For an employer or consultant one of the most talked about "pet-hates" has to be the way in which some candidates choose to communicate. For example you should never be using the title "mate" when referring to them - "cheers mate" or "catch ya later mate" is just not the way to address people you a) don't know and b) are working with on a professional level. The same goes for using text language in emails like "thanx 4 ur email. every1 thinks id b really gud 4 this job". Also - smiley faces, joke email addresses and silly voicemails are a big no no! All these things are fine among friends but look very unprofessional in the graduate market and can really put people off - make sure you're projecting the right first impression.
