How to Use AI Tools to Write a Cover Letter?

When I first started my job search, I was overwhelmed by the prospect of writing cover letters. Crafting the perfect letter to capture my skills and enthusiasm seems intimidating, especially when applying to multiple positions.

After spending countless hours on revisions, I decided to learn how to use AI tools to write a cover letter. The best AI tools helped me streamline the process and help me produce professional, personalized cover letters more efficiently.

Ready to write your first cover letter with AI? Keep reading to find out how.

How to Use AI Tools to Write a Cover Letter –  Step-by-Step Guide

Using AI tools can simplify the process of writing a compelling cover letter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started while learning how to use AI tools to write a cover letter:

Step 1: Choose the Right AI Tool

Step 2: Sign Up and Set Up Your Profile

Step 3: Input Job Details and Optional Extra Parameters

Step 4: Select Tone Style 

Step 5: Generate the Cover Letter

Step 6: Customize the Content after Generating

Step 1: Choose the Right AI Tool

Select an AI tool that suits your needs. There are several options available, such as LazyApply, ChatGPT, or others, each with unique features.

Ensure the tool you choose has good reviews and suits your specific requirements.

Step 2: Sign Up and Set Up Your Profile

Create an account on the chosen platform. Fill in your profile with details about your professional background, skills, and career aspirations.

This information will help the AI tool generate more personalized and relevant content.

Step 3: Input Job Details and Optional Extra Parameters

Enter the job title and company name for the position you’re applying for. Provide any additional information about the job description or specific requirements mentioned in the job listing.

The more details you provide, the better the AI can tailor your cover letter.

Step 4: Select Tone Style 

Choose a cover letter template that matches the tone and style you want to convey. Most AI tools offer a variety of templates designed for different industries and job roles.

Select one that best fits your target job.

Step 5: Generate the Cover Letter

Once you’re satisfied with the added details, generate the cover letter .

Step 6: Customize the Content after Generating

Use the AI tool to customize the content after generating cover letter. Review the content and customize it as needed to reflect your unique experiences and personality.

Make sure to highlight key achievements and relevant skills.

What are the Best AI Tools to Write a Cover Letter?

Crafting a compelling cover letter can be time-consuming. AI writing assistants can help you by generating drafts or enhancing your own writing.

In addition to aiding in cover letter creation, leveraging using AI tools for writing resumes can further streamline your job application process, ensuring that both your resume and cover letter are polished and tailored to highlight your skills effectively.

Here are some AI cover letter generators to consider:

Simplified:

Simplified offers a straightforward approach. Just provide a brief prompt describing the type of cover letter you need, and the AI will generate a draft within seconds.

It also integrates with Grammarly, ensuring your cover letter is free of errors. While a free plan exists, credits are used quickly, so heavy users may need to upgrade.

Rytr:

Rytr offers a user-friendly interface with pre-designed cover letter templates. Simply choose your desired tone and level of creativity, and Rytr will generate a customized cover letter based on the job description you provide.

It even boasts a plagiarism checker for added peace of mind.

Jasper:

Jasper doesn’t have a dedicated cover letter tool, but it offers features that can improve your writing process.

Its Content Improver tool can polish your existing cover letter, while the AIDA template helps structure your content in a way that grabs attention and compels action.

Kickresume:

Kickresume is a versatile online platform that empowers job seekers to create stunning resumes, cover letters, and personal websites with ease. Featuring an array of professionally designed templates.

How I Discover the Right AI Tool for Cover Letters?

Choosing the right AI tool for your cover letters requires considering several factors.

Here’s how I discovered the right AI tool that transformed my job application process, while learning how to use AI tools to write a cover letter:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Since you’ll likely only use this during your job search, affordability is key. Explore free options or pay-as-you-go plans to generate a handful of cover letters.
• Originality and Ethics: Plagiarism checkers are crucial. Ensure your chosen tool helps you craft unique content, avoiding ethical concerns.
• User-Friendliness: Look for a platform that’s intuitive and easy to navigate. You shouldn’t need extensive technical knowledge to generate a compelling cover letter.
• Advanced AI Technology: Consider tools equipped with the latest AI models, capable of accessing and incorporating relevant information from the web.
• Content Quality: The final output should be high-caliber, requiring minimal edits to personalize it for each application.

