do more to prepare their students for the job market.
Founder Chris Lewis said: "The falling standard of literacy is perhaps the most alarming development. How else can you explain this introduction from an arts graduate 'I'm looking for a career in pubic relations'?"
*Thursday March 20 2003
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