How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Job hunting is a tedious process. You have to create a top-notch resume, set up an outstanding LinkedIn profile, write a compelling cover letter, prepare for interviews, appear for online tests, reach out to recruiters, and after all this hustle you finally receive an offer letter. And it can be overwhelming 😥 to handle everything on your own. But now ChatGPT can help and assist you with most, if not all, of your job search needs. We have already talked about interview preparation and resume writing with ChatGPT in our previous guides (check them out below) and today we are here to talk about how you can craft the most effective cover letter for your dream job with ChatGPT.

So let’s get started!

Why Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter?

ChatGPT can be a game changer in your job search.

Before you actually start working with ChatGPT, you should know what are its possible advantages and how it will benefit you in the process of writing a cover letter:

Enhances creativity: Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, especially if you're not naturally creative. ChatGPT can help you generate creative ideas and language that you may not have thought of on your own. This can enhance your creativity and help you create a more compelling cover letter.
Accessible anywhere: You can use ChatGPT from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easy to create an impressive cover letter on the go, whether you're at home, at work, or in college.
Free to use: ChatGPT is free to use, which means that you don't have to pay for expensive writing services. This makes it a cost-effective option for job seekers.
Save time and effort: Writing a cover letter can be a time-consuming and challenging task. With ChatGPT, you can quickly generate personalized language that matches the job description and highlights your skills and experience. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
Help you stand out: Doesn’t matter if ChatGPT is making headlines in every other article, and has been a topic of conversation all around, there are still many who are not willing to try and experiment with it. But if you do take the initiative to utilize ChatGPT, you will undoubtedly gain an advantage.

Overall, using ChatGPT to create a cover letter is a logical and compelling choice that can save you time, improve your chances of getting an interview, and demonstrate your tech-savvy skills.

Check out: AI Cover Letter Generator

Best Tips for Efficiently Using ChatGPT While Creating Cover Letters

Mastering the art of utilizing ChatGPT is a valuable skill, especially when it comes to creating a cover letter. It requires patience, practice, and perseverance to make the most of ChatGPT. To help you maximize its potential in your job search, Careerflow have compiled a list of the top ChatGPT tips that are sure to give you an edge:

Provide clear and specific prompts: The more information you provide ChatGPT, the better it will understand your needs and tailor its response accordingly. So while asking for a cover letter, make sure to include details about the job you're applying for, your qualifications, and any other relevant information. This will help ChatGPT generate a more personalized response. For example,

❌Instead of asking: Write a cover letter for an entry-level software engineer role.

✅Ask: I am applying for a software developer position at an ABC company and I would like your help writing a personalized cover letter. The job posting requires experience in software development, specifically in Java and Python. The ideal candidate should also have experience working in a team, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly. I would like my cover letter to highlight my experience in these areas and how they make me a suitable fit for the position. Additionally, I would like to convey my enthusiasm for the company and its products. Please also make sure to include a professional and confident tone, and emphasize how I can contribute to the company's success.

Here is the job description: [paste your target job description].

Experiment with prompts: Small changes in prompts can have huge effects on ChatGPT output. So experiment with different prompts to see which ones work best for you and generate the most effective cover letter.

Use specific keywords: ChatGPT is trained to understand language and context, so including specific keywords related to the job and industry you're applying for can help it generate more accurate content for your cover letter. Use keywords from the job description, company website, and industry-related terms to help ChatGPT create content that aligns with the job requirements.

Rule to remember 📢: Generic prompts will lead to generic results and specific prompts will lead to specific results.

How To Use ChatGPT to Write Cover Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are constantly struggling with a single question during your job search– How to write a cover letter?

Worry not, your search for a solution ends here. We are here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective cover letter with ChatGPT that will help you stand out in your job search.

Step 1: Inquire About ChatGPT's Requirements

The first step towards creating a cover letter using ChatGPT is to ask ChatGPT what it needs from you to create the most accurate and personalized cover letter. You can use the following prompts to get started:

Can you please tell me what information and details you would need from my end to create the most effective cover letter for me?
I'm applying for a job and need you to create a cover letter. Can you please guide me through the information I need to provide you with to write a compelling and effective cover letter?
I'm applying for my first job and I need help writing a cover letter that will stand out to potential employers. Can you please let me know what information and details you would need from me in order to create the finest cover letter possible?

