How to Use ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter

AI tools like ChatGPT can change how you approach writing a cover letter.

If you've struggled with the time it takes to create personalized cover letters or are uncertain about using AI in your job search, you're not alone. Many job seekers find themselves in this position—torn between a traditional approach and tech that can speed up the process.

In this article, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT for cover letters. You'll also find ChatGPT cover letter prompts designed for various jobs and seniority levels, so you have the guidance to create tailored, impactful content that truly reflects your experience, strengths, and top skills—all while saving valuable time.

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a remarkable AI-powered chatbot. The latest model as of August 2024 is ChatGPT-4o (or GPT-4o).

Short for Chat-based Generative Pre-trained Transformer, ChatGPT uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) to quickly and accurately generate human-like conversation in any given context.  

All you have to do is feed it relevant prompts like “Write my cover letter using my resume below as a reference,” and it will create a beautifully crafted and relevant draft just for you.

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Can ChatGPT write a cover letter?

Yes—ChatGPT can write a cover letter. In fact, it can create a concise cover letter draft for you in seconds. That said, without the correct input, you may end up with a pretty generic letter.

To create a memorable cover letter that catches the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager, you have to input the right prompts and provide additional details—like your resume, a JD, and specific tone and length directives. This extra information, combined with good prompting, will help ChatGPT customize its output to your experience, skills, and a specific job.

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How to use ChatGPT prompts to tailor a cover letter

Tailoring your cover letter to a specific job description is one of the best ways to connect what you’ve done in the past to what you can do for a prospective employer. However, it’s not just about customization; it’s about making sure your cover letter stands out and avoids the trap of sounding generic. Good ChatGPT prompts can help you achieve this by generating personalized and impactful content.

To start, identify the key details from the job description—like the most important skills, experiences, and company values. These will be your guide for creating prompts that produce targeted, unique content for your cover letter. You’ll also need a copy of your resume or a list of your top achievements and impact. Here’s how context helps create more tailored prompts.

Instead of a broad prompt like:

Write a cover letter for a digital marketing position.

Try something more specific and nuanced:

Write a cover letter that highlights my 5 years of experience in digital marketing, focusing on how I led campaigns that increased engagement by 30% and developed innovative strategies tailored to [company]'s target audience. Note my specific strategy and include the keywords [keyword from the job description], [keyword from the job description], and [keyword from the job description]. I’ve attached my resume for your reference.

By being specific in your prompts, you guide ChatGPT in generating results that are tailored to your experience and the job rather than just a generic response.

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How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter

To get started, simply Google “ChatGPT,” access the OpenAI website, and sign up for a free account. All you need is an email address, Google account, or Microsoft account. This step is easy and doesn't take more than a few minutes. Best of all, both the website and app are free to use. 

Once you’ve logged in, follow the steps below to create a ChatGPT cover letter.

1. Go to "Job Matching" in the AI Resume Builder and select one of the jobs from your Job Application Tracker to focus on.
2. Go to the "Job Description" tab and scroll to the "Responsibilities" section. Copy the responsibilities.
3. Head to ChatGPT and enter this prompt: Write my cover letter for [role] at [company] in a nondramatic, conversational tone, using the job responsibilities below as a reference.” 
4. Press "Shift" + "Enter."
5. Paste the responsibilities below that prompt.
6. When you get your result, save it in a separate area, then provide feedback or tell GPT to “try again" to generate two more versions. Remember to save ChatGPT’s response each time.
7. Sort through the options, pull what you like from each generated version, make sure it accurately reflects your experience, and finalize a cover letter you love. 

And remember, while you can do this task individually on ChatGPT for each job application process you move through, there is a better and more efficient way to generate customized cover letters using the AI Cover Letter Generator directly inside Teal's Resume Builder.

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How to write a tailored cover letter from scratch

1. Pull up the job description of the position you're interested in, as well as a copy of your resume. (You can create multiple versions of your resume using Teal's free AI resume maker, but be sure to select the one most relevant to the role you're applying to.)
2. In ChatGPT, copy and paste one of the following prompts. You can try them all, but be sure to use them one at a time—followed by the job description and your resume where specified.
3. Take the responses generated by ChatGPT, copy them, and paste them into a Word or Google Doc. Pull what you love, and remove what doesn’t accurately reflect or speak to you. 
4. Though ChatGPT can make suggestions, they're only sometimes 100% accurate. Edit as needed to ensure it accurately reflects your experience, voice, and excitement for a particular role. 

ChatGPT cover letter prompts to use

• Show me an example of an impactful cover letter for a [role type] in [field] for someone with [x] years of experience and a love of [something the company values for this particular role]. Keep the cover 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 cover 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.

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How to improve an existing cover letter with ChatGPT

Let's say you already have a cover letter created. And while you know it's effective—it's also very generic. Here's how you can use ChatGPT to improve it.

1. Pull up the role you're preparing to apply for, a copy of your resume, and your most recent cover letter.
2. Open ChatGPT and copy and paste each of the following prompts into ChatGPT one at a time, followed by "Shift" + "Enter" for a line break, and then paste the job description, your existing resume, and your current cover letter (when applicable).
3. Copy the responses from ChatGPT and paste them into a Word or Google Doc. Pull what you love, and remove what doesn't accurately reflect or speak to you. 

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ChatGPT cover letter prompts to use

• 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.]

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ChatGPT cover letter writer

Teal's free, AI cover letter generator simplifies cover letter creation. 

Instead of copying and pasting your resume to ChatGPT, streamline your workflow with Teal. 

