How to Use ChatGPT for a Cover Letter? (Prompts & Examples)

To create a ChatGPT cover letter that helps you land interviews, first copy and paste the job description. Next, upload your resume or LinkedIn profile. Afterward, ask ChatGPT to generate a personalized cover letter for you. To make it even better, give ChatGPT specific prompts based on your skills, experience, qualifications, and where you’re currently at in your career. 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of ChatGPT. 

You’ve probably used it to brainstorm, get advice, or even figure out why your date hasn’t texted you back. But using it for job applications? Slightly more at stake. 

Here’s the good news: ChatGPT can help write you a cover letter — and if it’s done right, it’ll be quicker and easier than writing one from scratch. However, you’ll still have to put in some work to make sure you don’t sound like a robot. 

More good news? I can help you through the process. This guide will cover:

• How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter.
• A range of cover letter prompts for different job types and seniority levels. 
• If it’s bad to use ChatGPT and whether employers will see it as a red flag.

Want more control over your job application? Try our free AI Cover Letter Builder to generate a tailored and professional cover letter in seconds. 

Find out more about the ins and outs of cover letter writing:

• Are Cover Letters Necessary?
• 13 Common Cover Letter Mistakes
• Basic Cover Letter Tips and Examples
• What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter vs. a Resume?

Can ChatGPT Write a Cover Letter?

Yes, ChatGPT can technically write your cover letter. But it works best as a helper — not a replacement for your own effort. But before judging whether ChatGPT does a good job, you need to know what makes a good cover letter. 

A great cover letter introduces you, highlights your qualifications and shows your enthusiasm for the role. But it’s not all about you. The goal is to show the hiring manager how you can contribute and add value to the company. 

ChatGPT can certainly help shape that story, organizing your experiences and achievements into a well-structured letter. But AI isn’t quite perfect. 

Sometimes, it can sound too generic, miss important details, and include information that doesn’t reflect your actual background. That’s why your input with a solid prompt is key. Include specifics like the job title, company, key skills, and examples of your past successes. The more details you provide, the stronger the draft it will generate. 

Use these examples for ideas: Cover Letter Examples & Why They Work

How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Here’s how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter:

• Begin by telling ChatGPT that you’re looking to create a cover letter based on your professional background for a specific job opening.
• Copy and paste the target job description.
• Attach your resume or LinkedIn profile. 
• Instruct ChatGPT to draft your cover letter based on the information you provided. Give specific prompts when you want it to highlight certain things, e.g., key skills, qualifications, or accomplishments. 
• Review, edit, and customize your ChatGPT cover letter to make sure it’s personalized and factually accurate.

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Using ChatGPT to write a cover letter starts with a clear, detailed prompt. 

Share the job description, your resume, and key achievements you’d like highlighted. Specify the tone, structure, and any must-have details, like the company name and position. Once ChatGPT generates a draft, don’t just copy and paste it. Edit for accuracy, personalize it with your voice, and make sure it sounds authentic, not generic. 

Focus on showing how your skills align with the company’s needs, not just listing what’s on your resume. 

1. Tell ChatGPT you need a cover letter tailored to your background and a specific job.

First stop: visit ChatGPT’s website. 

You don’t have to sign in, but creating a free account lets you save your chat history — which is handy if you want to revisit your prompts later.

Once you’re there, tell ChatGPT you need help creating a cover letter based on your professional background for a specific job opening, as shown below.

Next, respond to ChatGPT by providing answers to the questions.

But don’t go in blind. Have the essentials ready, such as your contact information, the job title, company name, job description, and resume. And if you really want to stand out, spend some time understanding the company culture and what they’re looking for in a candidate. 

The more context you give ChatGPT, the more personalized your cover letter will be.

You can also use ChatGPT to help you with your resume. Find out here: How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Good Resume

2. Copy and paste the job description 

After providing the initial answers that ChatGPT asked for, request ChatGPT to tailor the draft not just based on your answers, but also based on the job description and your resume. 