ChatGPT requirements to create a cover letter.

Step 2: Understand Your Requirements

To make the most of ChatGPT, it's crucial to know what you're aiming for. What job do you want? What qualifications does it require? What message do you want to convey to your potential employer? Here are a few ways that will help you gain clarity:

Read the job description

Read the job description carefully and take note of the required skills and qualifications.
Identify the keywords used in the job description. Later you will be able to request ChatGPT to include some of these keywords in your cover letter.

Research the company

Visit the company's website and read about its mission statement, vision, and values.
Look for any recent news or press releases about the company and its current projects.
Identify the company's target audience, products or services, and competitors.

Analyze the match

Compare the job description requirements and responsibilities to your own skills and qualifications.
Analyze how your skills and qualifications match the job description and make note of any gaps that you need to address in your cover letter.
Investigate your target company's mission statement and culture to see how they align with your personal values and aspirations.

Step 3: Try to Answer a Few Specific Questions in Your Prompt

To ensure that your prompt is on the right track, it is imperative to make sure that it addresses all the common requirements. Some key questions that your prompt should answer:

What is your current situation – student, working professional or recent graduate?
What is your desired position?
What is your specific career goal?
In what field do you work?
What's your motivation behind applying for a particular job opening?
What are your core skills and how will they be useful in your target role?

Step 4: Start a Conversation with ChatGPT

Now that you've completed all your pre-planning and research, it's time to begin speaking with ChatGPT. Follow these steps to start a conversation with ChatGPT:

Browse to https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/
Scroll down the page and click on “Try ChatGPT”.
Log in with your OpenAI account. If you don't already have an OpenAI account, you can create one or log in using a Google or Microsoft account.

Step 5: Introduce Yourself

When engaging in a conversation with ChatGPT, it's advisable to begin by introducing yourself.

Mention your name, current job, experience, and educational background.
You can provide additional information such as your interests or hobbies, but make sure it is relevant to the job or company you are applying to.
Moreover, you can use the following template while introducing yourself:

"My name is [Your Name], and I am currently working at [Your current job]. I have [Number of years of experience] years of experience in [Your area of expertise], and I hold a degree in [Your field of study] from [Name of the university]."

Rule to remember: Use simple and understandable language and avoid providing too much information irrelevant to the job or company you are applying to while introducing yourself to ChatGPT.

Step 6: Provide the Job Description, Company Information, and Your Resume to ChatGPT

After introducing yourself, provide the job description, company information, and resume to ChatGPT. You can either copy and paste the information or type it in your own words. This information will help ChatGPT understand the requirements of the position and the company culture.

Here is an example of how you can provide a job description to ChatGPT in your words: “I am applying for a digital marketing specialist position at XYZ Company. The job description requires experience in social media management, content creation, and analytics. The company is a leading provider of marketing services to small businesses, and its mission is to empower entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.”

It is advisable to provide ChatGPT with all three documents: a job description, resume, and company information. But if you are unable to provide all three, at least provide a job description of the role you are seeking.

Step 7: Ask ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Now that ChatGPT has all the necessary information, ask for help with the cover letter. You can provide guidance on the tone, style, and word limit you want. And then ChatGPT will use its language generation capabilities to produce a personalized cover letter that meets your requirements.

Example: Can you help me write a cover letter for this position? I want the tone to be professional but friendly, and I want to highlight my experience in digital marketing and my passion for helping small businesses succeed. Please write my cover letter in 150 words.

Rule to remember 📢: ChatGPT can give you different results for the same prompt. Simply click on “Regenerate response” and explore all the options.

Best Prompt Template and Examples to Ask ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Best Prompt Template to Ask ChatGPT to Create a Personalized Cover Letter

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your current job or recent graduate in Your Field]. I have [Number of years of experience] years of experience in [Your area of expertise], where I gained experience in [Mention specific skills, projects, or tools that you have worked on, or your achievements]. Some of my notable achievements include [Mention measurable metrics or accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and experience]. I hold a degree in [Your field of study] from [Name of the university]. I'm interested in pursuing a career in [Your desired field or industry], where I can leverage my [Your specific skills or experience]. I'm applying for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name], which I found on [Job Posting Site]. I'm excited about this opportunity because [Mention what excites you about this opportunity or why you are interested in the company]. I believe that [Company Name] is [Share information about the company or its values]. I think the challenges of this position include [Describe the specific challenges or goals of the role]. I'm confident that my experience in [Your specific skills or experience] can help me succeed in this role. I would describe myself as [Share your personality or work style], and I think this quality will make me a valuable addition to the team. I look forward to seeing the personalized cover letter you create for me.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

This is the job description: [paste your target job description].

