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How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter (and why you should)
As if perfectly crafting a resume that encapsulates your entire career isn't difficult enough, job applications also require a cover letter. This letter is meant to 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 has the potential to make you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your genuine interest in the role, the experiences that make you a good fit, and what makes you different from other candidates who have similar qualifications.
However, synthesizing those ideas into a one-page letter can be a time-consuming and challenging task -- 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 even know where to start, ChatGPT can help you produce the cover letter of your dreams.
Also: How to use ChatGPT
With a couple of prompts and your direction, ChatGPT will create a polished cover letter within seconds.
1. Visit ChatGPT
To get started, visit ChatGPT's website. Signing in is entirely optional, but it grants you extra perks such as being able to use the chat history feature to review your responses at a later time. 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.
2. Ask ChatGPT to write you a cover letter
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: 6 ways OpenAI just supercharged ChatGPT for free users
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. The more direction you give ChatGPT, however, the better your output will be.
I included screenshots of the results below. If you want to take a closer look or read with more ease, you can click on the upper right-hand corner to expand each photo.
3. Kick it up a notch and paste in the job description (optional)
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]."
4. Co-edit your cover letter
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: ChatGPT vs. ChatGPT Plus: Is a paid subscription still worth it?
For example, following the cover letter generated above, you could say, "Can you emphasize my passion for tech a bit 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 either require one or give you the option to submit one. The benefits of a cover letter include having the employer get to know you more 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 more attention 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 to showcase a different side of you.