Reviewer’s name:

Aliya Masihuddin

What is your first impression of the potential candidate based on the overall appearance of the submitted materials? Explain in detail. 

My first impression of the potential candidate based on the overall appearance of the submitted materials is that the candidate is well organized and has many valid qualifications. His cover letter illustrates interest in the research assistant position that he is applying for and by adding that he attached the resume after his letter, shows a cohesive style for the two documents. Additionally, the clear and aesthetic format that he has chosen for his resume demonstrates the time that he took creating it. Overall, I am impressed by his cover letter and resume. 

RESUME

Is the resume neat and organized? Explain.

The resume is very neat and organized since each piece of information is strategically placed under their respective categories. The spacious and clear format also helps it look organized. 

Are all of the entries listed in reverse chronological order? Yes or No 

Yes, all of his entries are in reverse chronological order. 

Is there a heading for each section? Yes or No 

Yes, there is a heading for each section.

Is the contact information clear and easy to find? Yes or No

Yes, the contact information is clear and easy to find, at the top of both his cover letter and resume.

Does the education section seem complete? Yes or No

Yes, it includes both his highschool and college as well as his respective grade point averages for both. 

Does the work and/or volunteer section seem complete? Yes or No

Yes, he has a sufficient amount of experience listed in this section of his resume. 

What is missing or what can be improved? List 3 suggestions for this resume:

• He could maybe add an honors and awards section. 
• Typically a resume includes the applicant’s address so maybe Alex could include this. 
•  He could include his status as valedictorian of his highschool to the resume.

What is the best feature of this resume? Why? Explain:  

The best feature of this resume is the impressive extracurriculars that Alex includes. The experiences that he has chosen highlight his interest in the field of STEM, particularly in medicine. This category also showcases his commitment to previous responsibilities, which is a valuable asset. 

COVER LETTER

Does the letter look like it belongs in a set with the resume? For example, is it in the same font, size, style? Explain.

The letter has a formal look allowing it to go with the resume. However, the font and style of the two documents differ making it seem like two separate documents. Additionally, since there is a purple theme in the resume, there should also be purple in the cover letter to make it look more cohesive. 

Is the header in the proper format? Yes or No 

Yes, the header is in the proper format. 

Does the letter include: Date Y or N / Salutation Y or N / Signature Y or N 

The letter includes a date, salutation, and a signature.

How is the tone of the letter? Too casual? Too robotic? Explain:

The tone of the letter is formal and personal since he addresses the recipient with respect while describing how his interests will help aid him as a research assistant. However, the first sentence seems a little too mundane to start off with. 

Does the applicant reference the job and company in the opening sentences? Y or N

Yes , the applicant references the job and although there is no company he refers to the laboratory. 

Does it seem like the applicant did some research on the company? Does he/she seem to know what the company does or what the job entails? Y or N Explain: 

Yes, it does seem like Alex did research on the company because he specifically includes topics that are researched in the lab to show how his interests align with this lab’s work. Additionally, he includes how he understands that the knowledge required for this position is typically achieved at the graduate level and thus offers to help in any way needed, including doing clerical work or lab maintenance. 

Does the applicant write clearly and use their experience and interests to inform the letter? Y or N Explain: 

Yes, Alex writes very clearly and uses his experience and interests to inform the letter. He specifically includes his interest in immunomodulatory interactions, which he says that he knows the laboratory focuses on.

Does the applicant seem to respond to the job posting or is the letter generic? Explain: ‘

The applicant seems to respond directly to the job posting. This is because of the detail in which he describes the research being done at the laboratory.

Would you hire this candidate for the job? Y or N Explain and give suggestions for improvement: 

I would hire Alex for the job because his cover letter expresses genuine interest in the research assistant position and his volunteer and extracurricular experiences are impressive. I can tell that he took the time to make his resume, which is a promising quality for a research assistant. In order to further elevate his application I would suggest making the cover letter match the style and font of the resume. All in all, while there are minor improvements that he can make to his resume and cover letter, I would definitely hire this applicant.