How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting the perfect cover letter is a challenge for many job seekers. Even top candidates struggle with it—think of the countless revisions and sleepless nights as they try to perfect their personal pitch.

Follow these steps to use GPT for crafting a standout cover letter:

• Step 1: Gather Information. Collect key details about the job and company to provide context.
• Step 2: Introduce Yourself. Share a brief overview of your background, skills, and career goals.
• Step 3: Share Job, Company, and Resume Info. Provide the job description, company details, and resume to guide the content.
• Step 4: Highlight Experiences and Personality. Showcase your relevant experiences and personal traits.
• Step 5: Set the Tone and Add Personal Touches. Ensure a friendly and genuine tone that reflects your enthusiasm.
• Step 6: Request Revisions. Refine the draft with feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Step 7: Finalize and Edit. Proofread and tailor the cover letter to the job you’re applying for.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to help you craft a ChatGPT cover letter that makes a great impression. You’ll get tips on how to get ChatGPT to write a cover letter that blends your unique qualities with the professional requirements of the job.

And if you're feeling stuck, consider our essay writing service to get expert help.

What is a Cover Letter for a Job?

Let’s get started with a quick Q&A:

What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is an opportunity to add depth to your resume, explaining why you’re excited about the role and how your unique skills and experiences make you a good fit. Think of it as the bridge between your resume and your dream job, where you can show your personality, which a resume can't.

Why do I need a cover letter?
For students, this is especially important. For example, if you’ve held a part-time job, volunteered, or done extracurricular activities, a cover letter allows you to highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the professional world. Maybe you also took a gap year or switched majors—this is the place to explain your choices.

How long should a cover letter be?
As for the length, we have one rule: keep it short and sweet—one page is perfect—so the hiring manager doesn’t lose interest.

Why Use ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter?

Writing a cover letter with ChatGPT can make the whole process a lot smoother and even increase your chances of getting an interview:

1. Speed and Efficiency: ChatGPT can generate a solid first draft of your cover letter in just a few minutes, giving you more time to prep for interviews. A study by MIT found that using ChatGPT can make writing tasks 11 minutes faster on average, boosting productivity by 18%.
2. Personalization: You can feed ChatGPT details about the job and your experience and it will tailor the content to match, making your application stand out more​.
3. Professional Language: Not everyone finds it easy to write in that polished, professional language that employers love. ChatGPT can do it for you​.
4. Avoiding Mistakes: We all make typos and awkward phrases slip through. ChatGPT catches and fixes those errors so your cover letter is clean and error-free.
5. Consistency: If you're applying for multiple positions, ChatGPT can help keep a consistent tone and style across all your cover letters.

But while AI can be fantastic, don’t rely on it entirely. Sometimes, it will miss the personal nuances that make your cover letter truly yours. Plus, some applicant tracking systems may flag AI-generated content, so tweak and personalize what it gives you​.

Besides, to get the best results, you need to give ChatGPT a very specific prompt, which can be tricky but necessary for a personalized cover letter.

But we’re here for that. Now, let’s get started on how to use ChatGPT to write cover letter step-by-step.

How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

This guide is here to help you create a cover letter that shows your strengths and fits the job you’re applying for. Whether you’re applying for an internship or your first job, these steps will guide you through everything from gathering information to polishing your final draft.

Step 1: Gather Information

To get started on how to write a cover letter using ChatGPT, collect all the necessary information about the job you are applying for. This includes the job description, the company’s values, and the specific qualifications required.

Let's say you are applying for a Marketing Intern role at Tech Company. Begin by carefully reading the job listing and highlighting key skills such as “social media management” and “data analysis.”

Then, visit the company website and read industry-related articles to gain deeper insights. You might discover that “the company values innovation and teamwork,” which perfectly aligns with your experience in group projects during your marketing course.

Additionally, read industry-related articles and reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to get a sense of the company's reputation and work environment.

Step 2: Introduce Yourself

If you're not sure how to ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter, start by sharing a brief overview of who you are, your educational background, and your career goals. This helps ChatGPT understand your context and tailor the cover letter for you. Be friendly and personal, like you’re talking to a mentor who’s eager to help you.

For example, you could start with:

"I’m Alex, a recent graduate from XYZ University with a degree in Marketing. I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and have gained experience through internships and school projects."

This is your chance to highlight your personality and enthusiasm for the job.

Step 3: Give ChatGPT All the Job, Company and Resume Info

Provide ChatGPT with all the relevant documents and information, including the job description, company details, and your resume.

For instance, you can say:

"Here’s the job description for the Marketing Intern position at Tech Company. The role requires skills in social media management, data analysis, and teamwork. The company values innovation and creativity. I’ve also attached my resume, highlighting my internships, where I managed social media campaigns and did data analysis."

