How To Write a ChatGPT Cover Letter Fast (+ Prompts)

Step 1: Gather your background information

Before using ChatGPT as a cover letter generator, take a few minutes to decide what you want to include. Focus on the universal aspects of your professional profile that can apply across jobs like:

• Your professional title and experience level (e.g., "Marketing Manager with 5 years of experience")
• 3-4 transferable skills that apply across jobs
• 2-3 achievements with measurable results
• Your professional approach or philosophy that distinguishes you from others

Step 2: Prompt ChatGPT to write a cover letter

After you have your details, you need to understand how to prompt ChatGPT to write a cover letter. Start with a clear request that specifies your needs, like the one below.

Create a professional, general-purpose cover letter template for a [your profession] with [X years] of experience. Include placeholder sections for customization. Focus on transferable skills, including [list 3-4 key skills]. Keep the tone conversational yet professional.

Then, press "Shift" + "Enter," add the background information you gathered, and submit your request.

Here's the cover letter generated by ChatGPT:

Step 3: Customize and personalize the AI output

After getting ChatGPT's output, make these important adjustments to create your final cover letter template:

• Review for authenticity: Check the language and tone to ensure they reflect your professional voice
• Adjust placeholder text: Make sure all placeholder sections are clearly marked for easy customization later so you don't miss details
• Add section headers: Consider adding comments or notes to yourself about what to customize for each application
• Save in an accessible format: Store your template somewhere you can easily access when applying for jobs

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Pro Tip: Instead of copying and pasting all of your information into multiple tools or platforms, Teal’s AI Resume Builder integrates ChatGPT technology to write custom cover letters for every unique job based on your unique experience and a job description—so you can create, edit, and optimize your cover letter in seconds—all in one place.

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Using AI to write a tailored cover letter

Before asking ChatGPT to write customized content for you, collect all the details that will make your cover letter more targeted and personalized. This ensures your cover letter is aligned with the role and includes job-specific keywords recruiters search for in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Job description: Save the full job posting with responsibilities, qualifications, and company details
• Your resume: Have your tailored resume ready for reference
• Company research: Note 2-3 specific things that interest you about the company (culture, projects, values)
• Top achievements: Identify 2-3 specific accomplishments that directly relate to the role
• Your connection: Clarify why you're interested in this specific role and company

Then, using one of the prompts below, ask ChatGPT to tailor your initial cover letter to the specific job you're targeting.

ChatGPT prompts for cover letter customization

• Show me an example of an impactful cover letter for a [role type] in [field] for someone with [x] years of experience and a genuine interest in [something the company values for this particular role]. Keep the letter at 250 words or less. Use short paragraphs and vary your sentence and paragraph length.

• Write a cover letter for a [job title] based on this job description and my resume. [Press "Shift + "Enter," then copy and paste the job description and your resume.]

• Write a cover letter based on this [job title] position at [company] and include bullet point achievements that show my impact and metrics. [Press "Shift" + "Enter," then copy and paste the job description and your resume.]

• Create a template for me that I can use to create my first-ever cover letter in the [industry.] I am looking for a [job title] role. This cover letter should be engaging to read and use persuasive, intelligent, and clear language. Please keep the letter to no more than 250 words. Use short paragraphs.

• Draft a cover letter for the [role] at [company], focusing on a clear, professional tone. Use the job responsibilities listed below and my relevant experience in [specific area]. Highlight the following key achievements: [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3]. Ensure these align with the company’s mission of [mission], and craft the content to be engaging yet concise.

Here's an example of the AI output:

Improving an existing Chat GPT cover letter

If you have an existing cover letter or cover letter template, you can use an AI writer to improve and fine-tune it rather than starting from scratch. This approach allows you to iteratively change specific parts of your letter to make it more compelling and effective.

Using one of the prompts below, request that Chat GPT improve your cover letter. Make sure to attach your existing cover letter!

ChatGPT prompts for cover letter improvements

• Below is my current cover letter. How does it stand up to current best practices for cover letters? What should I do to improve it? [Press "Shift" + "Enter," then copy and paste your cover letter.]

• Below is my current cover letter and my resume. Please rework it to make me seem like an obvious choice for a new [job title] at [type of company.] [Press "Shift" + "Enter," then copy and paste your cover letter and resume.]

