How to create a cover letter with AI - A comprehensive guide
Introduction
A strong cover letter is still a must in today’s job market. It adds a personal touch, shows your interest in the job, and highlights what makes you a good fit. But writing one isn’t always easy, and that’s where AI tools can help. Whether you use a tool like CareerToolbelt or ChatGPT, this guide will help you use AI to create a cover letter that stands out.
Did You Know?
According to a recent study, 72% of job seekers who used AI tools like ChatGPT were more likely to be invited to interviews. This highlights the growing importance of AI in job applications.
Why is a Cover Letter Important?
A cover letter is important because it allows you to:
- Tailor Your Application: It gives you the opportunity to personalize your application to the specific job and company.
- Demonstrate Enthusiasm: You can express your genuine interest in the role and the organization.
- Showcase Fit: It allows you to connect your skills and experiences directly with the job requirements, showing why you are the best candidate.
Cover Letter Specific Tools vs. Generic Tools Like ChatGPT
Quick Comparison
- CareerToolbelt: Best for tailored cover letters with specific job matching features. Optimised to create high quality cover letters, supported by insights from career coaches and recruiters.
- ChatGPT: Ideal for general content creation with customizable prompts.
When it comes to writing cover letters, the tools you choose can make a significant difference. Here's how to distinguish between specific tools like CareerToolbelt and generic tools like ChatGPT:
Cover Letter Specific Tools
When it comes to crafting the perfect cover letter, specialized tools can be a game-changer. These tools offer essential features that make the process more efficient and tailored, such as:
- Job Description Analysis: Automatically analyzes the job description to highlight key requirements.
- Profile Matching: Compares your resume and experience with the job description to suggest relevant content for your cover letter.
- Keyword Optimization: Ensures the inclusion of important keywords to increase visibility with recruiters.
While many tools provide these basic functionalities, some tools like CareerToolbelt go a step further by offering advanced, interactive features:
- Dynamic Profile Matching: Not only does it compare your profile with the job description, but it also provides real-time feedback, helping you refine your content to better match the role.
- AI-Powered Editing: Offers sophisticated editing options that allow you to adjust the tone, structure, and details of your letter with AI-driven suggestions, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional.
These enhanced features make CareerToolbelt not just a tool, but a comprehensive solution for creating standout cover letters tailored to your target job.
Generic Tools Like ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, including writing cover letters. While it is not specifically designed for cover letters, it offers powerful capabilities such as:
- Content Generation: Generates text based on prompts you provide.
- Creative Writing Styles: Adapts to different tones and styles as instructed.
- Customization: Allows for more open-ended exploration of ideas and approaches.
Crafting a Cover Letter with ChatGPT
To create a compelling cover letter using ChatGPT, you need to create an account on their website. Once signed up, you can choose between a few different AI models. For free users, we recommend selecting their GPT-4o model, which you can find inside of the chat window.
As ChatGPT provides very generic usage, you need to write clear instructions to optimise ChatGPT for writing cover letters. These instructions are called prompts, and we'll tell you all about writing a good prompt.
Constructing the Perfect Prompt for Your Cover Letter
Incorporate the following elements into your prompt to harness ChatGPT's capabilities effectively.
Act as a
Define the persona of your AI assistant using a specific description of a few words.
Do
"Act as an expert career coach"
Tone and Style
Dictate the style.
Do
"Adopt a professional and concise tone that emphasizes qualifications and suitability for the role"
Input
Upload your resume into the chat window and include a detailed job description in your prompt.
Do
"Job description: [Insert your job description here]"
Do
Upload your resume into the chat window
Personal Motivation
Express why you are interested in this position.
Do
"I am particularly excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for innovation in AI."
Full prompt example
Do
"Act as an expert career coach to help me write a cover letter for a software engineering position at an AI-focused tech startup. Use a professional and concise tone, focusing on major achievements in past AI projects.
Here is the job description: """Copy your job description here""".
I am particularly excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for innovation in AI.
Ensure that the cover letter is highly tailored to the job, resume and motivation."
Don't
"Write a cover letter for me."
Refining Your Cover Letter
After generating an initial draft with ChatGPT, now is the time to refine it. First, refine your prompt and regenerate the letter until you have a good baseline. Then, improve it by following up with prompts and manual edits:
- Relevance Check: Make sure all content closely aligns with the job requirements and your professional experiences.
- Tone Adjustment: Modify the tone to better suit your personal style and the company's culture.
- Personalization: Incorporate specific details about the company or position to demonstrate your research and genuine interest.
