How to write a cover letter using AI (prompts provided)

The current job market in the Philippines is competitive. To secure your desired position, you need more than traditional methods. A cover letter could sometimes make or break your job application.

So, what is a cover letter? It's a letter you should send to an employer with your resume. Writing cover letters could benefit from effective personalization. It captures the attention of hiring managers.

Writing a cover letter is sometimes time-consuming. Job seekers would normally find it challenging to personalize every application.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) will help. You can make writing cover letters easier by using advanced language models. An example is ChatGPT.

• Pros and cons of using AI for your cover letter
• Getting started: Using ChatGPT for your cover letter
• Other AI tools you may use for cover letter writing
• Tips for optimizing AI-generated cover letters
• Final thoughts
• FAQs

Pros and cons of using AI for your cover letter

Crafting the perfect cover letter for job applications is challenging. Navigating the expectations and requirements of a position is sometimes overwhelming. As AI technology advances, using its various tools becomes more popular.

Job seekers may find cover letter generators increasingly beneficial to their application processes.

AI offers guidance in creating effective cover letters. Using the technology has raised concerns about personalization and authenticity. Let's look at the pros and cons of using AI for your cover letters.

Pros

Here are some advantages of using AI for your cover letter:

• Time efficiency: AI generates initial drafts of your cover letter. This will save you significant time. With a few clicks, you will have a draft ready to refine. With your cover letter drafted, you could focus more on other aspects of your job application.
• Guidance and suggestions: ChatGPT is able to provide valuable ideas for improving your content. AI tools will then enhance the overall quality of your cover letter. From sentence structure to word choice, AI offers insights to help you polish the letter.
• Customization based on prompts: AI helps tailor your cover letter for job applications. It uses specific prompts to do this. This will help you ensure the letter fits the role you're applying for. This customization increases the chances of catching the recruiter's attention.
• Language enhancement: AI helps refine your language, grammar, and writing style. Polishing your writing skills will contribute to producing a professional cover letter. This will help you present yourself to potential employers in a positive way.
• Overcoming writer's block: AI helps you create. It may help you overcome writer's block and provide fresh ideas for expressing your skills and achievements. It could also offer alternative perspectives and suggestions. This will keep the writing process flowing smoothly.
• Consistency in tone: AI also helps you maintain a consistent tone throughout the cover letter. This ensures a fluent presentation. Fluency reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.

Cons

Here are some limitations of using AI for your cover letter:

• Lack of personalization: An AI cover letter generator may need help in capturing your individuality. This could result in a generic and less personalized cover letter. Recruiters value authenticity. A generic cover letter may fail to make a lasting impression.
• Inability to address nuances: The generator may need help understanding your experiences or industry details. This could lead to a loss of accuracy. Mistakes in your cover letter could hurt your ability. They stop you from showing your qualifications and achievements to an employer.
• Limited understanding: AI tools might not understand the context of certain situations. A lack of understanding could make it challenging to convey your passion or address complex career narratives. This could result in a cover letter that feels disconnected or lacks depth.
• Risk of over-reliance: Depending solely on AI may make you reliant on the technology. Relying on AI to write your cover letters could make you overlook the need to use your intuition and emotions. The human touch is essential in conveying sincerity and authenticity.
• Potential ATS compatibility issues: AI-generated content may not always fit ATS requirements. This affects the cover letter's effectiveness in an automated screening process. The ATS algorithms could overlook your cover letter and reject you from the application process.
• Missed opportunities for creativity: AI generators may lack the ability to add creativity to your cover letter. This may cause you to miss opportunities in creative or non-traditional industries. A well-written cover letter will make employers remember you. It could also differentiate you from the competition.
• Impersonal tone: AI might result in a mechanical or impersonal tone. A flat tone may disconnect the reader from the human aspect of your cover letter. Building a personal connection with the recruiter is essential in making a memorable impression.
• Need for human review: Despite AI assistance, reviewing the cover letter to ensure it makes sense is essential. You need to make sure it effectively captures your strengths. You should also ensure that the cover letter aligns with the job requirements. Human intervention adds authenticity.

Getting started: Using ChatGPT for your cover letter

Leveraging ChatGPT prompts will help you create tailored and impactful cover letters. AI gives your letter the best chance to resonate with potential employers. A well-written letter increases your chances of getting your desired job in the Philippines. Cover letters are generally required for applications there.