From there, copy and paste the target job description. Just be clear with your instructions — ask ChatGPT to align these details with your actual skills and experiences. No stretching the truth to fit the mold. 

Remember, your cover letter isn’t all about you. Sure, you want to reveal your skills and experience, but the real goal is to show you can help the company succeed. So, how do you know what they’re looking for? Simple: Check the job ad. 

Doing this not only shows you understand what your specific prospective employer wants, but it also helps your cover letter land on the recruiter’s desk. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for keywords. By feeding ChatGPT the job posting, you can naturally include those key terms and boost your chances of getting noticed.

3. Attach your resume or LinkedIn profile

After providing the company’s job description, share your resume or LinkedIn profile by either uploading it or copying and pasting it into ChatGPT. 

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Let’s be clear: your cover letter should not be a rehash of your resume (feel free to include that in your prompt). But including your resume or LinkedIn profile in your ChatGPT prompt can help it connect the dots — linking your achievements and skills to what the job needs.

Here’s a prompt you can include when attaching your resume: 

Here’s my resume for reference. Please use it to make the cover letter more personal with achievements and skills that align with the job ad — but don’t just repeat everything word-for-word.

You can share your resume as a PDF, add your LinkedIn link, or type out key bullet points. Personally, I’d go with the last option. Yes, it’s more work, but it gives you more control over what gets included and keeps your cover letter focused on the requirements for a specific role. 

Here’s what ChatGPT generated after my prompt: 

It’s pretty good for a first draft if you ask me, but it’s far from perfect. For instance, cover letters are formal documents, so generally, there should be no contractions but there are a few in this draft. To improve it and make it application-ready, the next step will be crucial. 

4. Instruct ChatGPT to refine your cover letter

Now, arguably the most important part — specific prompts. This is how you tell ChatGPT what you want: the structure, the key details, and the tone. The quality of the final cover letter draft depends entirely on how much detail you provide (no pressure). 

Based on the first ChatGPT cover letter draft, here is my feedback:

I’ve provided some more prompt examples a bit later on in this guide, but here’s an overview of what to include if you want to create your own: 

• Paste a copy of the job description. 
• Add a copy of your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
• Provide instructions on what skills and experiences to include. 
• Share which job requirements to focus on and align them with your experience. 
• Include directions on the style, tone, and basic structure of your cover letter. 
• Mention a cover letter word limit to keep everything concise (around 250 to 400 words). 
• Don’t forget to include the job title, company name, contact information, and other key details.

Once you hit “enter,” ChatGPT will generate an improved draft in seconds. But don’t just accept the first version — tweak and refine it to show some personality. If it’s too stiff or generic, ask ChatGPT to make it more engaging or emphasize a specific experience.

Here’s what the second draft looked like after specifying a few prompts:

Need more prompt inspiration? Check out: What Should a Cover Letter Include?

5. Review, edit, and customize

Recruiters have seen enough job applications to know what comes from AI vs. a real person. Simply copying, pasting, and hitting send comes across as lazy. And no one’s hiring someone who can’t be bothered to put in some effort.

Editing the ChatGPT response is about making sure it represents you. 

Once ChatGPT gives you a good enough draft to use as a starting point, drop it into a Google Doc or Word file and make it your own. Keep the parts that feel authentic, adjust the wording to match your voice, and cut anything that sounds too robotic or generic.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

• Personalization. Does it sound like you?
• Accuracy. Did ChatGPT misunderstand any details?
• Enthusiasm. Does it sound genuine and not just like a generic template?

Tip: Try reading it out loud. If a sentence feels weird coming out of your mouth, rewrite it like you’d say in an interview. 

Editing doesn’t stop at tweaking your content. Find out more: How to Format a Cover Letter

ChatGPT Cover Letter Prompts: Experience Levels

Your cover letter will change as your career evolves. Including your college internships after five years of professional work experience? An easy way to show hiring managers you didn’t bother to update your resume. 

