Writing a Cover Letter with ChatGPT: Real Prompts + Examples That Work

Published on May 10, 2025

In a world where AI is helping job seekers land interviews faster than ever, one question keeps popping up:Should I use ChatGPT to write my cover letter? The answer is a qualified yes — but only if you use it smartly (and with a little personality).

🚀 Why Use ChatGPT for Cover Letters?

Advantages:

• Speed: It spits out a structured draft faster than you can say “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Structure: You won’t have to stare at a blank Google Doc for an hour.
• Writer's Block Cure: Great for that “ugh, I don’t know how to start this” moment.
• Customization: When prompted well, ChatGPT can sound like it actually read the job post.

Disadvantages:

• Generic Vibes: Without specific details, your letter might feel like it was mass-produced.
• Polish Overload: Sometimes it writes like it’s trying too hard to impress a robot.
• Hallucination Risk: It might “invent” accomplishments you didn’t actually do (don’t get caught bluffing).

🤔 When Is It Actually Worth Writing a Cover Letter?

Let’s be real: Most cover letters end up in the Resume Black Hole — right next to your ignored LinkedIn messages.

That said, there are exceptions:

• Higher-level or niche roles — like consulting, academic research, or anything requiring “thought leadership.”
• Companies with low turnover, where culture fit and values really matter.

If it’s not required, you’re probably better off spending that time tweaking your resume or sending a DM to the hiring manager.

✅ Do’s and Don’ts of Using ChatGPT

Do:

• Feed it your resume and their job description — the more context, the better.
• Ask for a friendly, confident tone — not too formal, not too casual.
• Request a unique hook — no “I am writing to apply for…” nonsense.
• Edit the final draft like a human. Trust your gut.

Don’t:

• Copy/paste and hit send.
• Let ChatGPT make up roles, years, or skill sets you don’t have.
• Forget to proofread — AI still makes typos sometimes. Weird, right?

🧠 A Solid Prompt Template

Try this prompt to get a quality first draft:

“Write a cover letter for a [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I want a confident, conversational tone with a hook at the beginning. Highlight my experience in [your background], why I align with [their mission], and include a brief mention of [an achievement]. End with a closing that shows I’m excited but not desperate.”

And if you want ChatGPT to go all-in:

“Here’s my resume: [paste it]. Here’s the job description: [paste it]. Write a cover letter that’s specific, punchy, and tailored.”

✍️ Real Example (That Doesn’t Suck)

Dear Hiring Team,

When I saw the [Job Title] role at [Company Name], I didn’t just skim it — I bookmarked it. Why? Because your mission to [specific value or initiative] hit home. My background in [skill] and [short anecdote or achievement] makes this a rare alignment.

At [Previous Company], I led [initiative] that resulted in [quantifiable outcome]. I’m someone who dives deep, asks the annoying questions early, and genuinely enjoys untangling problems before they become disasters.

I’d love to bring that energy to your team. Thanks for considering my application.

Best,

[Your Name]

🔍 Full Disclosure: Does ChatGPT Actually Help?

Yes — but only if you don’t let it do all the work.

I’ve tested 50+ AI cover letters. Some were shockingly good. Most? Meh. The difference came down to whether the human editing the draft cared enough to inject real voice and context.

So, if the job genuinely requires a cover letter, ChatGPT is a great tool to start with. Just don’t let it sound like a tool wrote it.

Considering using AI to tailor your resume? Check out this guide to learn how you can leverage AI to tailor resumes faster and more efficiently!