How to write a cover letter using AI

AI has opened up countless avenues for making making life a little easier. When it comes to job hunting, it might even be able to help us tackle one of the trickiest parts: writing a well-structured, attention-grabbing cover letter. 

It’s good practice to write a different cover letter for every job application you send. Using its advanced language-processing capabilities, AI can help you write as many tailored letters as you need, without getting writer’s block or struggling to find the right words. As a tool in your job-hunting arsenal, it can help you apply to jobs more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that your applications highlight your most relevant skills and experience. 

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using AI to write a cover letter, how to write AI prompts it and how to tweak your AI-generated letter to add a personalised touch. 

What is an AI cover letter?

AI technology like ChatGPT uses advanced algorithms to generate text based on the guidelines you set i.e. your ‘prompts’. The content you ask it to create can range from a basic outline to a complete cover letter, depending on how you use the tool. 

Here’s why so many people are using AI for writing cover letters:

• Efficiency: AI speeds up the writing process, allowing you to quickly produce a cover letter. This can save you a lot of time when applying to multiple positions.
• Personalisation: AI tools can tailor content based on the job description and company culture, and even include your unique background, ensuring that your cover letter is specific to the job.
• Overcoming writer’s block: AI can provide a starting point, helping to get the creative juices flowing.

Pros and cons of using an AI cover letter 

Using AI to help write cover letters is a game changer – however, it comes with its own set of challenges. It’s important to weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision about whether an AI cover letter is the right approach for you. If you do decide to use it, remember that the key is to use AI to provide the first draft of your cover letter, which you then edit and personalise, to make sure your letter is authentic to you.

Pros

Time efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using AI for cover letters is how much time it saves you. AI can quickly generate initial drafts, so you spend less time structuring the cover letter and more time adding your personal flair.

Guidance and suggestions

AI tools provide valuable suggestions and guidance. It’s not about handing everything over to AI to craft a generic cover letter. Instead, you can use its suggestions to enhance your cover letter or get ideas on how to improve content, structure and even the approach to addressing specific job requirements.

Customisation based on prompts

Customisation is essential to making your cover letter stand out. With very specific prompts, AI can tailor cover letters to different job applications, ensuring that each letter is relevant and specific to the role you’re applying for.

Language enhancement

When it comes to using polite language and correct grammar, AI is an overachiever. You can ensure a polished and professional cover letter, which is important in making a good first impression.

Overcoming writer’s block

For many people, starting a cover letter is the most challenging part. AI is a handy creative aid to help you overcome writer's block. It provides a starting point and give you fresh ways of sharing your skills and achievements, making the writing process smoother and less daunting.

Consistency in tone

Maintaining a consistent tone throughout a cover letter is essential for a professional final product. AI tools are programmed to keep the tone consistent, which can be a challenge for inexperienced writers

Cons

While it’s clear that AI offers plenty of benefits when it comes to crafting a stand-out cover letter, there are also a few drawbacks that it helps to be aware of. 

Lack of personality

ChatGPT might be good technically, but it can’t put genuine human emotion into a letter. This makes it hard to truly capture your enthusiasm or personality, which can make the cover letter feel less personal. The uniqueness of your character, experiences and career aspirations might not be fully conveyed through AI-generated content.

Can’t address subtleties

AI still finds it challenging to grasp the nuanced details of your experiences or the meaning of industry-specific language. This can make your cover letter less reflective of your knowledge and expertise. 

Limited understanding of context 

AI tools don’t tend to understand complex careers or specific job requirements unless you create precisely the right prompt, which can be as time-consuming as writing a cover letter in the first place. AI may not be able to do your skills and experience justice. 

Risk of overreliance

Once you’ve successfully used AI to write a cover letter, you might start to depend too heavily on it – for future job applications and for writing in general. Writing is a practical skill to develop and one that’s worth practising and improving on. 

Potential ATS compatibility issues

AI-generated content isn’t always optimised for applicant tracking systems (ATS). This means if your cover letter goes through an automated screening process, it may not make it through to the next stage. 

Missed opportunities for creativity

AI can’t infuse creativity and unique flair into cover letters. If you’re applying to creative or non-traditional industries, your own original and authentic voice should shine through in your cover letter, even if it’s not perfect. 

Impersonal tone

AI often adopts a tone that feels mechanical or impersonal, and nothing at all like you. This creates a disconnect between who you are as an employee and how you come across to a potential employer.

Need for human review

Despite the assistance provided by AI, a final human review is always essential. This ensures that the cover letter captures your unique strengths, aligns with the job requirements and maintains a personal touch. No matter how good ChatGPT’s grammar is, you still need to proofread your letter and make sure it’s free of typos or inaccuracies. 

AI cover letter generator: Using ChatGPT

Ready to start applying? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access and use ChatGPT for writing cover letters.

1. Using the ChatGPT interface

Step 1: Access ChatGPT

To begin, access ChatGPT through the website. Create an account or log into an existing account.