What you highlight will depend on where you are in your professional journey, whether that’s showing your leadership skills, work ethic, or sheer determination. 

Check out these cover letter prompts for different levels in your career. 

Prompt 1: No experience 

Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back — use your cover letter to show your enthusiasm and transferable skills. And never apologize for what you haven’t done. 

Focus on your strengths, what you’ve learned, and why you’re genuinely excited about the role and company. Trust me, passion and potential go a long way. 

Write a cover letter for the [job title] position at [company name]. I don’t have direct work experience in this field, but I’m eager to learn and bring transferable skills from my background in [mention relevant experiences like school, volunteering, or personal projects]. Use a friendly but professional tone and focus on my enthusiasm, quick learning abilities, and strong [mention specific skills like communication, organization, or problem-solving].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Please keep it under 300 words and make sure it sounds genuine and confident — not overly formal or stiff.

Find out more: How to Write a Cover Letter with No Experience

Prompt 2: Mid-level experience 

Got a few years of experience? Great. You have more room to align the job requirements with your professional achievements. 

Share specific examples of how you’ve made an impact in past roles and highlight the value you bring. The clearer you make your potential contribution, the easier it is for employers to picture you on their team.

Create a cover letter for the [job title] role at [company name]. I have [X years] of experience in [industry/role], with skills in [mention key skills like project management, client relations, or data analysis].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Please highlight my achievements like [mention 1–2 accomplishments with measurable results, e.g., ‘increased sales by 30%’ or ‘streamlined a process to save 10 hours weekly’]. Use a professional but conversational tone and keep it around 350 words.

Prompt 3: Senior-level experience

You might have all those years of experience, but don’t fall into the trap of making your cover letter all about you. Yes, share your skills and expertise, but make sure it matches what the employer wants. Are they looking for leadership skills? Give concrete examples of when you took charge to show you can meet their needs.

Draft a cover letter for the [job title] position at [company name]. I have [X years] of experience in [industry/field], with expertise in [mention specializations like strategic planning, leadership, or innovation].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Focus on how I can contribute to the company’s growth with my experience in [mention specific skills/achievements like ‘leading teams of 50+ people’ or ‘developing a new process that increases efficiency by 25%’].

Use a confident, engaging tone — avoid clichés and make sure it doesn’t just repeat my resume. Keep it under 400 words.

Prompt 4: Career-switch 

Entering a new field can be daunting when you’re up against more experienced applicants. But everyone has unique strengths and advantages. You’re making a bold move to switch careers, and that passion is something you can’t fake. Highlight that enthusiasm in your cover letter, and don’t forget to bring attention to transferable skills from your past roles.

Write a cover letter for the [job title] position at [company name]. I’m transitioning from [current industry/role] to [new industry/role]. While I don’t have direct experience, I bring transferable skills like [mention relevant skills, e.g., ‘communication,’ ‘project management,’ or ‘problem-solving’] that will help me succeed in this new role.

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Please highlight my motivation for switching careers and connect my past achievements to the company’s needs. Keep it authentic, forward-thinking, and under 350 words.

Learn more: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Career Change?

Prompt 5: Internships 

Let’s start with the basics: listing all the skills you’ve picked up from extracurriculars, projects, part-time work, and courses. Now that you’re on par with every other college student, it’s time to go that extra mile. Highlight what you admire about the company. Let your authenticity shine through, and make it clear that you’re serious about the opportunity. 

Generate a cover letter for the [internship title] at [company name]. I’m currently [mention status: e.g., ‘a college student majoring in X' or 'recently graduated from Y']. I’m excited about this opportunity because [mention a genuine reason, like interest in the industry or admiration for the company’s mission].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Focus on my passion for learning, my [mention relevant skills like ‘research,’ ‘collaboration,’ or ‘time management’], and any relevant coursework or projects. Keep the tone enthusiastic yet professional, and stay within 300 words.