Navigating the ChatGPT interface

ChatGPT offers a user-friendly interface for crafting a compelling cover letter. Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing and utilizing ChatGPT for cover letter writing:

1. Access ChatGPT: Visit the ChatGPT website or use the available app. Sign in or create an account if necessary.
2. Select a writing mode: Choose a writing mode, such as "Cover Letter" or "Professional Writing."
3. Provide input: Input your name, company name, and other relevant details. Specify the job title or industry to tailor the cover letter appropriately.
4. Generate content: Start typing or use ChatGPT's prompts to kickstart the writing process. Use the suggestions and guidance ChatGPT offers to refine your content.
5. Review and edit: Review the generated content and make necessary edits for clarity and relevance. Ensure the cover letter reflects your personality and qualifications.
6. Finalize and save: When satisfied, save or download the cover letter for future use or refinement.

ChatGPT prompts to create an effective cover letter

Crafting effective prompts is crucial for guiding an AI-generated cover letter. Well-crafted prompts provide direction and context for AI-generated content.

They ensure the cover letter addresses job requirements and showcases relevant skills. You could leverage ChatGPT prompts to enhance your cover letter.

Here are some examples:

Marketing manager position

To create a cover letter for a marketing manager position, you could use one of the following prompts:

• "Highlight your experience in developing and executing marketing strategies."
• "Discuss your successful local campaigns in the Philippines and their impact on brand awareness."

You could customize prompts based on your unique experiences and the job description. Experiment with different phrasings to elicit varied responses from ChatGPT. Here's an excerpt from a cover letter using AI:

"As a seasoned marketing professional, I have spearheaded numerous successful campaigns to elevate brand awareness and drive consumer engagement. My strategic marketing approach has consistently yielded tangible results, with campaigns garnering significant traction across various digital platforms."

Software developer position

Here are two examples of prompts you could use if you were pursuing a software developer role:

• "Describe your proficiency in programming languages and development tools."
• "Share examples of projects where you demonstrated problem-solving skills."

Here's an excerpt from an AI-generated cover letter for that role:

"My expertise lies in coding languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, coupled with a strong command of development tools like Git and Docker. I have successfully tackled complex coding challenges in previous projects, showcasing my adept problem-solving skills and ability to deliver high-quality solutions within tight deadlines."

Other AI tools you may use for cover letter writing

Many AI tools offer valuable help. They create a polished and professional cover letter. This will help you make a strong impression on potential employers. It's best to explore each tool's features, benefits, and pricing options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here are five AI tools to consider:

Gemini

Gemini, formerly known as Bard, utilizes AI to assist users in crafting professional cover letters and resumes. It offers customizable templates. They have content suggestions tailored to different industries and job descriptions.

• Use cases and value propositions: Gemini helps users streamline the cover letter process by providing structured templates and content prompts. It aims to enhance the quality and relevance of cover letters to increase the likelihood of securing job interviews.
• Pros: User-friendly interface for easy navigation. Customizable templates catered to specific job roles. AI-driven content suggestions for personalized cover letters.
• Cons: Limited customization options compared to human-written cover letters. It may not capture each person's individuality and nuances fully.
• Pricing: Gemini offers a subscription-based pricing model with different tiers based on features and usage levels.

ResumAI

ResumAI leverages AI technology to generate optimized resumes and cover letters. It provides real-time feedback on content quality, formatting, and keyword optimization.

• Use cases and value propositions: ResumAI aims to help users create tailored cover letters that resonate with hiring managers and ATS. It offers insights into industry-specific keywords and trends. These can boost the visibility of resumes and cover letters.
• Pros: Automated feedback and suggestions for improving cover letter content. Integration with ATS to ensure compatibility and maximize application success. Access to analytics and performance metrics to track the effectiveness of cover letters.
• Cons: ResumAI may need manual adjustments to align with individual preferences and job requirements. It has limited customization options for highly specialized industries or roles.
• Pricing: ResumAI offers free and paid plans with premium features at a monthly or annual subscription fee.

Jasper AI

Jasper AI offers AI-powered writing assistance. It is for making cover letters, resumes, and other professional documents.

It provides suggestions for improving content clarity, coherence, and relevance.

• Use cases and value propositions: Jasper AI helps users overcome writer's block. It enhances the quality of cover letters through AI-driven content generation. It offers real-time collaboration features for team-based cover letter writing and editing.
• Pros: Advanced language processing capabilities for generating personalized content. Collaboration features for team-based editing and feedback. Integration with popular document editing tools for workflow management.
• Cons: Jasper AI may struggle with understanding highly technical or specialized language. It has limited support for non-English languages and regional variations.
• Pricing: Jasper AI has subscription-based plans. They have different tiers for features and usage limits.

