peer review
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CoverLetter-PeerReview104A.docxMacArthur
UWP 104A
Peer Review for the Draft Cover Letter
For each cover letter that you review, begin by taking notes on these questions below. You will use these notes in composing your response, due by email to each writer and as one text entry on Canvas. In a single-spaced memo of at least half a page (about 250 words), summarize your responses. Be sure to cover ALL of the questions. I will read them to make sure everyone is providing appropriate feedback. Remember that detailed constructive criticism is helpful—do not offer vague praise.
EFFECTIVE FORMAT
1) Is the letter correctly formatted, with adequate white space? (See the assignment requirements.) Note flaws to be addressed.
EFFECTIVE SEQUENCE AND COMPLETENESS
3) Does the letter consist, as it should, of three to four paragraphs, partly following Brereton and Mansfield’s guidance (p. 156)? If not, explain which paragraphs fail to do what they should, and suggest breaking up long paragraphs as needed for focus, ease of reading and clarity.
- The first paragraph should include the position the writer is applying for (e.g. “financial associate”) and the writer’s educational background, e.g. “As an economics major at UC Davis graduating in June 2019, I have developed the communication and quantitative skills this position requires.”
- The middle paragraphs should “[a]ssure the employer that [the writer] meet[s] the minimum
qualifications,” “[h]ighlight [their] two or three best accomplishments,” and “[s]how in more detail how [their] qualifications and experience [match] … this particular job.”
- The final paragraph should reiterate their suitability and interest in the position, and indicate their availability for an interview.
4) Do the middle paragraphs frontload key details in the first sentence, rather than burying impressive accomplishments in the middle? Does each body paragraph begin with a clear connection to the desired qualifications, rather than a vague introductory or transitional sentence? Make suggestions for improvement.
PERSUASIVENESS & TONE
5) Read the Job or Internship posting. Given the audience and the qualifications and responsibilities of the position, and the writer’s strengths weaknesses for this particular position, are the middle paragraphs compelling? Why or why not? Does the author provide sufficient, relevant, and interesting examples? Why or why not? Does either paragraph feel like too much of a list—like the resume in paragraph form?
6) Would you contact the applicant for an interview? Does the letter provide a clear, vivid, appealing introduction of the applicant? Why or why not?
7) Is the tone formal and professional, and not overconfident, presumptuous, self-effacing or self-denigrating? Also point out any contractions, slang or chattiness, and any language that makes the writer sound arrogant or that calls attention to weaknesses.
CLARITY, SPECIFICITY & CONCISION
8) Editing: Look for sentences and word choices that need improvement (common culprits: vague phrases, wordiness and unnecessary repetition, weak verbs (often forms of “to be,” like “is” and “are”), simplistic or misused vocabulary, word choices that are unnecessarily formal, such as “utilize”).