With Teal, not only can you track job postings, but you can also create customized AI-generated cover letters (and professional summaries and resume achievements!) for each one instantly—in one centralized location.

Pulling the details from your resume and any saved job description, the Teal AI Resume Builder ensures every cover letter you create is not only tailored to a specific role but also consistently reflects the skills and qualifications of your resume. Learn more about Teal’s AI Cover Letter Generator.

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Try Teal today to start customizing your cover letters and transform your job search.

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The best ChatGPT prompts to use for cover letters

The best way to see beneficial results from artificial intelligence is by putting in the actual legwork. You cannot expect AI to do everything for you at the click of a button. ChatGPT only works well with help and strategic direction from an actual person. 

That’s why thoughtful prompts are SO necessary. The input you give ChatGPT influences the quality of output you receive. The more detailed suggestions you provide, the more likely it will be able to customize the outcome for you. 

Below are four ChatGPT prompts for writing cover letters. If you’re looking for even more prompts, continue reading and check out ChatGPT resume prompts for even more examples of how to use AI prompting in your job search.

Personalize these to your experience, the companies you’re applying with, and the job title you’re applying for.

• Write a conversational cover letter for a job application as a [position] at [company] using my resume below as a reference.

• Draft a persuasive cover letter in 150 words or less highlighting my qualifications and enthusiasm for the [position] at [company] using my resume achievements below.

• Create a compelling cover letter that explains why I am the best fit for the [position] at [company]. Write the cover letter using the StoryBrand Framework.

• Compose a professional cover letter demonstrating how my abilities align with the requirements for the [position] at [company]. Use the information below as a guide.

In each of these prompts, you’re expected to provide context like a job description and resume achievements or a professional summary to see the best possible outcome. You'll see above that ChatGPT was directed to write a cover letter with 150 words or less. As some cover letters it created were a bit verbose, try using that word count limit for each out.

Below, you'll see an example of a cover letter created by the ChatGPT technology in Teal using one of the prompts above.

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ChatGPT cover letter prompts

Using ChatGPT prompts can be an effective way to streamline cover letter writing. And good prompting will help AI deliver better output.

Make sure you have the job description of the role you’re applying to and your resume available. You might need (one or both) of these documents to provide AI with more details depending on the prompt.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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Examples of job-specific ChatGPT cover letter prompts

Below are examples of ChatGPT prompts that help you generate focused and personalized cover letters for specific roles.

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ChatGPT prompts for engineering 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.

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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.

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ChatGPT prompts for administrative roles

• Generate a cover letter for an executive assistant position. Use non dramatic 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.

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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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4 ChatGPT cover letter tips

Rather than struggling with traditional methods, these ChatGPT cover letter hacks are additional alternatives that make AI valuable in your application toolkit.

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 cover 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 into your cover letter writing process offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve your job application efforts.

Save time and accelerate your job 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 efficiently.

Tell a consistent story: Using AI to write your cover letter ensures you craft a seamless and compelling narrative effortlessly 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.

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Things to consider when using ChatGPT for writing a cover letter

When using ChatGPT during your job search, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. 

ChatGPT is still a new technology that is constantly being tested and reiterated. Currently, the platform is told to decline inappropriate requests but claims on its site that it may still sometimes produce harmful instructions or biased content. 

Also, it may accidentally generate incorrect information and needs to gain more knowledge of the world and events after 2021. When using ChatGPT, proceed with caution and be extra careful; assess the company's privacy policy to ensure you feel okay with how they use personal data.

Lastly, it is still vital to have real conversations with recruiters to stand out as a qualified candidate—in this case, ChatGPT cannot replace an actual conversation. Use your own writing for one-on-one contact as much as possible.

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How else can I use artificial intelligence in my job search?

There are a ton of ways you can use ChatGPT in your job search. You can use ChatGPT to write your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, write your resume achievements, craft a letter of interest, and so much more. 

The fantastic part about ChatGPT is that it allows you to automate the cumbersome aspects of your job search, which gives you more time to be strategic about your application process. With the help of AI, you can craft personalized resumes and cover letters for every job you apply for.

Additionally, Teal recently launched an integration with ChatGPT inside our AI Resume Builder that allows you to fully leverage AI with your resume and cover letter.

Here's how:

• ‍Generate professional summaries that are tailored to individual jobs
• Write resume achievements that showcase your biggest career wins
• Generate full cover letters in seconds that are compelling

Not only will these assets be created quickly and easily with the help of AI, but they’ll also be crafted using your previous work experience and the job description you’re applying for.

Create your Teal account and start taking advantage of AI to enhance your resumes and cover letters.

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

Employers are becoming more familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, but that doesn’t mean they can easily spot an AI-generated cover letter. The key lies in how you use the tool. If you rely solely on generic prompts and fail to customize the content, your cover letter may come across as impersonal or formulaic—signs that suggest AI involvement.

However, when you tailor the prompts, add personal details, and refine the language to match your unique voice, it’s much more difficult for an employer to tell that AI played a role. The secret is in personalization. Include specific examples, reference the company’s values, and make sure your cover letter reflects your genuine interest in the role.

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Write your cover letter with AI today

In a market where customization is key, AI is the tool you need to save time while maximizing your impact.

With the Teal AI Resume Builder, you're not just writing cover letters but creating tailored content that reflects your resume's strengths and aligns with the job description of any role you apply for—all within one intuitive platform. No toggling between programs, no copying and pasting, just alignment and efficiency in one central location.

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Additional ChatGPT Job Search 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