Rule to Remember 📢: This is a generic template and should be customized according to the user's needs. The points can be modified, added, and removed as needed.

5 Best Prompt Examples to Ask ChatGPT to Create a Personalized Cover Letter

Example 1: My name is John Doe, and I am a recent graduate of Computer Science. I have 1 year of experience in software development, where I gained experience developing and maintaining applications using Python, Java, and SQL. Some of my notable achievements include developing a web application that increased user engagement by 30% and implementing a data analytics solution that improved operational efficiency by 20%. I hold a degree in Computer Science from the University of ABC. I'm interested in pursuing a career in software development, where I can leverage my skills to build innovative solutions that solve complex problems. I'm applying for the Software Developer position at XYZ Company, which I found on LinkedIn. I'm excited about this opportunity because I believe that XYZ Company's focus on developing cutting-edge technologies aligns with my career goals. I think the challenges of this position include developing and deploying high-quality software that meets customer requirements and adheres to best practices. I would describe myself as a problem solver and a team player, and I think these qualities will make me a valuable addition to the team. Can you write me a cover letter based on this information?

Note: The prompt starts with an introduction and talks about the current situation, experiences, target industry, and core skills of a person. Then it also states achievements with proper statistics. Moreover, it talks about career goals and explains why a person is applying for the role. And that is why this prompt will lead to better results.

Check out the complete conversation with ChatGPT here: https://shareg.pt/shDWyBK

Example 2: My name is John Smith and I'm excited to apply for the Senior Marketing Manager position at ABC Company. I came across this opportunity on LinkedIn and was immediately drawn to it because of the company's reputation for innovative marketing strategies and its commitment to social responsibility. With over 10 years of experience in the marketing industry, including 5 years in a leadership role, I have successfully led cross-functional teams in developing and executing complex marketing campaigns that have generated total revenue of $50 million. Additionally, I have extensive experience conducting market research and using data analytics to measure campaign effectiveness, resulting in a 25% increase in ROI for my previous employer. I am also impressed by the company's mission to empower underrepresented communities and its commitment to sustainability. Could you please help me write a cover letter that highlights my experience in marketing leadership and data analytics? In addition, it showcases my enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission. I want to make sure that my cover letter stands out and captures the attention of the hiring manager.

Note: This prompt provides an introductory statement about an individual's background and accomplishments, while also outlining the key areas that should be emphasized in a cover letter.

Check out the complete conversation with ChatGPT here: https://shareg.pt/YHts5d6

Example 3: I am currently applying for a Marketing Manager role at Acme Corporation. Could you please help me write a cover letter that highlights my skills and experiences? To assist you, I am attaching my current resume which outlines my professional background, skills, and experiences. My top strengths include strategic thinking, project management, and data analysis. I have researched the company and found that Acme Corporation values innovation, customer satisfaction, and teamwork. Lastly, I believe that my volunteer work with a local non-profit organization, where I led a team of volunteers to organize fundraising events, could help me stand out from other candidates.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

Note: This is a simple and straightforward prompt that starts with the target role and company and continues to describe top skills and the company’s culture. Moreover, it provides information about volunteer work and has a resume that ensures the cover letter will be personalized.

