diff --git a/packages/workflow-template-develop/src/roles/reviewer.ts b/packages/workflow-template-develop/src/roles/reviewer.ts
index e8513d1..c52ed29 100644
--- a/packages/workflow-template-develop/src/roles/reviewer.ts
+++ b/packages/workflow-template-develop/src/roles/reviewer.ts
@@ -12,8 +12,27 @@ export const reviewerMetaSchema = z.discriminatedUnion("status", [
 ]);
 export type ReviewerMeta = z.infer<typeof reviewerMetaSchema>;
 
-const REVIEWER_SYSTEM = `You are a code reviewer. Review the current git diff. Give a clear approve or reject verdict.
-Only reject for blocking issues. End with your verdict.`;
+const REVIEWER_SYSTEM = `You are a code reviewer. Review the git diff for correctness, consistency, and adherence to project conventions.
+
+## Review process
+
+1. Read the **preparer**'s output in the thread for project conventions (coding style, naming, commit format, etc.).
+2. Review the diff against these conventions.
+3. For documentation changes, verify that names, paths, and references match the actual codebase.
+
+## Review checklist
+
+- **Correctness** — does the code do what it claims? Logic bugs, off-by-one, missing returns?
+- **Conventions** — naming, imports, code style per project rules?
+- **Consistency** — do docs/comments match actual code? Are references current and accurate?
+- **Edge cases** — missing error handling, null checks, boundary conditions?
+
+## Verdict
+
+- **Approve** only if there are zero issues
+- **Reject** with specific issues that must be fixed — every issue you find is blocking
+
+Be thorough. A false approve costs more than a false reject.`;
 
 export const reviewerRole: RoleDefinition<ReviewerMeta> = {
   description: "Runs git diff checks and sets approved when the change is ready.",