Writesonic

Writesonic utilizes AI to generate persuasive and engaging content. It can generate cover letters, marketing copy, and social media posts. It offers customizable templates and content prompts to suit various writing needs.

• Use cases and value propositions: Writesonic helps users create compelling cover letters. These letters highlight their skills, experiences, and qualifications. It offers a range of writing styles and tones to cater to different industries and audiences.
• Pros: Versatile AI-powered content generation for various writing purposes. Access to a library of pre-written content templates for easy customization. Integration with popular productivity tools for workflow integration.
• Cons: Writesonic may require users to manually review and edit their documents to ensure accuracy and coherence. It has limited customization options for highly specialized or niche industries.
• Pricing: Writesonic has subscription-based plans. They have different tiers based on features and usage.

Resume.io

Resume.io provides AI-driven resume and cover letter templates for job seekers. It offers customization options for formatting, styling, and content to suit individual preferences.

• Use cases and value propositions: Resume.io aims to simplify writing cover letters. It does this with easy templates and intuitive tools. It offers tips on writing good cover letters. They should resonate with recruiters and hiring managers.
• Pros: Wide selection of professional cover letter templates for various industries and job roles. Easy-to-use editing interface with a drag-and-drop function for customizing content. It could also integrate with other social media platforms for profile synchronization.
• Cons: Limited customization options compared to fully custom-written cover letters. It may not capture the individuality and uniqueness of the user's background and experiences.
• Pricing: Resume.io offers subscription plans. They have different tiers based on features and usage limits.

Tips for optimizing AI-generated cover letters

You can optimize your AI-generated cover letters. Use the AI draft to show your qualifications. Also, show your personality and enthusiasm for the job.

Remember to balance automation and personalization to create a compelling, authentic cover letter. This could resonate with potential employers.

Here are two essential tips to always apply:

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch can make a difference. It turns a generic into an effective cover letter. Here's how you can add a personal touch to your cover letters:

• Include personal anecdotes or achievements: Share stories or achievements showing your qualifications for the job. Highlight unique experiences or skills that set you apart from others.
• Emphasize authenticity: Avoid generic language and clichés. Give your cover letter passion and enthusiasm. Use language that reflects your personality and showcases your interest in the position.
• Provide examples of personalized elements: Use details of the company or role that fit your career goals and aspirations. Customize the opening paragraph. Mention how you found the job and why it fits your goals.

Edit and refine your cover letter

Generating a cover letter isn't enough. Editing and refining it to differentiate it from a generic cover letter is essential. Here's how you can do that:

• Use a collaborative approach: Combine AI-generated content with human editing. This will ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Ask peers, mentors, or pros for feedback. It will help you improve your cover letter.
• Refine for specific job applications: Tailor your cover letter to each job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Customize the content to address specific requirements the job description mentions.
• Reflect on your voice and aspirations: Review the AI-generated content. Make sure it reflects your voice, values, and career goals. Adjust the cover letter to fit your personal branding and professional goals.

Final thoughts

Leveraging AI for cover letter writing offers many advantages. Benefits include time efficiency, guidance, and customization. Balancing automation and personalization is critical. It ensures the cover letter shows your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.

The potential of AI-driven cover letters can improve your job search journey. By following these tips, you can streamline your cover letter writing. This can increase your chances of securing your desired positions.

FAQs

1. Can I use ChatGPT for a cover letter?
   ⁠Yes, you can use ChatGPT to generate content for a cover letter. ChatGPT can provide suggestions, help structure your thoughts, and refine language.
   ⁠Reviewing and customizing the generated content is essential. It ensures your cover letter aligns with your qualifications and the job's requirements.
2. Can companies detect AI cover letters?
   ⁠Companies in the Philippines may not detect an AI-generated cover letter as the technology is not ready yet. Ensuring the content is authentic and tailored to the job application is essential. ATS software may reject a generic or impersonal cover letter, impacting your chances of landing the job.
3. What is the best AI cover letter writer?
   ⁠Several AI tools generate cover letters, each with strengths and weaknesses. Some popular options include Textio, VMock, and Resume Worded.
   ⁠The best AI cover letter writer for you depends on your preferences, budget, and needs. Explore different tools and choose one that aligns with your requirements.