With the year drawing to a close, we're taking a moment to highlight the insights and trends that shaped our previous newsletter editions from the past twelve months.
From key findings in our flagship reports to trends in AI, degree fraud, apprenticeships and more, here are some of the articles you may have missed and the key takeaways that still matter as you plan for 2026.
(If you need support with your 2026 recruitment campaigns, get in touch.)
Insights from our reports
Early Careers Survey
Our Early Careers Survey inspired us to produce several articles this year, including a piece on three major trends reshaping graduate recruitment:
- Work experience makes better recruits: Respondents see it as vital for building new skills, making informed career decisions and boosting job prospects.
- Work-life balance is essential: Ranking higher than salary, training and development, and career progression in this year's report.
- Many students felt disadvantaged: During the recruitment process, many felt disadvantaged due to factors, such as age, social class and ethnicity.
Following the release of the report, AI was also a key theme. We explored this further with a webinar, alongside representatives from Jisc and Arctic Shores, sharing the key findings in this edition.
With 39% of respondents using AI for their CV or cover letter, this was just one of many statistics covering how AI is being used in the recruitment process. Alongside this, 10% of respondents said they have already changed their career plans because of AI. This is an area we are exploring further in the New Year.
Finally, we spotlighted insights from respondents aged 35 and over, an often overlooked group when it comes to graduate recruitment. We examined how their career priorities differ from those under 35, the challenges they face and how employers can better engage this group.
What do graduates do?
Launched last month, this year's edition of What do graduates do?, provides a detailed picture of the graduate labour market, from employment outcomes to sector trends. We've highlighted some initial findings in this edition and we'll revisit the data in the New Year.
Latest trends in degree fraud
This year we published several articles focusing on Hedd, our degree verification service.
We began in March with a round-up of high-profile cases of CV embellishment, a timely reminder of how degree fraud is still very much an issue that won't go away any time soon.
Over the summer, we commissioned a survey with YouGov to better understand employers experiences of degree fraud. AI, again, emerged as a major concern:
- 67% of large employers reported an increase in fraudulent applications, with AI being used to enhance or fabricate experience and qualifications.
- Additionally, 37% of small and 64% of medium-sized businesses reported similar patterns.
While fraud is becoming more sophisticated, there are solutions an employer can follow, such as verifying information directly with universities, using platforms like Hedd and working with screening agencies. Our October article outlines practical actions employers can take to protect themselves.
Other standout content from this year
Predictions for the year ahead
Back when this newsletter first started, we shared an article covering insights from sector leaders with their predictions of what will happen in 2025. Covering skill shortages, graduate priorities, cost of living and more, this remains a useful read. Look out for new predictions pieces in 2026 on Luminate.
Engaging parents in the apprenticeship conversation
In line with National Apprenticeship Week this year, we explored why parents are influential in the decision-making process of students, and how employers can tailor their messaging to this audience. With the government's recent commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, this is a timely article to read.
Improving job ads and campaign performance
We also published guidance on writing job adverts that genuinely resonate with students and graduates, plus campaign optimisation tips from our Media Planning team. Both articles offer practical, quick wins to improve both job adverts and your advertising campaigns.
We hope this round-up gives you a useful snapshot of the themes and insights we’ve covered across our LinkedIn newsletter this year. Each article contains key data and helpful advice that you can apply to your recruitment strategies.
For further sector analysis and guidance, you'll find a wide range of articles and reports over on Luminate. Be sure to check out our recently launched podcast series, covering neurodiversity, international students seeking employment and more.
If you're planning your 2026 recruitment campaigns, whether you've got spaces left on your graduate schemes, looking at summer internships, or expanding your apprenticeship roles, we're here to support. Reach out to us today.
Have a lovely festive break from the Prospects team and we look forward to sharing more insights with you in the New Year!
Thanks for reading the latest newsletter. If you have any thoughts or feedback on future topics we should cover, please get in touch. You can find out more about what we do and advertising your opportunities on the Prospects website.
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