Step 2: Familiarise yourself with the interface

Once you log in, take a moment to get to know the ChatGPT interface. It’s a fairly intuitive design with a text box for typing in your requests or prompts.

Step 3: Start your request

To write a prompt for your cover letter, type into the text box. For example, “Write a cover letter for a marketing manager position at XYZ company, addressing criteria such as time management and data analytics and highlighting my 5 years of experience in digital marketing.” The more detail you can put into your prompt the better. 

Step 4: Refine the generated content

The first draft from ChatGPT will likely not be perfect. Use it as a starting point and keep refining your prompt. You can ask ChatGPT to make specific changes or rephrase parts of the letter until you’re happy. Or take the first draft and refine it yourself.

Using ChatGPT prompts to create a cover letter

The key to getting the most out of AI when it comes to cover letters is crafting well-thought-out prompts. A thorough prompt helps guide it to produce content that is specific to your needs. 

Examples of prompts tailored to different job positions

For a marketing manager role:

• Prompt: Create a job application cover letter for a marketing manager position at [company name]. Highlight my expertise in digital marketing, successful campaign management, and a proven track record in team leadership. Mention my MBA in marketing and fluency in Spanish.

For a software engineer role:

• Prompt: Draft a job application cover letter for a software engineer position focusing on my experience with Java and Python, contributions to open-source projects, and a passion for innovative software solutions. Include my bachelor’s degree in computer science and internship at [tech company].

Tweaking prompts

To tweak prompts so you get the outcome you’re after, consider including specific achievements, skills or experiences you want to highlight. You can also mention the tone or style you prefer, such as professional, enthusiastic or conversational. You might cut and paste parts of your resumé into the prompt. Here are some templates to get you started.

Template for experienced professionals:

• Write a professional cover letter for [job title] at [company name]. Emphasise my [number] years of experience in [industry/field], include notable achievements like [achievement 1, achievement 2], and key skills in [skill 1, skill 2].

Template for recent graduates:

• Generate an enthusiastic cover letter for an entry-level [job title] role, focusing on my recent graduation from [university name] with a degree in [degree], internships at [company names], and strong skills in [skill 1, skill 2].

Examples of generated cover letters

Cover letter for a marketing manager:

Dear [hiring manager's name],

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing manager position at [company name]. With an MBA (Marketing) and more than five years of experience in digital marketing, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of successful campaign management. My fluency in Spanish has enabled me to lead diverse teams and expand market reach. At my current role at [current company], I led a campaign that increased online engagement by 30%.

Cover letter for a software engineer:

Dear [hiring manager's name],

I am excited to apply for the software engineer position at [company name]. As a recent computer science graduate from [university name], I have honed my skills in Java and Python. During my internship at [tech company], I contributed to several open-source projects, focusing on creating innovative software solutions. My passion for technology drives me to constantly seek new challenges and I am eager to bring my expertise to your team.

By using these examples as a guide, you can practise making your own personalised cover letters with ChatGPT. From here, you can flesh them out and format them correctly. Remember to add a final touch of personalisation to ensure that your cover letter comes across as genuine and human in tone. 

Other AI tools for cover letter writing

ResumAI

ResumAI offers a resumé builder with an AI Writer that understands best practices for crafting effective bullet points, summaries and entire cover letters. The tool allows you to start with sample resumés or by copy-pasting existing content, then it tailors the content with specific keywords from job descriptions.

Pros

• Instant generation of content
• Tailored content targeting specific job application keywords
• User-friendly interface with more than 300 example resumés
• Ability to generate a cover letter in one click

Limitations

• The AI-generated content might require human review for personalisation
• Limited customisation options in terms of design and layout

ResumAI offers a free plan with limited functionality and a Pro Plan, which includes unlimited functionality like the Resume Builder, Cover Letter Builder, AI Bullet Point Writer, and more. 

Jasper AI

Jasper AI provides tools for content creation, campaign development and art generation. It’s ideal for professionals who require high-quality content, including cover letters. 

Pros

• Advanced AI-assisted content creation tools
• Capabilities for on-brand and style-consistent writing
• Useful for creating visually appealing and creative cover letters

Limitations

• Primarily focused on marketing content, not resumé or cover-letter writing
• May not offer as much guidance specifically for cover letter structure compared to dedicated resumé and cover letter tools

Start a free trial or request a demo for more detailed information. 

Writesonic

Writesonic offers a range of tools like AI Article and Blog Writer, Paraphrasing Tool and Sentence Expander, which can be useful for crafting unique and engaging cover letters. 

Pros

• Wide range of content creation tools
• Integration with Google for up-to-date content
• User-friendly interface with a variety of tools for enhancing writing

Limitations

• The focus is more on general content creation
• May not provide as much guidance for the structure and format of cover letters

Writesonic offers a free plan with limited features and various paid plans with more advanced features. 

