How can AI help me write a better cover letter?
Generating a First Draft
Start by giving the AI your resume, the job posting, and a few notes about why you're interested. It can produce a structured draft with an opening, body paragraphs, and a closing. This saves time and gives you something to edit rather than starting from a blank page.
The draft will likely be generic, so treat it as a starting point. Add specific examples from your experience that match the job requirements. AI can also suggest alternative phrasings if you're stuck.
- Provide the job description and your resume.
- Ask for a draft with a clear structure.
- Edit to include personal stories and achievements.
Tailoring and Refining
AI can compare your draft to the job description and highlight missing keywords or skills. It can also rephrase sentences to sound more professional or concise. Use it to check tone and flow.
Ask the AI to rewrite specific sections in a different style, such as more enthusiastic or formal. You can also have it generate multiple versions of a sentence to choose from. Always proofread the final version yourself.
- Ask AI to match keywords from the job posting.
- Request tone adjustments (e.g., confident, friendly).
- Use it to shorten or clarify long sentences.
Common mistakes
- Submitting the AI's draft without personalizing it, which makes it sound generic.
- Assuming AI knows your unique experiences and achievements without you providing them.
- Overlooking factual errors or awkward phrasing that AI might introduce.