Check out the complete conversation with ChatGPT here: https://shareg.pt/qtBK15O

Example 4: I am looking to apply for the position of Senior Software Engineer at XYZ Tech and I want you to write a compelling cover letter. As for my background, I am attaching my current resume which outlines my relevant skills and experience. Over the past 5 years, I have worked on several complex software development projects, including an inventory management system for a major retailer, a real-time chat application, and a payment processing system for a fintech startup. From my past experiences, I have led teams of up to 10 developers, designers, and quality assurance specialists. I have always ensured that our projects are delivered on time and meet or exceed customer expectations. Moreover, I have researched XYZ Tech and I am impressed by the company's reputation for innovation, teamwork, and community involvement. I believe that my passion for software development, my technical expertise, and my experience leading teams make me an ideal fit for the Senior Software Engineer role at XYZ Tech. Finally, I would like to share a personal achievement that I believe showcases my dedication and work ethic. Last year, I completed a marathon in under 4 hours, which required months of intense training and discipline. This experience taught me the value of setting and achieving goals, as well as the importance of teamwork and perseverance.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

This is the job description: [paste your target job description].

Note: This is again a detailed prompt that gives ChatGPT all the necessary information about experience, achievements, and extracurricular activities. It also provides a job description and a resume.

Check out the complete conversation with ChatGPT here: https://shareg.pt/b0u3eaZ

Example 5: I am interested in applying for the position of Sales Manager at ABC Company and I want you to write me a cover letter that highlights my relevant experience, skills, and achievements. As a Sales Manager at XYZ Corporation, I was responsible for leading a team of 10 sales representatives. I was also responsible for driving revenue growth through effective sales strategies and client relationship management. During my tenure at XYZ Corporation, I achieved a sales growth rate of 25% year-over-year and increased the team's overall revenue by 35%. In terms of the Sales Manager role at ABC Company, the job description calls for someone with a proven track record of sales success. This person will have experience managing sales teams, and the ability to develop and implement sales plans. Based on my experience, I am confident that I possess the necessary skills to excel in this role. Furthermore, I have researched ABC Company and I am impressed by the company's mission to provide high-quality products and services to its customers while promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration. As someone who is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and building strong client relationships, I believe that ABC Company's values align with my own. Finally, I would like to share a personal achievement that I believe showcases my dedication and ability to exceed expectations. During my time at XYZ Corporation, I was recognized as the top-performing Sales Manager for three consecutive years, achieving an average sales growth rate of 30% year-over-year. Moreover, I was able to develop and implement a sales training program that resulted in a 50% increase in the team's sales productivity.

Note: In this prompt person is sharing her experience and achievements in great detail and discusses the job description in her own words rather than simply copy-pasting the job description so ChatGPT can avoid unnecessary information.

Check out the complete conversation with ChatGPT here: https://shareg.pt/iVDyiY6

Also Read: How to Use ChatGPT to Write A Resume

10 Bonus Prompt Templates to Help you Achieve Results Fast

We understand that securing a job requires a great deal of effort and time, and writing long prompts can be another burden. Thus, we're providing you with 10 bonus prompts that you can use to create a cover letter by simply filling in a couple of details. So go and try these templates now!

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and want you to write a cover letter for me with a strict word limit of 200 words. My experience and qualifications are summarized in my attached resume.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

I'm excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I'd appreciate it if you could write me a cover letter that showcases my skills and experience. Feel free to use my attached resume as a reference.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

Could you please generate a brief and polite cover letter for me to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], using the job description as a reference? Also, my attached resume includes my experience and qualifications.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

This is the job description: [paste your target job description].

I want to get the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and would appreciate a persuasive and convincing cover letter using both my resume and the job description. Keep the tone friendly and stick to the word limit of 200.

This is my resume: [Paste your resume].

This is the job description: [paste your target job description].

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I would like you to write a cover letter that emphasizes my ability to [specific skill or competency] and how it can contribute to the company's success. Can you create a persuasive letter?

I am applying for a [Job Title] position that requires knowledge of [specific language or cultural context], as well as experience in [specific industry or field]. Can you help me create a cover letter that highlights my proficiency in these areas and how they can benefit the company's global initiatives in [specific mission or goal]?

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and would like you to write a cover letter that highlights my achievements in [skill or field], such as increasing sales by [specific metric], and how they can contribute to the company's success.

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and need a cover letter that emphasizes my ability to work well under pressure and deliver results. Can you help me create a persuasive letter that showcases my achievements in [specific accomplishment] and how they can benefit the company?

I am applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name] that requires experience in [specific software or technology]. I need a cover letter that highlights my proficiency in [specific software or technology], as well as my [specific soft skill] and how it can benefit the company's [specific objective or goal].

