Cover Letter Peer Review Activity

  1. Using the "Cover Letter Draft" tag display, take a look through the cover letters everyone posted to their blogs. You will be choosing two and posting a comment to each. Do not comment on a cover letter that already has two comments. We want to make sure that every cover letter gets two replies.
  2. Compose a detailed response for both cover letters that carefully addresses all of the questions below and responds to the author's questions. If you have additional suggestions for response not covered by the questions below, the writer would certainly appreciate the feedback; however, you are still responsible for addressing all of the listed questions.
  3. When finished, post each response as a comment to the appropriate blog.

In composing your response, you might find it easier first to go through and address all the questions one by one. Your tone should be informal but professional and not overly casual. A friendly voice in feedback is good; many writers are more comfortable accepting cricitism of their work when it comes from a good-natured, sympathetic responder.

Also, when talking about specific areas of the author's text, be sure to include specific quotations within your feedback. Take advantage of the fact that you can easily copy and paste to point directly to what you are referencing from the draft.

Form and Style

  1. Does the letter include all the necessary components (return address, header, salutation, introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion)? If not, what’s missing?
  2. Does the author use block format (all text flush with the left margin)?
  3. Does the style of the letter suit the occasion? Is it too informal, formal, or generic? Explain.
  4. Does the author take the right tone? (i.e., come off as enthusiastic without gushing? Highly qualified without bragging?) Explain.
  5. Are there any spelling or mechanical errors? If so, identify them.

Content/Rhetorical Context

  1. Does the letter speak directly and specifically to the job ad, using keywords to organize the discussion of the author's qualifications? Even if it does, what could be done better?
  2. Does the author mention specific reasons why he or she has applied for the position? Explain.
  3. Does the author identify specific skills using terminology that other experienced people would recognize?
  4. Does the introductory paragraph identify the position applied for, its source, and then the major reason(s) why the author is well-suited to it?
  5. Does the conclusion indicate how the author can be contacted for further discussion or an interview? Does the letter end on a high note? Explain.
  6. What is the most important revision the author should make? Explain.