ChatGPT, the AI chatbot everyone’s been talking about, is useful for a lot of things: researching a confusing topic, planning a trip abroad, and practicing for an upcoming job interview, to name a few ideas. One of its more popular use cases is helping people write scripts, emails, and other documents.
But how good is it really at, say, writing work emails? I drafted two networking email templates with ChatGPT and ran them by Muse career experts Eloise Eonnet and Bryn Panee Burkhart to see just how in-line they were with the coaches’ advice.
Generally, Eonnet said ChatGPT is worth becoming familiar with as a job seeker, especially if the idea of crafting a cold email from scratch gives you crippling writer’s block. “I think it’s a tool that we can't really shy away from,” she said. “It’s the future, so we might as well learn about it.”
Both she and Panee Burkhart warned that it should only serve as a jumping off point, and that there’s risk in simply copying and pasting an AI bot’s copy without giving it a close read or edit. “It gives someone a really good base from which to work,” Panee Burkhart said.
Here’s what ChatGPT got right about networking emails, and what could be better, according to experts.
Email #1: A cold email to a recruiter for an entry-level sales role at a major tech company
Subject line: Enthusiastic Sales Professional Seeking Entry-Level Sales Associate Role
Dear [Recruiter's Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the entry-level Sales Associate position at [Tech Company]. With a strong passion for technology and delivering exceptional customer experiences, I believe I would be an ideal fit for your esteemed organization's sales team.
Here's why I believe I am a strong candidate for the role:
- Sales Orientation: I excel in building rapport with customers, understanding their needs, and presenting compelling product solutions.
- Technology Aptitude: As a tech enthusiast, I possess in-depth knowledge of the latest industry trends, enabling me to educate and assist customers effectively.
- Results-Driven Approach: I thrive in a fast-paced, target-oriented sales environment and have a track record of consistently meeting or exceeding goals.
- Team Collaboration: I am a strong team player, collaborating closely with colleagues and cross-functional teams to drive mutual success.
Please find my updated resume attached for your review.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further how my skills align with the Sales Associate role at [Tech Company]. I am available for a phone call or an in-person meeting at your convenience.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the ongoing success of [Tech Company].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your contact information]
What ChatGPT did well
Eonnet approved of the clean and easy-to-follow structure of the email, particularly the direct subject line and clear opening sentence that addresses why this person is writing to the recruiter.
“It’s doing a really good job at highlighting key traits that you bring to the table and then explaining them in one sentence,” she said. “That's great for interviews, that's great for resumes…that clarity is really nice.”
What ChatGPT could do better
Both coaches noted how impersonal the letter came across.
“It sounds like every single cover letter I’m gonna receive on my desk, and I’m bored out of my mind,” Eonnet said. “It’s completely void of who you are, why you’re interesting, and why I would want you on my team. And it’s void of your true interest in the company. It’s high level and sounds like a computer wrote it.”
Panee Burkhart advised making the bullet points more specific by incorporating real-life examples and results. “I would call upon your direct work experience, volunteer experience, or your studies, and link how that has given you some skills in these areas,” she said, adding that these bullet points should also reflect and be tailored to the skills or qualities listed in the job description.
Eonnet also suggested sending a briefer note with a longer cover letter attached instead of sending such a long email, which she said could make a recruiter’s eyes glaze over. This “allows the recruiter to gauge interest, and in that super short message there needs to be a clear call-to-action and keywords that are gonna catch their attention,” she explained.
Email #2: An email to an old colleague who works at the same major tech company
Subject line: Seeking Guidance: Sales Associate Role at [Tech Company]
Dear [Old Colleague’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently discovered an exciting opportunity—an entry-level Sales Associate position—at [Tech Company]. Given your experience with the company, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support.
Your insights would be invaluable to me in the following areas:
- Sales Associate Role: I would love to gain a deeper understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and key skills that [Tech Company] values in their Sales Associates.
- Company Culture and Values: As someone aspiring to join [Tech Company], I am eager to align myself with the company's culture and values. Any insights you can provide about the work environment, team dynamics, and key initiatives would be highly appreciated.
- Recommendations or Referrals: If you believe my skills and background align well with the Sales Associate role, I would be grateful for any recommendations or referrals within the organization.
I have attached my updated resume for your reference.
Thank you for considering my request. Your support and guidance would mean a lot to me. If it works for you, I would love to reconnect over a brief phone call or via email.
Warm regards,
[Your name]
[Your contact information]
What ChatGPT did well
Eonnet appreciated that, similar to the recruiter email, this message was direct and to the point. “It’s being very clear about what you want that conversation to be about,” she said. (Panee Burkhart did suggest moving up the request for a phone call, to get to your ask as soon as possible.)
She also liked that it didn’t just ask for a referral or recommendation but allowed the reader to first gauge the person’s interests and skill set before agreeing to lend a hand.
What ChatGPT could do better
Eonnet said one key missing detail in this letter is a reminder of how you know each other. “Never assume someone remembers you—which is awful to say, but it’s so true,” she said. Linking to your personal website, portfolio, or LinkedIn page in your signature is another great way to give someone context on who you are and what you’ve done. It can also come across as more casual than attaching a resume, which Panee Burkhart advised against when reaching out to someone with whom you have an informal relationship, such as an old friend or colleague.
Panee Burkhart added that it’s nice to include a detail about something you’ve talked about in the past. “People appreciate it when you remember things about their life and they don't feel like this is a blanket copy-and-pasted email,” she said.
Finally, Panee Burkhart noted that the relationship is a two-way street and you should offer to return the favor. “In order to make it more reciprocal, I would say, ‘If there’s anything I can do to be helpful to you…’” she said. “Maybe there is, maybe there’s not, but at least you’re just saying, ‘Thanks for your time.’”
Bottom line: ChatGPT can be a great resource for launching your job search. Just make sure you’re taking the time to put your messages in your voice. “Remember, if you’re sending this to an individual, you want the individual to feel like it came from you, and not ChatGPT,” Panee Burkhart emphasized.