In addition to these factors, leveraging best AI tools for writing resumes can also significantly enhance your job application by ensuring your resume perfectly complements your AI-crafted cover letter.

My First Attempts and Initial Setbacks

Starting the journey of using AI to write cover letters came with its own set of challenges. Here’s a look at my initial attempts and the setbacks I encountered:

• Excitement mixed with apprehension marked my initial attempts using AI tools for cover letters.
• The AI-generated letters felt generic and lacked a personal touch.
• Despite detailed inputs, the cover letters didn’t fully capture my unique experiences and personality.
• Early setbacks highlighted the need to fine-tune the AI’s output to better reflect my individual story and enthusiasm.

Fine-Tuning the AI to Reflect My Voice

Customizing an AI tool to match your unique writing style can significantly enhance the personal touch of your cover letters.

Here’s how I fine-tuned the AI to reflect my voice while learning how to use AI tools to write a cover letter.

• I experimented with different prompts and inputs to guide the AI.
• Providing more context and specific examples from my career helped generate more authentic content.
• Detailed descriptions of my roles and achievements improved the personalization of the cover letters.
• Editing and tweaking AI-generated drafts allowed me to infuse my voice and enthusiasm.
• The fine-tuning process resulted in cover letters that felt more genuine and compelling.

Key Features of AI Tools That Enhanced My Cover Letters

Finding the right AI tool can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your cover letters. Here are the key features that made a difference for me:

• Template Selection: Various templates ensured a professional and polished appearance.
• Keyword Suggestions: Industry-specific keywords and phrases tailored my letters to each job application.
• Grammar and Spell-Check: Reduced errors, ensuring a clean and professional final product.
• Real-Time Feedback: Adjustments to tone and style matched the company’s culture and expectations.

These features collectively helped me create high-quality cover letters that stood out to employers.

My Top Tips for Using AI Tools to Write Cover Letters

Want to create your own cover letter with AI? Here are my top tips for making the most of these AI writing tools:

• Keep It Concise: Limit your cover letter to one page with 3-4 paragraphs: an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs highlighting relevant experience, and a conclusion. Brevity is key.
• Customize for Each Role: Mention the specific company and role you’re applying for. Tailor your cover letter to show you’ve researched and are a targeted applicant.
• Grab Attention Early: Start with an engaging opening. Introduce yourself, note the position, and explain your qualifications persuasively to hook the reader.
• Provide Relevant Examples: Use body paragraphs to highlight examples from your background that directly relate to the employer’s needs. Quantify your impact.
• Close with a Call to Action: Express enthusiasm for the role and thank the hiring manager. End with a creative call to action, suggesting your eagerness for an interview.
• Match Resume Formatting: Use the same professional font and ensure a neat, error-free appearance. Consistency creates a polished application package.
• Get Feedback: Have others proofread for typos and clarity before submitting. Mistakes can leave a poor first impression.
• Address Properly: If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person. If unsure, “Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize versatile strengths that apply to the role, even if you lack identical experience.
• Show Passion and Confidence: Convey excitement about the role and confidence in your abilities through your writing style.

Success Stories: The Interviews I Landed?

Using AI-generated cover letters, I managed to secure 3 interviews in the tech industry. Here are some of the roles I interviewed for after learning how to use ai tools to write a cover letter:

Interview at TechInnovate — Software Developer Role

Using an AI-generated cover letter, I successfully landed an interview at TechInnovate for a Software Developer position.

The cover letter was personalized to highlight my programming skills and passion for innovative technology, which resonated well with the hiring team.

Feedback Received: The hiring manager appreciated the clarity and relevance of my cover letter, mentioning that it effectively showcased my technical skills and enthusiasm for the role.