Get the full lowdown: How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

ChatGPT Cover Letter Prompts: Job Types 

Customizing your cover letter for the job type shows employers you’re genuinely interested in their role — not just any job that’ll pay the bills. When you tailor your letter, you can highlight the skills and experiences for the position. For example, a tech job might call for examples of problem-solving, while one in retail might benefit more from stories of customer service. 

Here are some cover letter prompts for different industries:

Prompt 1: Healthcare 

While it’s important to mention your education, training, and technical skills, you don’t need to overdo it — your resume should already cover that. 

Share examples of how you excel in patient care or thrive in high-pressure situations. Show the employer that you don’t just have the qualifications but the real-world experience and empathy to make a difference.

Write a cover letter for the [job title] position at [company name]. I have [X years] experience in healthcare, with skills in [mention relevant skills like patient care, communication, or medical administration].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Focus on my ability to provide compassionate, detail-oriented care while following protocols and collaborating with diverse teams. Keep the tone empathetic but professional, and limit the letter to 350 words.

Prompt 2: Technology 

Working in tech is all about keeping up with the times. Prove that you’re adaptable and have a thirst for knowledge to continue learning new tools, software, and trends. Focus on results, and include numbers to show off your capabilities. 

Draft a cover letter for the [job title] role at [company name]. I have [X years] experience in [mention area: software development, IT support, cybersecurity, etc.], with skills in [list key skills like Python, cloud computing, or troubleshooting].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Highlight my problem-solving mindset and notable achievements like [e.g., ‘developing an app used by 5,000+ users’ or ‘reducing system downtime by 20%’]. Keep it concise, around 350 words, and avoid technical jargon unless it’s in the job description.

Prompt 3: Education

Working in education means juggling a lot of roles — from teacher to life coach to therapist. So, don’t just list your qualifications; show how you thrive in this dynamic environment. Highlight specific examples where you’ve made a real impact on your students’ lives, whether it’s through inspiring growth or overcoming challenges.

Generate a cover letter for the [job title] position at [school/institution name]. I have [X years] experience in education, specializing in [mention area: elementary education, curriculum design, ed-tech, etc.].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Focus on my passion for encouraging learning and growth, my experience with [mention specific methods, e.g., ‘project-based learning’ or ‘differentiated instruction’], and my ability to connect with students and parents. Keep it warm, engaging, and under 350 words.

Prompt 4: Retail 

Anyone in retail or sales will tell you — the toughest challenges often come from customer interactions. You can be the human embodiment of sunshine and still get into tricky situations. 

In your cover letter, focus on how you handle conflict and resolve issues. Show how your approach directly contributes to the company’s success and brings value to the team.

Write a cover letter for the [job title] role at [store/company name]. I have [X years] experience in retail, with skills in [mention relevant skills like customer service, sales, or inventory management].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Please highlight my track record of [mention achievements like ‘exceeding sales targets’ or ‘implementing a new display strategy’], along with my commitment to providing excellent customer service. Keep the tone approachable and professional, and limit the length to 300 words.

Prompt 5: Administration 

A common mistake in admin job applications? Listing basic tools and software. 

Almost everyone knows how to use Microsoft and Gmail — you need to go beyond that if you want to impress. Highlight your achievements, no matter how small, and show how your people skills have helped you support and elevate your team.

Create a cover letter for the [job title] position at [company name]. I have [X years] experience in administrative support, with skills in [mention relevant skills like scheduling, data management, or customer communication].

