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How to use ChatGPT to write a better cover letter
As if perfectly crafting a resume that encapsulates your entire career isn’t difficult enough, job applications also require a cover letter. This letter should help you express specific details about why you are interested in the company, what makes you qualified, and, ultimately, why the company should hire you.
How to use ChatGPT to create: Code | Excel formulas | Essays | Resumes | Apps | Charts and Tables
If executed properly, a cover letter can make you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your genuine interest in the role, the experience that makes you a good fit, and what makes you different from other candidates with similar qualifications.
However, synthesizing those ideas into a one-page letter each time you apply for a job can be time-consuming and challenging. Thankfully, ChatGPT is here to help.
How to use ChatGPT to help craft your cover letter
Whether you’ve started writing a cover letter and feel stuck or don’t know where to start, ChatGPT can help you produce the exact cover letter you envisioned.
Also: How to use ChatGPT
All the AI needs is a couple of prompts and a little direction.
To get started, visit ChatGPT’s website. Signing in is optional but grants you extra perks, such as using the chat history feature to review your responses later. If you don’t have an account, you can create one or sign in using your existing Google or Microsoft account.
If you haven’t created an account, click on Sign up. Otherwise, log in with your OpenAI credentials.
Screenshot by Maria Diaz/ZDNET
To have ChatGPT generate a cover letter for you, all you have to do is ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter for the role and company of your choice. You should also include details about the experiences you want the cover letter to highlight.
Also: How to use ChatGPT to optimize your resume
For example, a possible input would be, “Can you write me a cover letter for the role of Associate Editor at ZDNET? I graduated from the University of North Carolina, majored in Journalism, and love technology.”
That is only a general example; you can be as specific or general as you want. However, the more direction you give ChatGPT, the better your output will be.
I included screenshots of the results for my question below. If you want to take a closer look, you can click on the upper right-hand corner to expand each photo.
If you want your cover letter to be tailored to the exact role you are applying for, you can copy and paste the job description into ChatGPT before asking it to write your cover letter. This method is by far the most efficient approach to getting your cover letter written in a way that reflects the exact role and duties.
Also: 5 ways AI can help you study – for free
As before, you also can include details about your own experience you’d like to include. Your prompt could look something like this, “Can you write me a cover letter for the position of [role title] at [employer]? This is the job description: XYZ. For context, I [include experiences you’d like to highlight].”
Despite ChatGPT’s best efforts and advanced capabilities, there might be something you want to tweak in the letter. If that’s the case, it’s super simple to change something. All you have to do is ask ChatGPT to tweak a specific aspect of your letter, and it will.
Also: How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 5 reasons why you should)
For example, following the cover letter generated above, you could say, “Can you emphasize my passion for tech a bit more?” You can see how I used this approach in the illustration, below.
For an even more engaging collaborative co-editing experience, you can use the new GPT-4o with Canvas feature in beta for ChatGPT Plus users.
If interested, click on GPT-4o with Canvas from the model toggle and paste in the cover letter, which will activate a new interface that makes collaborating on your writing projects easier by keeping your project on the right pane and the textbox on the left, with writing shortcuts, and more.
FAQs
Are cover letters necessary for a job application?
Cover letters are not always required for a job application. However, almost all job applications require one or allow you to submit one. The benefits of a cover letter include having the employer get to know more about you and helping you stand out from other applicants.
Should you use ChatGPT to write a cover letter?
ChatGPT can write an impressive cover letter within seconds, allowing you to focus on other parts of your application that require more time and effort. ChatGPT produces the letter; you can always add your edits to give it your flair.
What should be showcased in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should help to set you apart from other applicants. Therefore, it should communicate what interests you about the role and what experiences make you a great fit. Try not to regurgitate the information already on your resume since you want this letter to showcase a different side of you.
