In order to be an effective peer editor, you need to be compassionate & understanding. You also need to be honest & kind. Let’s face it: we all need feedback on our work, but we all need it to be phrased in positive & helpful ways. Peer editing is where we practice that skill.
As you read your groups’ submissions prepare answers to the following questions, and then send the answers to your group mates – there’s no sense in hoarding your comments! You will also submit your comments to me, for credit.
First read through the letter & resume. Not any obvious typos, grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, but don’t get obsessed. Circle or otherwise note any formatting problems. This first read is to get the gist of the document.
Consider the writer’s ethos or authority. How does this person come across? (Be specific: if you say the person sounds “organized,” for instance, how do you know? What tells you that?) Does the writer sound professional? Again, what tells you that.
Does the letter seem appropriate for the job? Do you think the writer includes the sort of information the employer wants to hear? The information he or she needs to know? (Imagine you’re doing the hiring: would you want to interview this person?)
Consider the resume. How effective is it? Are there enough specifics? What else might the writer include to make the document more vivid? Are there places where the writer can be more precise?
Does the letter function to illustrate the resume? Does it flesh out the work done in greater detail? If not, how might it do that more fully? If so, are there areas that need refining or tweaking?
What is strongest about this application package? (Be specific here.)
What needs improvement? (Again, be specific.)