Prospects is the UK's main graduate careers website, and this guide by senior editor Jemma Smith (updated May 2025) is thorough without being long.
The points we'd highlight for students:
- Two A4 pages at most for most people.
- Personal statement first: a few lines, written for the sector you're applying to.
- Reverse chronological order, a clear 10 to 12 point font, bold headings and bullet points.
- Evidence over adjectives. Swap "team player" for an example that shows it, and never exaggerate.
- Tracking software: use keywords from the job description, name your qualifications in full, and avoid images and graphics.
- Gaps: explain them briefly and honestly, and mention what you learned in that time.
- AI: fine for research, summarising job adverts and proofreading, but it shouldn't write your whole CV or invent anything. Check the employer's view first.
Good for: students and graduates who want one reliable guide to read end to end.
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