I am seeking a [Job Title] position that requires experience in [specific task or skill], as well as knowledge of [specific industry or field]. Can you help me create a cover letter that showcases my ability to [specific achievement or accomplishment] and how it aligns with [Company Name]'s values and mission in this industry?

Note 📢: While these prompts can help you quickly achieve your desired results, it's important to note that they may not result in a fully tailored cover letter that accurately reflects your experience and background. To ensure your letter stands out, we suggest investing time in personalizing it to the best of your ability.

How to Create a Final Cover Letter from a ChatGPT-Generated Cover Letter?

While artificial intelligence can make the process of creating a cover letter more efficient, it's critical to remember that a strong cover letter should reflect your unique skills and experiences. If you've used ChatGPT to generate a cover letter but feel it lacks the personal touch you need to stand out to employers, don't worry! With a few simple steps, you can transform a ChatGPT-generated cover letter into a final version that effectively communicates your qualifications and sets you apart from the competition.

Submitting an AI-generated resume without editing may lead to rejection.

Make sure your cover letter matches the job description: Take the time to read the job description carefully and check if the ChatGPT has included the most important qualifications and requirements for the position in your cover letter.
Adjust the tone: ChatGPT can generate cover letters in different tones, such as formal, friendly, or persuasive. Depending on the company culture and job requirements, you may want to adjust the tone of your cover letter to better fit the audience. For example, a more formal tone may be appropriate for a corporate job while a friendly tone may be better for a startup.
Emphasize your unique skills and experiences: ChatGPT can generate cover letters with a lot of information, but you can make your cover letter stand out by emphasizing your unique skills and experiences. Use the output from ChatGPT as a starting point and add details highlighting why you're the most qualified candidate for the job.
Edit for clarity and conciseness: While ChatGPT can generate a lot of content, it's critical to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Employers often receive a large volume of cover letters, so making yours concise and easy to read will increase your chances of getting noticed. Edit out any unnecessary information and focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experience.
Customize the opening and closing: The opening and closing of your cover letter are critical components that can help you make a strong first impression. So if you have time try to polish them on your own.
Review the grammatical errors and typos: Use a grammar checker or proofreading tools like Grammarly and WordTune to catch any mistakes that may have been missed by the ChatGPT algorithm.

Overall, ChatGPT can provide an ideal starting point for creating a cover letter, but customizing the output to fit your requirements is key to making it stand out.

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid While Creating a Cover Letter Using ChatGPT?

A large number of articles have been published recently regarding how recruiters reject AI-generated cover letters for their lack of personalization. However, these situations and conclusions are very subjective as the personalization of the output of ChatGPT is solely based on information input by the user. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid while creating a cover letter using ChatGPT:

Not following the correct cover letter format: Not following the correct cover letter format: There are certain conventions that should be followed when it comes to cover letter formattings, such as including your contact information, a formal greeting, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing statement. Make sure you follow these conventions and include all the necessary information in your cover letter.

Never fall for clickbait - “Create your cover letter in 60 seconds with ChatGPT”, and “Get shortlisted for MAANG interview with a ChatGPT-generated resume or cover letter”, these are mere tactics to attract job seekers. No such thing exists in the real world. In the end, technology is here to assist you but cannot completely replace hard work.

Completely relying on ChatGPT- There is no doubt that ChatGPT is a great tool for speeding up the cover writer generation process, but relying on it alone has its own disadvantages. In the end, ChatGPT is an AI tool fed with data therefore it overlooks the personalization or factors that can make your cover letter stand out. So ChatGPT intelligence combined with your creativity can do wonders for your job search.

Conclusion

Using ChatGPT can undoubtedly be a game-changer in streamlining the process of writing a cover letter. But let's be clear: ChatGPT isn't a magic solution that can replace your efforts entirely. Instead, you should use ChatGPT's output as a guide and customize it to emphasize your unique strengths. The more information and details you provide to ChatGPT, the better your cover letter will be at showcasing your skills and making you stand out as a candidate.

As you wrap up your cover letter writing journey with ChatGPT, remember that the power of language and technology is at your fingertips. So why settle for a mediocre cover letter when you can use the most advanced AI language model available to craft a masterpiece? Give it a try and watch your job prospects soar 😉!