Résumé and Cover Letter Peer Review
Résumé
Does the résumé include the following sections? If not, what additions would you suggest?
Identification: Name, Address(es), Phone Number(s)? E-Mail?
Career Objectives: Is the objective too specific? Too general? What changes would you suggest?
Educational Background: Does this section include - university, degree, date of graduation, GPA (if good/
necessary), honors, relevant and related courses? What changes would you suggest?
Work Experience: Does this section include - all jobs and duties that relate; or all jobs and duties? Are the
descriptions of job duties clear and accessible (format)? Should any one of the jobs listed be emphasized or
downplayed? Is the verb structure parallel? Strong verbs and adjectives? Suggestions?
Skills: Do the skills listed seem applicable to the position? Can you suggest other skills which might be
included?
Given the order of the main sections of the body, what aspects of the writers background are highlighted?
Does this order make sense?
Are Optional Categories - Activities, Personal Data - included? Are the descriptions clear and accessible?
Consistent format? Necessary?
References: Should be listed? Available upon request? Suggestions?
Format (given the quality of the draft): How does the document look? Consistent use of fonts, font sizes?
Distinctive headings? One-page long? Consistent punctuation?
List the three best qualities of the draft. Next, provide three suggestions for revision.
Circle or make notations beside any misspellings, problems of usage, awkward phrases/sentences.
Cover Letter
Does the letter have proper block format?
Does the letter convey a clear sense of audience, rhetorical purpose, relationship and context? Is the letter
solicited or unsolicited?
Does the introductory paragraph include: legitimate name dropping; mention who, where, when and how the
writer found out about the position; state the exact position desired; restate the qualifications the ad mention;
state your qualifications; state what the writer will contribute to the position/institution? Style suggestions?
Does the order of the body of the letter follow résumé structure — education, work/skills paragraph?
Does the education paragraph mention: special, relevant and advanced course and detail what skills, ideas,
concepts you learned; mention special projects; point out what you the writer learned in the classroom that
relates to the position; mention other courses which provided related skills; mention any clubs, professional
organizations you are in that relate to the job?
Does the work/skills paragraph mention: related position held while in college; name of position; duties
performed; skills acquired, responsibilities assumed?
Does the concluding paragraph include: A request for an interview and suggest a time period; provide time of
day when you can be contacted; state if you contact them; reiterate contributions you will make?
List the three best qualities of the draft. Next, provide three suggestions for revision.
Circle or make notations beside any misspellings, problems of usage, awkward phrases/sentences.