• Here's my current cover letter. How would you rewrite it if you were applying to this [job title] role at [company]? Include places for metrics in the achievements. [Press "Shift" + "Enter," then copy and paste your cover letter and the job description.]

• Below is my current cover letter. It may not be attention-grabbing enough to stand out from other applicants applying for the [job title] role at [company]. Give me some suggestions on how to start my letter in a way that immediately grabs attention and sets me apart from the competition. I've also included the job description for reference. [Press "Shift" + "Enter," then copy and paste your cover letter and the job description.]

Here are the ChatGPT-generated suggestions:

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ChatGPT prompts for no experience

• Create a 150-word tailored cover letter for a recent graduate applying for a role in [industry], emphasizing the skills I've gained from my coursework in [specific courses], academic projects like [specific project and outcome], and certifications in [relevant certifications]. Keep your tone non-dramatic. I've attached the job description for reference.

• Write a half-page cover letter for an entry-level [role], focusing on the skills [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] I've acquired through courses such as [specific courses], workshops like [specific workshop], and hands-on projects, particularly [specific project], that align with the job requirements using the job description below as a guide.

• Draft a 200-word cover letter for me, as someone with no direct experience in [industry], but with strong skills I've developed through online courses in [specific subjects and outcomes] and personal projects such as [specific project in related field], highlighting how I can apply skills to the role in [industry]. Follow the job description below and be specific.

ChatGPT prompts for mid-level experience

• Generate a cover letter for a [role] in [industry] that leverages my [x] years of experience in [specific tasks] and team collaboration. As the job requires over 5 years of experience please talk about my career in a progressive way that highlights my growth over that specific span of time.

• Write a cover letter focusing on my accomplishments in [accomplishment 1], [accomplishment 2], [accomplishment 3] and how they align with the responsibilities listed in the job description below. Use a non-dramatic tone.

• Create a cover letter that highlights my mid-level experience in [industry], emphasizing how my track record of [2-3 specific achievements with impact] can benefit the company. Use my resume and the job description as a guide.

ChatGPT prompts for senior-level experience

• Draft a one-page cover letter for a senior-level [role] in [industry], emphasizing my leadership experience and specific achievements in [large-scale project or initiative]. Your language should be professional and clear.

• Write a tailored cover letter for the job below that showcases my extensive experience in [industry], focusing on strategic initiatives and [achievements]. Use my resume as a guide for talking points.

• Create a 250-word cover letter that positions me as an expert in [specific field], addressing how my experience and insights align with the company's goals as outlined in the job description. Use my resume as a guide for talking points.

ChatGPT prompts for pivoting careers

• Generate a 200-word cover letter for transitioning from [current industry] to [new industry], focusing on transferable skills and any relevant achievements from my resume. Keep your language clear and non-dramatic. Vary your sentence structure and paragraph length.

• Write a cover letter for pivoting from [current role] to [new role], highlighting how my skills in [specific task] are valuable in the new field. Follow the attached job description.

• Create a cover letter that explains my career pivot from [current industry] to [new industry], emphasizing my experience in [related field] and [achievements that align with the job description]. Use non-dramatic, clear language.

ChatGPT prompts for software engineer roles

• Draft a 150-word cover letter for a senior software engineering role at [company], focusing on my experience with [specific programming languages or tools] as highlighted in my resume. I've included the job description below for reference. Emphasize how my recent project [specific software project with metrics and impact] aligns with the job requirements.

• Write a 200-word cover letter targeting a frontend software engineering position at [company] where I can showcase my skills in [specific software development methodologies and use cases] as detailed in my resume. I've attached the job description and my resume for reference.

• Create a cover letter for a backend software engineering role, leveraging my proficiency in [specific programming languages] and the top achievements from my resume. Use non-dramatic language. I've included the job description below for reference and would like to focus on how my recent work on [specific project with metrics and impact] meets the company's needs. I’ve attached the job description for reference.

ChatGPT prompts for education roles

• Create a cover letter for a high school teacher position. Use non-dramatic language and a professional yet conversational tone. Highlight [x] years of experience in curriculum development, particularly in designing [subject/program] programs that have [impact on students]. Mention how [specific teaching strategy] was successfully integrated to foster [specific skills with corresponding metrics] in students. Use my resume as a guide.

• Write a 200-word cover letter for an instructional coordinator role where I can leverage my [x] years of expertise in [area of expertise]. Focus on my role in leading a [type of initiative] that [resulted in specific improvements or outcomes]. Use my attached resume to incorporate other top achievements.

