Collegial Support

Note: Please visit the Project area, read the instructions, and complete Part 1 of the Project Assignment before participating in this week’s Discussion.

Why work in isolation when there are colleagues who can provide support, guidance, and constructive criticism? This week you have been working on your cover letter and resume. In this Discussion, you will have the opportunity to give and receive feedback on these documents. Feedback can help all writers identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement in their work.

For this Discussion, click on the Doc Sharing tab and read at least two of your colleagues’ resumes and cover letters. Download and save their documents. Indicate your feedback by using track-changes mode to comment on their letters/resumes or by highlighting your comments in a different color.

By Friday:

Post your feedback to at least two colleagues’ cover letters and resumes. (Be sure to indicate your colleague’s last name in the subject line of your posting, e.g., “Feedback for Sally Ride”.) Summarize your feedback regarding:

1. Your first impression of the cover letter and resume
2. The formatting or wording of both documents
3. Your suggestions for improvement. Be considerate and professional. Keep in mind the tone and type of feedback that you would appreciate and find helpful.

Attach your colleague’s cover letter and resume file (which include your comments) to your response.

By Sunday:

Read your colleagues’ feedback to your cover letter and resume, as well as a sampling of other colleagues’ postings. Use any feedback you find helpful to revise your cover letter and resume.

Reminder: Be sure to submit your revised cover letter and resume to the Dropbox by Sunday.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in any of the following ways:

• Build on something your colleague said.
• Explain why and how you see things differently.
• Ask a probing or clarifying question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.
• Ask for evidence that supports the posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Consider what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.