Peer Job Application Letter Response

1. Using the blogs
   display, take a look through the job application letters everyone
   posted to their weblog. Choose two and post a comment to each that you
   will be responding to his or her application letter drafts. In choosing
   two, try to pick ones that have not received any responses or notices
   that someone is responding.
2. Then, compose a detailed response for each that carefully addresses all of the questions below and tries
   also to address the writer's concerns. 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 weblog posts you are responding to.

In composing your response, you might find it easier to first just
to go through and address all the questions on a sheet of paper or in a
document file. Your tone should be informal but professional and not
overly casual. A friendly voice in feedback is good; many writer's are
more comfortable at accepting cricitism of their work when it come from
a good-natured, sympathetic responder.

Also, when talking about specific areas of the author's text, be
sure to include specific quotation within your feedback. Take advantage
of the fact that you can easily copy and paste to point directly to
what you are referring to from the draft. (Try using Firefox or
Safari's "tabbed browsing" to keep multiple windows easily available
during this type of peer review.).

Form and Style

1. Does the letter include all the necessary components (return
   address, header, salutation, introductory paragraph, body paragraph(s),
   and conclusion)? If not, what’s missing?
2. Does the writer use block format (all text flush with the left margin)?
3. Does the style of the letter suit the occasion? Is it too informal? Too formal or generic? Explain.
4. Does the writer take the right tone? (E.g., come off as
   enthusiastic without gushing? highly qualified without bragging?)
   Explain.
5. Are there any spelling or mechanical errors? If so, identify them,
   either by listing them here or by circling them on a printed draft.

Content/Rhetorical Context

1. Does the letter speak directly and specifically to the job ad,
   using keywords to organize the discussion of his or her qualifications?
   Even if it does, what could be done better?
2. Does the writer mention specific reasons why he or she has applied for the position? Explain.
3. Does the writer 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 writer is well-suited?
5. Does the conclusion say how the writer 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 writer should make? Explain.