Here’s the job description: [paste job description]

Here’s my resume: [paste resume or LinkedIn profile]

Please emphasize my ability to stay organized, support teams efficiently, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Highlight key accomplishments like [e.g., ‘streamlining scheduling processes to save 5+ hours weekly’]. Keep the tone professional yet friendly, and aim for 350 words.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter With ChatGPT

Here are some tips for writing a cover letter using ChatGPT:

• Highlight keywords and skills from the job description
• Show what value you can bring to the company
• Use the right tone for the company culture
• Customize your cover letter for each job
• Consider using ChatGPT for the outline

ChatGPT is a solid tool to get started, but there’s a right way to use it to make sure your letter sounds like you — not just another AI-generated template.

Highlight keywords and skills from the job description

Hiring managers and their Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for specific keywords in your cover letter. If you don’t include the right ones, your application might not even reach human eyes. 

Here’s how to make sure your letter reaches a recruiter’s desk: 

• Identify and use key terms. Scan the job description for repeated skills and qualifications, then ask ChatGPT, “What are the essential keywords and requirements in this job posting?” You can then tell ChatGPT to weave them into your letter by showing how you’ve applied those skills in past roles.
• Match the company’s language. If they’re looking for someone “collaborative and adaptable,” use those exact words in a way that reflects your experience. Just make sure it sounds authentic and not like you’re just copying and pasting words. 

Show what value you can bring to the company 

Your cover letter isn’t just a spiel about how great you are — it’s about what you can do for the company. Employers want to know how you’ll add value, so connect your skills and experience to their needs. 

Here’s how to make that clear:

• Customize your letter. Address the hiring manager directly (title and last name), and tailor your content to the specific job and company. Stay away from overused buzzwords and speak directly to their goals. 
• Highlight your impact. Instead of just listing skills, show how they’ll benefit the company. For example, “My experience in data analysis helped my previous team cut costs by 15%, and I’d love to bring that same strategic thinking to [Company Name].”

Use the right tone for the company culture

Teamwork makes the dream work. Yes, it’s a cliché, but there’s nothing worse than being stuck in an office all day, every day, with people you don’t gel with. Having a team that works well together and thrives in their environment is beneficial for everyone. 

Here’s how to show employers you align with the company culture:

• Match the company’s style. A corporate job usually calls for a formal tone, while a startup might appreciate something more conversational. Check their website, job posting, or social media to get a feel for their voice. When in doubt, always keep it professional. 
• Tailor your cover letter. Copy and paste content from the company’s website and ask ChatGPT to summarize their mission, values, or recent news. Then, give clear instructions to weave these elements naturally into your cover letter. 

Customize your cover letter for each job

Why not use the same chat-up line for every date? The same reason you shouldn’t send the same cover letter to every employer. Every company, job title (or potential love interest) has different requirements and goals. Customizing your letter shows you’re genuinely interested in this job, not just any job. 

Here’s how to make your cover letter more genuine:

• Make it personal. Share a relevant anecdote or insight that highlights your enthusiasm for the role or company. You could do this by mentioning a specific service, product, or milestone associated with the company. A genuine connection is way more memorable than a list of skills.
• Align your goals with theirs. Instead of just stating your qualifications, explain why you want this job and how it fits into your career path. Show them you’re not just a great candidate — you’re the right candidate for this particular position. 

Consider using ChatGPT for the outline

ChatGPT can be a great starting point for structuring your cover letter, but don’t let it do all the work — you want the final version to sound like you. Following a solid cover letter outline helps ensure your letter is well-organized and includes all the key elements hiring managers expect.

Here’s how to form an outline for ChatGPT:

• Break it into clear sections. Your cover letter should have an introduction, main body paragraphs showing your qualifications, and a closing statement expressing your enthusiasm and willingness to discuss further.
• Follow standard formatting. Include your contact details, a professional greeting, and a strong opening that grabs attention. ChatGPT can help generate ideas, but make sure the final letter reflects your unique voice and experience.

Is It Bad to Use ChatGPT for a Cover Letter? 

It’s not bad to use ChatGPT to help write your cover letter—as long as you personalize it and make sure everything is factually accurate.