Finalizing Your Cover Letter
To ensure your cover letter is ready for submission, proceed with:
- Proofreading: If you've done any manual edits, ask ChatGPT for a final grammar and spelling check.
- Consistency Verification: Confirm that the tone, style, and formatting are uniform throughout the document.
- Seek Feedback: Obtain input from a reliable friend or mentor to identify any overlooked issues.
Pro Tip
Reading your cover letter aloud is a helpful technique to detect awkward phrasing and ensure the document flows smoothly.
Additional Resources for Crafting the Perfect Prompt
For more tips on creating effective prompts, check out The Perfect Prompt - Prompt Engineering Cheat Sheet.
Tips and Best Practices
Best Practices for Using AI in Cover Letter Writing
To make the most of AI while maintaining a personal touch:
- Balance AI Assistance with Personal Input: Use AI as a starting point and look for opportunities to add your personal insights.
- Choose the right tool: While one tool can provide great results, another will be mediocre at best. Always use your own judgement.
- Avoiding Generic Content: Especially when using tools like ChatGPT, it might be more difficult to generate a text that has just the right tone and sounds like an actual human. Look for opportunities to customize AI-generated text to give it your personal touch.
- Ensuring Authenticity and Originality: Infuse your personality into the cover letter to make it genuine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be mindful of the following pitfalls:
- Over-Reliance on AI-Generated Text: Don’t rely solely on AI. Use your own judgement and finetune your letters.
- Failing to Tailor the Letter to the Job: Make sure your cover letter is specific to the job and company.
- Ignoring Proofreading and Editing: Never skip the review process. Even AI-generated content needs a human touch.
Tip
AI is a powerful tool, but it should not replace your unique voice. Always review and personalize AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with your personal brand and the job you're applying for.
Cover letter AI example
Jordan Smith jordan.smith@email.com 555-123-4567
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Executive Officer position at ABC. Your company's innovative approach to market expansion and commitment to operational excellence particularly excites me, and I am eager to contribute to your strategic initiatives.
At JKL, I spearheaded the development of a comprehensive business strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in market share within two years. My skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial management align perfectly with ABC's goals of driving growth and operational efficiency.
ABC's dedication to innovation and excellence is truly inspiring. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my extensive experience to enhance your strategic initiatives and drive your company's success. I look forward to discussing how my background and experiences can benefit your organization.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
In this guide, we've explored how AI can be a powerful tool in creating a cover letter, but it's essential to blend this technology with your personal input. AI can streamline the process, generate ideas, and enhance your writing, but the most effective cover letters are those that reflect your unique voice and align closely with the job you’re applying for.
Final Thoughts
As AI continues to evolve, its role in job applications will likely grow. Embrace these tools, but always remember the importance of authenticity and originality in your cover letter. With the right balance, you can create a cover letter that not only stands out but also resonates with potential employers.
Take Action Now
Don't wait to start crafting your standout cover letter. Use AI tools like CareerToolbelt today, and refine your content until it perfectly aligns with the job you're targeting. Remember, the key is to blend AI assistance with your unique voice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cover letter really necessary?
Yes, including a cover letter is essential. It allows you to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the role, and highlight key qualifications. According to Yahoo Finance, 83% of hiring managers said that including cover letters could convince them to schedule an interview.
Are personalized cover letters better?
Yes, personalized cover letters can make a big difference. A study by CareerBuilder found that 72% of hiring managers are more likely to interview candidates who submit customized cover letters.
Our tool helps you create tailored cover letters by analyzing your resume and the job description to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
What is a cover letter generator?
A cover letter generator is a tool that makes applying for jobs much easier and more efficient. It uses AI-powered technology to help you craft a professional and personalized cover letter in just a few steps.
You don't need any prior knowledge of cover letter writing or formats. Just input basic information about yourself and the job you're applying for, and the generator produces a tailored cover letter in seconds. This ensures your application stands out, saving you time while making a great impression on potential employers.
How can I write a cover letter using CareerToolbelt's AI tool?
Writing a cover letter with CareerToolbelt's AI tool is simple:
- Enter Job Details: Add the job description.
- Upload Your Resume: If it's your first time, upload your resume.
- Pick Suggested Keywords: Choose which AI-suggested keywords are relevant to you.
- Edit the Result: Refine your cover letter using our AI editing tools.
To get started, visit CareerToolbelt's cover letter generator
Can I try the AI cover letter generator for free?
Yes, you can create a cover letter and see a preview of the first 600 characters for free. This allows you to experience our service before deciding to purchase.