Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Phil Druker/ English 317 / UI

Cover letter draft check sheet (see criteria sheet, course pamphlet)

  PJob description/vacancy announcement  ___ 

  PContent:

    Introductory paragraph:

            Job title clearly/correctly stated
            Main point stated first___  stated clearly ___
            Where author found job stated ____
            Tone appropriate for job:
              overly excited __ excited __ interested __ bland __ not really interested__

    Education paragraph

            Degree stated __  expected graduation date or year in school __
            Key terms from job description (underline them) – how many used? ____
            Details—more than in résumé ___

    Employment paragraph

            Description of previous work—specific details __
            Key terms from job description (underline them) – how many used? ____

            Details—more than in résumé ___
            Connection between past experience and position sought? Clear _ Ok_  Needed_

    Conclusion paragraph

            Refers to résumé __
            Call to action /asks for interview __
            Makes it easy to respond __
            Tone appropriate for job:

  overly excited __ excited __ interested __ bland __ not really interested__

  POrganization:

            Paragraphs focused/ one main point per paragraph_

            Topic sentence works to introduce paragraph

                        Education paragraph ___        employment paragraph __

  PSentence style:

            Clear sentences
            Concise sentences

            Number of passive sentences __ (should be 0 or close to 0)

            Vary sentences: Don’t start every sentence with “I” (should be varied)

            Avoid boiler plate è use your own words __ 

  PFormat:

            Correct__