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If you copy and paste a generic, AI-generated draft without tailoring it to the role or checking for accuracy, then yes, it becomes a problem. But if you use ChatGPT as a tool to guide, structure, and refine your own experiences, it’s perfectly acceptable—and even smart.

Using ChatGPT to write your cover letter could be seen as “cheating” — but at the same time, cover letters can be intimidating, and not everyone’s a natural writer. ChatGPT can help you brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts, and find the right words. But relying on it entirely? That’s where things go wrong. 

The best cover letters feel personal and authentic, which AI can’t fully replicate. Employers want to get a sense of you, and they’ll notice if you don’t take the time to personalize. Use ChatGPT as a springboard: experiment with prompts, combine the best results, and then add your voice to make it authentic.

Also, I can’t answer this question without addressing the wider impact of AI tools like ChatGPT. For one, AI is predicted to impact almost 40% of jobs around the world, according to the IMF Blog. And as for our planet, a study from KnownHost found that ChatGPT produces around 260,930 kilograms of carbon dioxide per month.

AI’s impact is a much bigger conversation, with some arguing its benefits far outweigh the downsides. Regardless of where you stand, it’s worth considering the broader effects of tools like ChatGPT beyond your job search. 

Want an alternative? Look no further: Rezi vs ChatGPT: Which is Better?

Summary

Here’s a recap of how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter:

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• Tell ChatGPT that you’re looking for help writing a cover letter.
• Respond to ChatGPT’s questions. Next, provide the company job description and your resume or LinkedIn profile for a less generic first draft. 
• Feed specific prompts to ChatGPT to improve the first draft of your cover letter.
• Manually customize the improved ChatGPT cover letter draft to ensure it’s factually accurate and personalized. 

ChatGPT can be a useful tool when used correctly. It helps structure your thoughts, inspire ideas, and get a solid draft on the page. But it’s not a magic fix. The real work comes from personalizing the content, so it reflects your voice, not just a soulless AI-generated response. 

Employers value authenticity, so take the time to edit, tweak, and make it your own.

Plus, there are broader implications to consider, like how AI is reshaping jobs and contributing to carbon emissions. The key is to use it as a tool, not a crutch, and stay mindful of its overall impact. 

FAQ 

Can hiring managers detect ChatGPT?

Hiring managers can sometimes detect AI-generated cover letters, especially if the language sounds overly polished, generic, or doesn’t match the applicant’s voice. Tools like GPTZero and CopyLeaks can also help identify AI-written text. That said, using ChatGPT shouldn’t be a problem if you edit, add personal touches, and tailor the letter to the role. 

How to use ChatGPT to apply for jobs?

To use ChatGPT to apply for jobs, start with a detailed prompt. Include the job description, your skills, and achievements, and request a specific tone. Next, use ChatGPT to help you create the required documents to apply for the role. For example: “Write a 300-word cover letter for a marketing manager role at X Company. Highlight my skills in SEO, content creation, and analytics. Make it enthusiastic yet professional.” Always edit the draft to ensure it accurately represents your professional background. 

What are the best AI tools for writing cover letters?

ChatGPT is popular, but other tools can also help. Our free cover letters at Rezi stand out because they are optimized to complement your resume and pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Jasper is also an option for generating creative content, while Copy.ai offers straightforward templates for various industries. Try a few to see which one fits your needs best.

Do employers check for AI in cover letters?

Not all employers actively check for AI, but some may use detection tools if they suspect an application lacks authenticity. What matters most is the content. If your letter demonstrates genuine interest, aligns with the job, and sounds like you, employers are less likely to care how it was written.

Do employers care if you use ChatGPT for a resume?

Most employers care more about your resume’s accuracy, clarity, and authenticity than whether AI helped create it. If the information is accurate and the format is clear, they’re unlikely to be concerned. Just double-check for errors, and don’t exaggerate or misrepresent your experience — AI can sometimes add details you didn’t intend.

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