Student job applications are riddled with elementary errors including spelling mistakes, a survey showed.

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.

Universities should do more to prepare their students for the job market, said the firm.

Most of the 100 or so CVs Lewis received each week contained errors of some kind, according to the survey.

The worst had 17 spelling mistakes in the covering letter, while 90% of applicants managed to "disqualify themselves" by the end of the first page, said Lewis.

If they reached the interview stage, many candidates failed to do enough preparation or research into the company, said founder Chris Lewis.

"PR requires good presentation but graduates don't seem to realise that attention to detail is equally important.

"The falling standard of literacy is perhaps the most alarming development. In an age of increased course fees, this needs to be urgently addressed.

"How else can you explain this introduction from an arts graduate, I'm looking for a career in pubic (correct) relations'?"

Lewis human resources director Toni Castle said, "On this evidence, students are needlessly acquiring debt at university.

"They're simply not acquiring the skills worthy of a job that will enable them to pay off their loans.

"In many ways, the best educated people in the country are also the greenest when they leave higher education.

"It's certainly an area where universities must do better."