Resume.io

Resume.io is an online resume builder that also offers tools for creating cover letters. It provides a range of cover letter templates and examples, along with an easy-to-use cover-letter builder. 

Pros

• Wide selection of professional cover letter templates
• AI pre-written phrases to help articulate skills and experiences
• Automatic spell-checker to ensure error-free content
• Easy online resumé and cover letter-building process

Limitations

• Limited customisation options in terms of design and layout
• The focus is more on templates and pre-written content, which may require additional personalisation

Resume.io offers a free version with basic features and various paid plans that provide access to more advanced features and templates.

Tips for optimising AI-generated cover letters

Adding a personal touch

While AI-generated cover letters can provide structure, it’s important to personalise the content. Here are some ways to add personal stories or achievements into AI-generated content to make it authentic.

• Incorporate storytelling: reflect on your career and any unique experiences or challenges you've overcome. Integrate these anecdotes into the AI-generated content to show your problem-solving skills or resilience.
• Highlight specific achievements: AI might not know your most significant achievements. Add specific examples of your successes such as awards, projects or measurable results.
• Tailor it to the company and role: research the company and role you’re applying for. Include details in your cover letter that show you understand the company’s values, culture and mission, and explain how your experience aligns with them.
• Use your voice and style: read through the AI-generated content and tweak the language to match your communication style. 
• Mention relevant hobbies or interests: include hobbies or interests that align with the company’s culture or the role. This can make your application more relatable and memorable.

Examples of personalised elements in cover letter writing

• Anecdote example: During my time at XYZ Corp, I led a project under tight deadlines and budget constraints. My team and I came up with cost-effective solutions, resulting in the project’s completion two weeks ahead of schedule and a 15% reduction in expenses.
• Achievement example: As the lead designer at ABC Ltd., I led a rebranding initiative that increased our social media engagement by 40% and was recognised with the 2023 Innovative Design Award.
• Company-specific example: I have long admired XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability and was particularly impressed by your recent initiative [specific initiative]. In my previous role, I worked on several sustainability projects and am eager to bring this experience to your team.
• Voice and style example: change a formal tone to a conversational one. For example, I am writing to express my interest in... can be changed to I'm excited about the opportunity to...
• Hobbies/interests example: outside of work, I am an avid marathon runner, which has taught me a great deal about discipline and perseverance – qualities I bring to my professional life.

Editing and refining your cover letter

Combining AI-generated content with human editing is the best way to get the right results. While AI provides a strong starting point, your personal touch is what tailors it to the specific job you’re applying for and gives the hiring manager a taste of your personality. Here are some tips on how to effectively refine AI-generated cover letters.

• Review for relevance: start by reviewing the AI-generated content for relevance to the job you're applying for. Ensure that the skills and experiences highlighted are the most relevant ones. You’ll also want to ensure your cover letter mentions key skills highlighted in the job description. 
• Adjust the structure: AI might not always get the structure right. Rearrange paragraphs or sentences to ensure a logical flow through your qualifications.
• Personalise the introduction and conclusion: edit the opening and closing paragraphs to make them more personal. A strong, personalised introduction can grab the employer’s attention, while an enthusiastic conclusion can leave a good lasting impression.
• Incorporate keywords: tailor your cover letter to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords. This not only shows that you're a good fit but also helps your letter pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Check for clarity and conciseness: ensure that each sentence is clear and concise. Remove any redundant words or phrases that don’t add value to your cover letter.
• Match the company’s tone: if the company has a more casual tone on its website or job postings, adjust the language of your cover letter to sound less formal. 
• Use specific examples: wherever possible, replace generic statements with specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Before you send off your application, make sure you read your cover letter out loud to help you catch phrases that don’t sound like something you would say. Edit these to sound more like you. Do a final review for any spelling or grammatical errors, as a polished, error-free cover letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

AI is a tool designed to enhance, not replace, your input in cover letter writing, providing a solid foundation and plenty of inspiration. The goal is to create a cover letter that not only stands out in terms of quality and relevance, but also resonates with your personal story and professional journey. By using AI, you can make your job search more efficient, just remember that it’s your unique voice and experiences that will ultimately make the difference.

FAQs

Can I use ChatGPT for a cover letter?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT for writing cover letters. It can help you draft a cover letter by providing a structure, suggesting content based on your input, and tailoring the letter to specific job descriptions. However, it’s important to personalise the AI-generated content to ensure it accurately reflects your experiences and voice.

Can companies detect AI cover letters?

Companies may be able to detect AI-generated cover letters if the content is overly generic or lacks personalisation – or if the company uses AI-detection software. To prevent detection and make your cover letter stand out, it’s important to add personal anecdotes and specific achievements, and tailor the letter to the job and company you’re applying for. 

What is the best AI cover letter writer?

The best AI cover letter writer for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. ChatGPT is a popular choice that is easy to use. Other AI cover letter writers include ResumAI, which offers tailored content for job applications, and Writesonic, known for its range of content creation tools.