Though many people consider it a burden to write them, cover letters are usually unavoidable when applying for a job. Writing a cover letter may be difficult because of the pressure to impress and come across as likable—and it may be especially painful for people who feel uncomfortable talking about themselves. Luckily, AI can help write your cover letter, taking some of the pain points out of the process.
AI text generators, such as ChatGPT and Grammarly, can craft natural-sounding letters with all the relevant details. But how do AI cover letters work, and how can you get the best results? Below, we discuss everything you need to know to make an amazing, AI-generated first impression. But first, let’s start with a general question: What is a cover letter?
What is a cover letter?
Cover letters are brief letters (often an email or a document attached to an email) that job applicants send as a business formality to a prospective employer outlining their work history and qualifications and explaining why they’re interested in the position.
Cover letters are typically sent along with a résumé. While these two documents often cover the same topic—your professional qualifications—your cover letter should demonstrate your personality, while your résumé or CV should list your credentials. Think of your cover letter as a chance to show your personal side—such as your passions, goals, and motivations—which your résumé doesn’t address.
How long should a cover letter be?
Cover letters are meant to complement your résumé, so they shouldn’t overexplain. The standard length of a cover letter is three to four paragraphs, or about 400 words. Employers read multiple cover letters when hiring for a role, so try to keep yours short and succinct.
Why should you use an AI cover letter?
If you get a job after applying to only one place, you’re lucky! Most of the time, job hunting requires applying to many places, and writing unique cover letters for each application can become a chore. That’s where AI text generators come in handy.
A cover letter generated by Grammarly or ChatGPT can save you time (and stress). Simply customize the information you want to send for each company, and the AI will handle the rest.
Using AI to draft a cover letter is similar to filling in a cover letter template, but it requires even less effort. For example, with even the best cover letter templates, you’ll still have to write cover letter openers and think of poignant ways to end your cover letters.
With AI cover letters, all you have to do is enter the facts into an AI text generator, and it will take care of the formatting and flow.
How do you write a cover letter with AI?
Like all AI writing tasks, cover letters start with a prompt. If you’re new to AI text generators, the prompt is the command a user enters into the message field. It contains all the details necessary to get the results the user wants.
Most AI writing tools are designed to understand plain language, so your prompt could be as simple as “Write a cover letter including . . .” Any information you include in the prompt will be added to the AI cover letter, so make sure you mention everything you want your prospective employer to know.
Prompts can be multiple sentences that include all the information you want in your cover letter. However, they are usually sent in one message, as most AI software treats each message as a separate session.
When it comes to AI cover letters, include all the necessary information employers are looking for. Specifically, be sure to mention these details:
- the name of the recruiter or manager and their company
- the position you’re applying to
- highlights from your work experience, especially those related to the position you’re applying to
- personal traits, such as skills, talents, or passions related to the work
- why you’re interested in the job
- why you’re a good fit for both the position and the company culture
You can add additional information when you revise the AI cover letter. For example, some cover letters require a header with your contact information or the recruiter’s contact information. It will probably be faster to add these yourself rather than include them in the prompt.
AI cover letter example
Prompt:
Write a cover letter to textile design director Karis Gordon at Boltvern Inc. applying for the position of product design manager. Mention that I am a certified Master Fabric Craftsperson with experience creating hundreds of unique designs, and that I have previously worked at Clothing Company as a textile designer. Also, mention that I have loved fabric and how it’s created and designed since I began working in costume design in high school, and that working at the confluence of fabric design and technology is something I’m passionate about.
AI cover letter example:
Dear Karis Gordon,
I am writing to express my interest in the Product Design Manager position at Boltvern Inc. As a certified Master Fabric Craftsperson with experience creating hundreds of unique designs, I am confident that I have the skills and expertise needed to excel in this role.
I previously worked at Clothing Company as a textile designer, where my work was praised for its creativity and attention to detail. My passion for fabric and how it’s created and designed began when I started working in costume design in high school. Since then, I have been fascinated by the intersection of fabric design and technology and the opportunities it presents to create innovative and unique products.
I am excited about the prospect of working with a team of talented designers and engineers to develop cutting-edge products that push the boundaries of what is possible. I am confident that my experience, skills, and passion for textile design make me the ideal candidate for this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to discussing my candidacy further. Please feel free to contact me at [insert phone number] or [insert email address] to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
AI cover letter FAQs
What is a cover letter?
Cover letters are brief letters job applicants send (usually by email or through the company’s website) as a business formality to a prospective employer outlining their work history, qualifications, and interest in the job. They are typically sent along with a résumé or CV.
Why should you use an AI cover letter?
Most of the time, job hunting requires applying for multiple jobs, and each application needs a unique cover letter. If you’re applying to many jobs at once, using AI-generated cover letters can save you time and keep your writing fresh.
What should you include in an AI cover letter prompt?
For the best AI cover letters, include all the necessary information in the prompt. Specifically, mention the name of the recruiter, their company, the position you’re applying to, why you’re interested in the position, why you’d be a good fit, and key highlights from both your work experience and personal accomplishments.