Step 4: Add Your Experiences and Personality

Think about what you want to highlight: your relevant experiences, skills, and why you're the best fit for the position. Did you run a successful campaign? Share your strategy and the positive results. Did you have coursework or internships that honed your skills? Mention them.

Reflect on how your personality matches the company’s values and the times you demonstrated those traits. If the company values innovation, talk about a time you came up with a creative solution. If teamwork is key, describe a project where your team worked together to achieve success.

You might say:

"Tell a story about how I developed a social media strategy during my internship that increased engagement by 30%. I also want to talk about a group project in college where our teamwork led to an A+, and the professor used our project as a case study for future classes.”

Step 5: Set the Tone and Add Personal Touches

When using ChatGPT to write cover letters, you’ll have to guide the tone so that it feels friendly and genuine. You want your cover letter to sound like it’s coming from you, showing your excitement for the role and the company without sounding too formal (or, well, robotic).

Start by telling ChatGPT what you like about the job and why you’re drawn to the company. Mention something specific that caught your attention, whether it’s their products, company culture, or recent achievements.

For example:

"I’m really interested in the role at Tech Company. Their work in AI is awesome, and I love their values of creativity and teamwork. I think my experience in social media management and my interest in innovative marketing would be a great fit for their team."

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Step 6: Ask for More Revisions, Don’t Be Shy

Don’t hesitate to ask for revisions if something doesn’t feel right or if you think of something new that could strengthen your cover letter. Iterating on your drafts means you’ll present your best self to the employer.

You can say:

"I feel like the section about my data analysis skills could be stronger. Can we refine it to better showcase how my experience matches the job requirements? Also, can we make the last paragraph more punchy?"

The goal is to create the best possible version of your cover letter, and sometimes that means going back and making a few adjustments.

Step 7: Finalize and Edit

Once you get your ChatGPT cover letter, finalize and proofread it thoroughly. Start by reviewing the entire letter for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Reading it out loud will help you catch any clunky phrasing or mistakes that might slip through. Tools like Grammarly are also helpful for spotting issues and polishing your writing.

As well as checking for errors, make sure the tone ChatGPT used aligns with your personality—enthusiastic yet professional—and that your main points are clear and concise. Double-check that the letter is addressed to the correct company and position and that it’s tailored specifically to the job you're applying for.

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Chatgpt Prompts for Cover Letter

Here are some additional tips for writing cover letter prompts for ChatGPT:

Bonus Cover Letter Prompts

We understand that securing a job requires a great deal of effort and time, so we’re providing you with the best ChatGPT prompts for cover letter writing. These cover letter internship examples cover industries from technology and finance to healthcare and media, providing a broad spectrum of insights and strategies for your application.

1. Software Developer

"I’m [Your Name], fresh out of [University Name] with a Computer Science degree. During my studies, I built a web application for my capstone project using Python, Java, and SQL, which increased user engagement by 30%. I also interned at a tech startup where I helped implement a data analytics solution that improved operational efficiency by 20%. There’s a Software Developer role at [Company Name] I found on LinkedIn. Their tech efforts really excite me, and I think this would be the perfect place to start my career. Can you write a cover letter that makes my application stand out, focusing on my academic projects and interest in the role?"

2. Healthcare Professional

"I’m applying for a Residency position in Internal Medicine at [Hospital Name] and would like some help with a cover letter. I recently graduated from [Medical School Name], where my rotations in chronic condition management cemented my interest in internal medicine. During my final year, I led a research project on managing Type 2 diabetes, which was published in a medical journal. What drew me to [Hospital Name] is the hospital’s commitment to holistic patient-centered care, which aligns with my professional goals. Can you write a cover letter that highlights my dedication, experience, and how I fit with [Hospital Name]’s values?"

3. Lawyer

"I’m applying for a summer associate position at [Law Firm Name] as a law student from [Your Law School]. My coursework in [Specific Law Courses] and internships at [Previous Internship/Experience] have honed my legal research, writing, and analytical skills. I’m particularly interested in [Specific Area of Law], which aligns with the firm’s work in [Specific Practice Area]. During my internship at [Previous Internship/Experience], I worked on [Specific Project or Case] where I [describe your role and accomplishments, e.g., drafted motions, conducted legal research]. This experience has fueled my passion for [Specific Area of Law] and taught me [key insights or skills]. I’d like to bring my skills in [Specific Skills, e.g., legal research] to the team. I like [Law Firm Name]’s focus on [Firm’s Values or Notable Work] and would love to contribute and grow at the firm. Can you write a cover letter for me?"

4. Creative Copywriter

"I’m a college student majoring in communications and applying for the creative copywriter position. I want my cover letter to be relaxed and fun. Can you write a cover letter that showcases my experience in writing social media content for a campus club where I increased engagement by 30%? Mention that I interned at a local marketing agency last summer, where I wrote copy for two successful ad campaigns. Highlight my passion for storytelling and creativity and my ability to adapt my tone to different audiences. I’d like to express my excitement about working at [Company Name] because of their innovative approach to marketing. Can you keep it short and sweet, around 150 words, and make me sound like a candidate who can bring new ideas to the team?"

