The UK is a nation of flustered interviewees, with job hunters arriving for interviews late, unprepared and scruffy, according to research from fish4jobs.

The research highlighted the top sins candidates are most likely to commit in interviews negativity about current employer, lack of enthusiasm, sexism, arrogance and making a bad first impression.

The research found 80% said candidates with bad breath or unkempt hair blow their chances of selection before even entering the interviewing room and those who arrive late or are unenthusiastic about the role cut their chances even further. 

It found 60% cited little things such as having a weak handshake and not enough knowledge about the company as factors that can send CVs to the bottom of the pile.

Joe Slavin (pictured), chief executive of fish4jobs, comments: "Candidates need to make sure they are doing themselves justice when they go to interviews. To do this they need to dress in their best clothes, research the company and show enthusiasm. My top tip for a successful interview would be to research the company and go online and read up on interview techniques."

The research revealed that 48% of recruiters still receive CVs by post, prolonging the recruitment process for both parties.