Cover letters have always been a challenge for most of us. AI tools can make writing one easier, but here’s the catch: Hiring managers can spot a ChatGPT cover letter a mile away and they’re often unimpressed. If it feels too polished or impersonal, they’ll wonder if you’re genuinely interested in the role. The trick is to choose the right AI prompts to use when writing a cover letter that feels authentic and tailored—not to let the AI do all the work.
AI can help you brainstorm ideas, highlight key points, and refine your tone. But the final draft should always be yours, reflecting your unique personality and experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter the right way—with prompts for every step.
Using ChatGPT to write a cover letter: Is it a good idea?
Before getting into the specifics of how to ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter, we must discuss the ethics of it. While AI tools can feel like a shortcut, they’re powerful tools for brainstorming and polishing your work. However, fully using ChatGPT to write a cover letter can backfire.
A cover letter is your chance to connect with the hiring manager, showing why you are the perfect fit. If it feels robotic or impersonal, it might end up in the rejection pile. So use AI to elevate your ideas—not replace them.
Ground rules for writing a cover letter with AI
- AI is a starting point, not the finish line. Use it for refining tone or organizing thoughts, but always personalize the output.
- Inject your voice. Hiring managers want to know the person behind the resume. Add anecdotes, achievements, and details that only you can provide.
- Always review for accuracy. AI might misinterpret facts or oversell certain points. Be meticulous in your edits.
- Be specific with your prompts. The more context you provide, the better the output.
Best AI prompts to use when writing a cover letter
AI is as good as the questions you ask it. So, how to ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter? Use the following prompts to guide your cover letter creation, categorized for maximum effectiveness.
1. Prompts to identify your strengths and tailor them to the job
AI excels at analyzing information, making it a great tool for figuring out strengths and skills to emphasize in your cover letter.
- Here’s my resume: [paste resume]. Based on this job description: [insert job description], what are my top strengths to highlight?
- Analyze this job description and match it with my experience in [specific field].
- What key skills should I focus on for this [specific role] position?
- Help me reframe this experience: [paste experience from resume] to align with the requirements of this job posting.
2. Prompts to structure your cover letter
Sometimes, starting with a strong structure is half the battle. These cover letter AI prompts provide frameworks:
- Suggest a narrative structure for my cover letter as a [role] applying to [company name].
- What should I include in each paragraph of a cover letter for a [specific industry] job?
- How do I write a strong opening that grabs the recruiter’s attention?
- Write an outline for a cover letter showcasing my skills in [specific area].
3. Prompts to craft a polished tone
The tone of your cover letter matters. Use these prompts to adjust and refine your writing:
- Make this opening line more engaging: [insert your opening line].
- Rewrite this paragraph to sound more confident and professional: [paste paragraph].
- Turn this into a closing paragraph that leaves a lasting impression: [insert your draft].
- Refine my cover letter to balance professionalism with enthusiasm.
4. Prompts for integrating keywords
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) often filter applications based on keywords. These cover letter AI prompts help ensure your cover letter passes the test:
- Highlight keywords in this job description and incorporate them into my draft.
- Analyze my cover letter for ATS compatibility: [paste cover letter].
- How can I rephrase this sentence to include relevant industry keywords?
5. Prompts for brainstorming unique content
AI can help you uncover new angles to approach your cover letter.
- What are some creative ways to show my passion for [specific industry] in my cover letter?
- Suggest a way to connect my previous role as [your role] to this new opportunity in [new field].
- What anecdote could I use to showcase leadership skills for this role?
6. Prompts for creating a cover letter from scratch
While adding personal touches is crucial, these prompts can help generate a first draft:
- Write a cover letter for a [specific role] at [company name] using this job description: [insert job description].
- Draft a cover letter that highlights my skills in [specific area], emphasizing my experience in [specific job or project].
Pro tip: Even if AI creates a decent first draft, use it as a framework—not the final product. Replace generic phrases with your voice and experiences.
AI is a tool, not the author of your story
Using AI to assist with cover letters can save time and improve your writing, but it’s not a substitute for your voice. Hiring managers value authenticity, and no AI tool can replicate your unique experiences, passions, or personality. Use AI to brainstorm, refine, and polish your application, but make sure the final product represents you.
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