5. Graphic Designer

"I'm a graphic design student looking to apply for a Graphic Designer internship at a creative agency. Could you help me write a cover letter that highlights my skills and experience in a conversational tone? I have experience designing logos, creating social media graphics, and working on a team project where I led the design of a university magazine cover. I'm passionate about typography and have taken courses in digital illustration and branding. I'm eager to learn and contribute creatively to the agency. Could you include specific examples of my work, like how I designed a logo for a local café that increased their customer engagement? The cover letter should be around 200 words and capture my enthusiasm for design."

6. Data Scientist

"I’m preparing to apply for the Data Scientist position at [Company Name], and I need a cover letter that effectively conveys my qualifications. I’ve recently graduated from [University Name] with a degree in Data Science, where I completed a project that reduced data processing time by 25% for a large dataset using optimized algorithms. I’m particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its innovative use of data to drive business decisions. Could you help me craft a cover letter that highlights my technical skills, specific achievements, and enthusiasm for this role?"

7. Civil Engineer

"Write a 150-word cover letter for a student applying for an internship as a Civil Engineer. The tone should be friendly and engaging. Include specific examples of relevant coursework, such as a project where I designed a sustainable bridge and any hands-on experience, like working on-site with a local construction company. Mention my strong teamwork skills and how I've collaborated on group assignments to solve complex engineering problems. Express my passion for sustainable infrastructure and my eagerness to contribute to innovative projects at the firm. Close with a statement about how this internship aligns with my career goals in civil engineering."

8. Teacher

"I’m a student writing a cover letter to apply for a teaching assistant position in an elementary school. I love education and have experience volunteering in classrooms where I assisted with lesson planning, tutoring, and organizing activities. I’m most proud of a project I led to create interactive learning games that improved students’ math skills. I’m studying Education and have taken courses in child psychology and classroom management. I think my hands-on experience and academic background make me a strong candidate for this role. I like the school’s approach to inclusive education and want to contribute to creating a supportive and fun learning environment. Can you write a cover letter that showcases my experience, passion, and fit for this teaching assistant position?"

9. Mechanical Engineer

"I’m a Mechanical Engineering student applying for an internship and need a concise cover letter. I’ve worked on a project designing a robotic arm and am active in my university's engineering club. My coursework and hands-on experience have prepared me well for real-world challenges. Could you write a 200-word cover letter highlighting these experiences and my eagerness to contribute to your team? Please include specific examples like the robotic arm project and my club involvement, and keep the tone conversational and enthusiastic."

10. Accountant

"ChatGPT, write cover letter for me. I’m applying for an entry-level Accountant position at [Accounting Firm Name]. I recently completed my degree in Accounting from [University Name], where I interned at a mid-sized firm and helped identify $50,000 in cost-saving opportunities through a detailed financial analysis. I’m particularly drawn to [Accounting Firm Name] because of the firm's reputation for excellence in financial services and its commitment to client satisfaction. Could you help me convey these points effectively in my cover letter?"

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ChatGPT

Using ChatGPT to write a cover letter can be a big help, but there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to make your letter really stand out. Let’s go through some of the most common pitfalls and how to fix them:

1. Generic Templates: Using a one-size-fits-all template can make your cover letter feel impersonal. For example, if your letter says, “I am interested in this position because I think my skills match your requirements,” it doesn’t capture why you’re specifically excited about this role at this company.
2. Missing Personal Touches: ChatGPT’s draft might give you a good start, but if it only says “I have marketing experience” without any specifics, you’re missing a chance to highlight your achievements, like leading a successful campaign.
3. Neglecting Company Culture: If your cover letter doesn’t reflect the company culture, it can seem disconnected. For example, saying “I am a hard worker” when the company values creativity doesn’t show you’ve done your homework based on what they value.
4. Overusing Buzzwords: Filling your cover letter with buzzwords like “team player” or “dynamic leader” without giving concrete examples sounds insincere. Instead, try to describe specific situations where you demonstrated these traits.

Using ChatGPT to write a cover letter can streamline your application process, but avoid relying solely on generic templates that lack a personal touch.

For detailed guidance on crafting a compelling cover letter, explore our comprehensive guide with practical cover letter examples tailored for various scenarios and job markets.

To Sum Up

A great cover letter is more than just a formality—it’s your opportunity to shine and make a memorable impression. With ChatGPT’s help, you can draft a well-structured letter quickly, but it’s essential to personalize it and ensure it reflects your genuine enthusiasm and unique qualities. By combining AI efficiency with your personal touch, you’ll craft a compelling cover letter that stands out and helps you connect with potential employers on a deeper level.

Best of luck with your job applications!

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