How to Use AI to Write Cover Letters Faster

Job Search

Aug 15

Episode 415 | Author: Emilie Aries

Which part of the job application process slows you down the most?

If you answered with “cover letters,” you’re not alone! Here’s how to get past writer’s block with AI.

I hear from countless job seekers that writing cover letters slows down their job search progress in a big way.

If you want to accelerate your job search, but are constantly stuck with writer’s block, or find yourself avoiding writing cover letters altogether, there’s a better path forward.

While AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard are no substitution for you and your own ability to communicate your transferable skills, they can help you get out of analysis paralysis by getting a first draft down for you.

Many job-seekers I work with through our HIRED job search accelerator find it easier to edit someone else’s draft as opposed to starting their own from scratch. If that sounds like you, here’s one way to get support in drafting cover letters from AI:

First, prompt your AI tool accordingly

Tell them how you want them to act and what approach you’d like them to take.

Here’s an example prompt I used when experimenting with Bard:

“Hi Bard, I'd like you to act as my expert editor and job search coach. I'm applying to the following job and would like your help getting started on writing a cover letter for my application.
Here's the job description: [paste in the job description.]”

Sit back and watch the AI tool take a first stab at writing a cover letter that speaks directly to the key skills and experiences required, based on the job description.

Integrate your most relevant skills and experiences

From there, ask the AI to integrate your skills and experiences from your resume, that you think speak directly to this particular job description.

Here’s an example prompt to do so:

“Now update the cover letter draft with the most relevant aspects of my past work history, pasted below from my resume: [paste past work history from your resume.]”

Once again, you’ll see the AI tool update the cover letter draft by integrating specifics from your work history.

Adjust the writing tone

Now by default, because this is a cover letter, your AI writer is going to produce a cover letter written with a somewhat formal, professional tone. If that feels right for you and the organization you’re applying to, great! If not, you can also ask your AI co-writer to experiment with different writing styles.

As an example, you might prompt you AI tool as follows:

“Now please update this cover letter with a more modern, friendly, and casual tone.”

Free yourself to play around with different writing styles and tones until you find the one that works best for you and the organization you’re applying to.

Finally, add your human touch

Re-read the job description with a discerning eye. Is there anything in there that seems like a critical point, but was missed in the cover letter draft? Add it in. Is there a mention in the job description that reminds you of a unique experience or skillset you’ve developed that you want to be sure to highlight? Add that, too.

Then, re-read your cover letter draft from top to bottom, adjusting phrasing throughout to better match your voice and personality.

Remember, AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard can be a great help in getting you started, but they can’t do all the critical thinking for you, so be sure to take a thoughtful approach to editing and to ensure you’re not missing the bigger picture.

If you’d like even more support to land the best next job for you, check out our HIRED job search accelerator, open for enrollment now.