Find a Job You Really Want In
Leveraging ChatGPT for crafting a cover letter can significantly streamline your job application process. In this article, we will explore how to effectively use ChatGPT to ease your cover letter burdens, along with tips to maximize its strengths while avoiding common pitfalls.
Key Takeaways:
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ChatGPT can generate a tailored cover letter based on your resume and the job description.
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Always review the cover letter created by ChatGPT for accuracy and clarity.
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Experiment with multiple versions of a cover letter generated by ChatGPT to combine elements that best represent your voice and style.
How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter
To utilize ChatGPT for your cover letter, provide it with essential information, prompt it to draft the letter, and then refine the generated text.
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Provide your background. Depending on how detailed you want your cover letter to be, you can either write a brief bio outlining your education, experience, and career aspirations, or upload your complete resume.
If you choose to write a bio, here’s a sample:
“I am a mechanical engineer with four years of experience at Boeing. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018, primarily focusing on servicing military airframes. I am now eager to transition into the commercial sector while continuing my journey with Boeing, which is why I am excited to apply for this internal position.”
Regardless of the method you select, input your information into the chat box and hit enter. ChatGPT will attempt to respond, but you can click “Stop generating” to halt it. At this stage, you only need to provide context for your next request.
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Input the job description. Next, copy and paste the job description you’re applying for into the chat box. If you prefer not to receive a response at this stage, simply click “Stop generating” again when it begins to respond.
Although you can articulate your own description of the job, providing the complete job description will yield better specificity and keyword inclusion.
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Request a cover letter. Ask ChatGPT to draft a cover letter using the information you’ve provided. Here’s an example of how to phrase your request:
“Please write a one-page cover letter based on my resume and this job description.”
You can also specify further criteria to guide ChatGPT’s approach, such as:
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“Please write a cover letter based on my resume and this job description, emphasizing my experience in teaching elementary school and my classroom management skills.”
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“Please write a cover letter based on my resume and this job description. Highlight my passion for environmental protection and how it aligns with the company’s mission.”
While these additional details are not mandatory, they can help ChatGPT create a more tailored and accurate letter.
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Click “Regenerate response.” ChatGPT can provide different outputs for the same prompt. Simply click “Regenerate response.” (You can alternate between answers by clicking the arrows next to the ChatGPT logo on the left of its text box, so you won’t lose the original cover letter.)
Even if you prefer the first cover letter, obtaining a few variations can help you combine elements that best reflect your voice, skills, personality, and experiences.
If ChatGPT’s response does not meet your expectations, modify your prompt for better clarity. You might be surprised at how well it can respond to more specific instructions.
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Edit thoroughly. Never submit the cover letter from ChatGPT without careful review. Remember, ChatGPT is not a mind reader; it generates content based on your prompt and other available data.
Due to this, assume it may contain inaccuracies and always double-check everything, particularly in your cover letter.
Look for incorrect details, such as skills or experiences you lack, and adjust the language to ensure it reflects your authentic voice. Since AI-generated text often follows predictable patterns, hiring managers may recognize its tone.
While this may not lead to immediate disqualification, it can suggest a lack of investment in the job application process. Remember, hiring managers want to hear your perspective, so add your unique touch to the cover letter.
To achieve this, consider merging the best parts of each generated cover letter or reading it aloud to identify any awkward phrasing.
Why You Should Use ChatGPT for Your Cover Letter
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Simplifies the process. Writing a cover letter can often feel daunting. Let ChatGPT handle the foundational work, allowing you to focus on refining your letter rather than struggling with its structure.
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Identifies and incorporates keywords for ATS compatibility. Many companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications based on specific keywords. While this streamlines the process for hiring managers, it can be challenging for applicants to discern what the ATS seeks, resulting in high-quality applications being overlooked.
ChatGPT functions similarly to an ATS, enabling it to analyze a job description, pinpoint essential keywords, and seamlessly integrate them into your cover letter. This increases the likelihood of your application reaching a human hiring manager.
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Ensures correct structure. One of the more challenging aspects of cover letter writing is determining the appropriate structure. Allowing ChatGPT to handle this can save you considerable time and reduce stress.
However, remember that ChatGPT will use a general structure, so if a company specifies a different format, ensure you adhere to those guidelines instead of relying solely on ChatGPT’s output.
Tips for Using ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter
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Incorporate tonal instructions. Adding descriptors such as “Enthusiastic and driven” or “Formal and professional” to your prompt can influence the tone of the cover letter ChatGPT produces.
These terms can assist ChatGPT in crafting a letter that aligns more closely with your voice, but you will still need to make adjustments to ensure it accurately reflects your personal style.
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Provide ample details. The more information you share with ChatGPT, the less it has to infer when composing your cover letter.
By including your motivations for applying, the likelihood of receiving a cover letter that resonates with your intentions increases significantly.
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Avoid sharing personal information. ChatGPT advises against providing sensitive information, as conversations are not private, and developers may review them to enhance the tool.
Therefore, refrain from inputting your contact details or any other sensitive information. You can use placeholder names and numbers, replacing them with your actual details before submission.
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Request rewrites. Don’t hesitate to ask ChatGPT to regenerate responses or to adjust your original prompt for additional iterations. It may take some experimentation before you effectively harness this tool, so feel free to explore various approaches.
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Avoid direct copying. Remember that ChatGPT is a tool, not an expert on your experiences. Always review and revise any document generated by ChatGPT before submission.
There may be factual errors in your cover letter, and AI often produces a repetitive tone. This could detract from your application’s appeal, so ensure it reflects your authentic voice before submitting.
ChatGPT Cover Letter FAQ
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Is it unethical to use ChatGPT for a cover letter?
No, using ChatGPT for a cover letter is not unethical. ChatGPT is a valuable tool that can enhance your cover letter while saving time. The key is to use the draft as a foundation, then customize it to reflect your unique style and voice.
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Do companies check if a cover letter is written by AI?
Yes, some companies do check for AI-generated content in cover letters. Even if they don’t, many hiring managers can discern whether a cover letter is AI-generated by how it reads. This emphasizes the importance of personalizing your letter to express your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
Failing to do so may lead hiring managers to believe you lack the motivation to invest the effort necessary for a well-crafted cover letter, which could jeopardize your chances of securing the position.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT is an invaluable tool that can help you create a professional, well-organized cover letter quickly. Just remember to edit it thoroughly so that it accurately represents your skills, experiences, and authentic voice, paving the way for a seamless cover letter writing experience.
References
Author
Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.
