Reviewing the Resume and Cover Letter

In the next couple of sections, you will see copies of a resume rubric and checklist, as well as a cover letter rubric and checklist. Use these resources to guide the review process for your students. Heres a step-by-step guide for using them:

The Guide:

Review the checklist and rubric prior to looking at a student’s resume and cover letter. This will allow you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the criteria for a good resume and cover letter and help you understand what you should be looking for during the review.
Evaluate the resume and cover letter using provided rubrics. Make note of where the students stands in each of the main categories.
Add comments and revisions to the resume and cover letter based on the feedback outlined on the rubric.
Next, take a look at the attached checklists. Review each checklist and make sure to follow each of the steps outlined on it before sending the materials back to the student.
Send the edited materials back to the student. Note that it may take several revisions between both you and the student before final drafts are ready.

Resume Rubric

Attached above is a very useful rubric to use prior and during to reviewing your mentee’s resume.

Resume Rubric Scorecard

Attached above is a useful scoresheet to use and show your mentee when reviewing their resumes.

The Resume Checklist

Review their resume for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Make sure the resume is easy to read and visually appealing.
Ensure that their resume is tailored to the specific job they are applying for. The resume should highlight the most relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Help them identify their accomplishments and quantify (i.e. use numbers and statistics) them when possible. This can be in the form of numbers, percentages, or figures.
Encourage them to include keywords that are relevant to the job they are applying for. These keywords can be found in the job posting and can help the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems.
Help them develop a strong or objective statement. This should be a brief, compelling statement that highlights their unique qualification and the value they can bring to the company.
Help them to find resources for resume examples and templates that may be helpful for them.
Provide your honest feedback, both positive and constructive, and be willing to make suggestions for improvements.

The Cover Letter Rubric

Attached above is a useful rubric to use when evaluating a mentee’s cover letter.

Cover Letter Rubric Scoreboard

Attached above is a blank rubric you can use as you evaluate your mentee’s cover letter.

The Cover Letter Checklist

Review their cover letter for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Make sure the cover letter is easy to read and that margins/spacing are consistent.
Ensure the cover letter is addressed to the correct company and person. Make sure the introduction is compelling and clearly states the job the student is applying for.
Students should highlight how their qualifications align with the requirements listed in the job description. In the cover letter, ensure the student describes their relevant accomplishments and how they apply to the role.
Encourage your student to research the company and understand their relevant accomplishments and how they apply to the role.
Help them develop a strong introductory statement that describes why the student is interested in the role, the value they believe they will provide to the company, and how they heard about the role.
Help them to find resources for cover letter examples and templates that may be helpful for them.
Provide your honest feedback, both positive and constructive, and be willing to make suggestions for improvements.