How AI Can Help You Write a Cover Letter (and What You Still Need to Do)
Writing a great cover letter for every job application can be exhausting, but it’s more important than ever with a competitive job market. Fortunately, AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity AI can make the process faster and easier. However, while AI can be a helpful assistant, relying on it completely can lead to generic or inaccurate letters. To create a compelling application, you still need to refine and personalize the final draft.
Why Use AI for Cover Letters?
Applying for multiple jobs requires crafting unique cover letters for each position. AI can save time by generating structured, professional letters based on job descriptions. It can analyze job requirements, incorporate relevant keywords, and provide a strong starting point. Amanda Smith, in her CNET article, highlights how AI can streamline the process while helping candidates present themselves more effectively.
Despite these benefits, AI isn’t perfect. It sometimes generates misleading or irrelevant content, and an unedited AI-generated letter can feel robotic. That’s why human oversight is key to ensuring your letter sounds authentic and compelling.
How to Write a Cover Letter with AI
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start using AI, have these ready:
– The job description
– Your resume
– A previous cover letter (if available)
Step 2: Give AI Clear Instructions
To get a useful draft, provide AI with specific details. Instead of asking, “Write me a cover letter,” try a detailed prompt like:
“Can you write a cover letter for the marketing manager role at ABC Company? Here’s the job description: [paste job description]. Here’s my resume: [paste resume].”
This helps AI tailor the content to your experience and the job’s requirements.
Step 3: Edit AI’s First Draft
An AI-generated letter is rarely perfect on the first try. Review it to check accuracy and tone. Does it correctly reflect your skills? Are there sections that sound unnatural or too generic? You might also refine it with AI by requesting:
– A shorter, more concise version
– A more engaging or dynamic tone
– A focus on your top relevant skills
Step 4: Final Improvements
After generating and refining the letter, do a manual review. Make sure the language sounds natural, remove unnecessary filler, and personalize the greeting. Instead of “Dear Hiring Manager,” try addressing a specific name if available. Adjust the tone to reflect your personality while keeping it professional.
The Bottom Line
AI is a powerful tool that can help speed up the cover letter writing process, but it shouldn’t replace human effort entirely. Treat AI as an assistant—let it do the heavy lifting, but always review and personalize the final version. With this balanced approach, you can create a strong, professional cover letter without spending hours on each one.
