Resume / Cover Letter Rubric
Traits 4 pts.
Resume
Function Audience and purpose of the
resume are strong and clear.
Form (functional Format of the resume is clear.
or chronological) Each major section includes
& content required information (objective
statement, names, dates,
locations, etc.).
Effectiveness Resume shows a very
professional appearance, tone,
and style.
Grammar & Writer follows all guidelines
mechanics for spelling, grammar, usage,
mechanics, etc. Sentences
are strong and have a varied
structure.
Cover letter
Function Audience and purpose of the
cover letter are strong and clear.
Form & content Format of the letter is clear.
Each major section includes all
required information (address,
date, salutation, body, closing,
signature).
Effectiveness Letter shows a very professional Letter shows an appropriate
appearance, tone, and style.
Grammar & Writer follows all guidelines
mechanics for spelling, grammar, usage,
mechanics, etc. Sentences are
strong and varied.
3 pts. 2 pts. 1 pt.
Audience and purpose are Audience and purpose are less Audience and purpose are not
present but could be stronger. clear, and weak parts remain. clear.
Format is mostly clear. Each Format is confusing. Major Format is hard to see. Major
major section includes most of sections are missing informa- sections are missing
the required information tion (objective statement, information (objective state-
(objective statement, names, names, dates, locations, etc.). ment, names, dates, locations,
dates, locations, etc.). etc.).
Resume shows an appropriate Resume shows a less Resume does not have a
appearance, tone, and style. professional appearance, tone, professional appearance, tone,
Some inconsistencies remain. and style. Several weaknesses or style. Much revision is
need attention or revision. needed.
Writer follows most guidelines, Writer follows some guidelines, Writer has difficulty follow-
but some sentences are unclear, but sentences contain multiple ing guidelines; most sentences
uneven, or contain errors. errors and are difficult to contain numerous errors and
understand. cannot be understood.
Audience and purpose are Audience and purpose are less Audience and purpose are not
present but could be stronger. clear, and weak parts remain. clear.
Format is mostly clear. Each Format is confusing. Major Format is hard to see. Major
major section includes most sections are missing informa- sections are missing
required information (address, tion (address, date, salutation, information (address, date,
date, salutation, body, closing, body, closing, signature). salutation, body, closing,
signature). signature).
Letter shows a less professional Letter does not have a
appearance, tone, and style. appearance, tone, and style. professional appearance, tone,
Some inconsistencies remain. Several weaknesses need or style. Much revision is
attention or revision. needed.
Writer follows most guidelines, Writer follows some guidelines, Writer has difficulty follow-
but some sentences are unclear, but sentences contain multiple ing guidelines; most sentences
uneven, or contain errors. errors and are difficult to contain numerous errors and
understand. cannot be understood.