ChatGPT prompts for administrative roles

• Generate a cover letter for an executive assistant position. Use nondramatic language. Vary your sentence and paragraph length. Focus on [x] years of experience in [specific administrative tasks and tools]. Mention how [specific process] streamlined office communication and resulted in [impact]. Use my resume as a guide for metrics and key points.

• Create a 200-word cover letter for an administrative assistant position. Keep the language clear. Emphasize proficiency in [specific software or tools] and experience in [specific tasks]. Highlight how my strong skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2] resulted in [outcomes]. I've attached the job description and my resume for reference.

ChatGPT prompts for data roles roles

• Draft a 150-word cover letter for a data analyst role. Focus on experience with [specific tools and software], highlighting how I used these to achieve [specific outcome]. Mention the project from my resume where [analysis or insights] led to [specific improvements].

• Write a cover letter in professional but conversational language for a data scientist position, emphasizing expertise in [algorithms]. Discuss a project where [specific model] led to [outcomes]. Use my resume and the job description as a guide.

• Generate a 200-word cover letter for a data engineer role using non-dramatic language. Focus on experience with [ technologies], detailing how [system] was designed and implemented to achieve [impact]. Tailor this letter using my attached resume and the job description.

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AI cover letter example

ChatGPT cover letter example

Sample ChatGPT cover letter

Pro Tip: Need more guidance? Check out this extensive collection of cover letter examples.

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Hack #1

Seamlessly integrate company culture: Instead of spending hours perusing a company's website to demonstrate your fit, provide ChatGPT with information about culture and values by copying and pasting the website content along with instructions to seamlessly integrate these elements into your letter—showcasing your alignment with the organization.

Hack #2

Generate attention-grabbing opening lines: Skip the struggle of finding the perfect opening line by having ChatGPT create attention-grabbing and personalized opening lines that immediately engage hiring professionals and convey your enthusiasm for the position.

Hack #3

Create a storytelling framework: Task ChatGPT with outlining a storytelling framework for your cover letter. (For example, a problem-solution framework or the challenge-action-result framework). Provide key points about your experiences, challenges, and achievements, and direct AI to organize these into a compelling narrative for your cover letter.

Hack #4

Write a personalized cover letter: A personalized cover letter is highly encouraged for your job search. It showcases to the hiring manager that you've researched the company and the position you're applying for and are genuinely interested in the job. Include the job description and your resume in your input to create a cover letter that sets you apart from other applicants.

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Benefits of using AI to write your cover letter

Incorporating AI-powered tools like ChatGPT for job applications and cover letter writing offers a range of benefits that can improve your job search efforts.

Save time and speed up your applications: Using AI for cover letter creation will save hours of meaningful time by quickly drafting an initial cover letter, allowing you to apply to more jobs faster.

Tell a consistent story: Using AI to write your cover letter helps you craft a seamless and compelling narrative because your cover letter aligns with your career journey, resume details, and the specific requirements of any job you apply for.

Customize content for each application: Easily customize your cover letter for each job application. AI can analyze job descriptions and tailor your letter to match specific requirements and keywords, boosting your chances of grabbing attention.

Get compelling insights: AI provides valuable tips on the best skills and achievements to emphasize, conveying the right amount of enthusiasm and showcasing your unique value to potential employers.

Can employers tell if you use ChatGPT to write your cover letter?

Employers in today's market recognize AI tools are part of the job search. They're not necessarily looking to "catch" AI users—they're looking for candidates who communicate effectively. Rather than replacing your input, AI ensures your cover letter mirrors the language hiring managers look for (improving ATS compatibility and your alignment with the role).

All that to say? Generic content stands out. When you rely on basic prompts without customization, the result is often standardized language that lacks specific examples or genuine connection to the role.

What makes the difference? Personalization.

When you provide detailed context to GPT and thoroughly revise the output, adding your specific experiences and voice, the final product reads as good writing. Think of AI as a drafting tool that helps you create content, not as a replacement for your input. The most successful professionals use AI to enhance their natural communication style rather than letting it take over completely.

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Additional ChatGPT Resources

• How to Write Your Resume with ChatGPT
• 21 Great ChatGPT Prompts for Your Resume
• How to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for Your Job Interview 
• How to use ChatGPT for Job Applications