Outcome: I received a job offer from TechInnovate and accepted the position.

Interview at CodeCrafters — Backend Developer Role

With the help of AI tools, I crafted a compelling cover letter that secured me an interview at CodeCrafters for a Backend Developer role.

The AI-generated content emphasized my expertise in server-side development and problem-solving abilities, impressing the recruiters.

Feedback Received: The recruiter praised the cover letter for its professional tone and detailed explanation of my backend development experience.

Outcome: I was offered the position of Backend Developer and gladly accepted.

Interview at AppMasters — Mobile Developer Role

AI assistance allowed me to create a standout cover letter that led to an interview at AppMasters for a Mobile Developer position.

The cover letter effectively showcased my mobile app development skills and enthusiasm for creating user-friendly applications, capturing the interest of the hiring manager.

Feedback Received: The employer commented on the engaging and well-structured cover letter, noting that it stood out among other applications.

Outcome: I was offered the Mobile Developer role at AppMasters and accepted the position with excitement.

What are the Benefits of Using AI Tools for Cover Letter Writing?

Using AI tools for writing cover letters transformed my job application process. Here are the key benefits experienced while learning how to how to use AI tools to write a cover letter:

Industry-Specific Guidance:

AI cover letter tools helped me tailor my applications to different industries.

When applying for roles in healthcare, tech, or finance, these tools suggested the right keywords and relevant experiences, making my cover letters more appealing.

Customization for Job Roles:

I loved how I could enter details about a specific job, and the AI would customize my cover letter accordingly.

This made my applications more targeted and aligned with what employers were looking for.

Staying Current:

AI tools kept me updated with the latest industry trends. They suggested changes to my cover letters based on new developments, ensuring I remained competitive.

Error-Free Writing:

These tools caught grammar and spelling mistakes, ensuring my cover letters were polished and professional. This was crucial for making a strong first impression.

Efficient Process:

Creating cover letters became much quicker and easier. AI provided templates and suggestions, saving me time and effort while still producing high-quality letters.

Better Content Quality:

By analyzing job descriptions and my inputs, AI helped me highlight my skills and experiences effectively, increasing my chances of catching the employer’s attention.

What are the Cons of Using AI Tools for Cover Letter Writing

While AI tools can be incredibly helpful in crafting cover letters, I encountered several drawbacks that are worth considering when learning how to use AI tools to write a cover letter:

Lack of Personality:

When I used AI tools for my cover letters, I noticed they struggled to capture my genuine enthusiasm and personality.

While technically accurate, they often felt impersonal, failing to fully convey my unique character, experiences, and career aspirations.

Difficulty with Subtleties:

AI had a hard time understanding the nuanced details of my experiences or the specific language used in my industry.

This sometimes made my cover letters less reflective of my true knowledge and expertise.

Limited Context Understanding:

Creating a precise prompt for the AI to understand my complex career path or specific job requirements was time-consuming.

It sometimes felt like it took as much effort as writing the cover letter myself, and the result didn’t always do justice to my skills and experience.

Risk of Overreliance:

After successfully using AI for a few cover letters, I found myself leaning too heavily on it for future applications.

Writing is a crucial skill to develop, and relying too much on AI can hinder personal growth and improvement in this area.

Potential ATS Compatibility Issues:

AI-generated content wasn’t always optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

I realized that if my cover letter went through an automated screening process, it might not always make it to the next stage, which was a significant drawback.

Missed Opportunities for Creativity:

For applications in creative or non-traditional industries, AI couldn’t infuse the same level of creativity and unique flair that I could.

My original voice and authenticity are crucial in these fields, and AI often fell short.

Impersonal Tone:

The tone of AI-generated cover letters often felt mechanical and disconnected from my true self.

This impersonal tone didn’t reflect who I am as an employee and didn’t resonate well with potential employers.

Need for Human Review:

Despite the AI’s assistance, I always needed to do a final human review. This was essential to ensure that the cover letter captured my unique strengths, aligned with job requirements, and maintained a personal touch.

Proofreading for typos or inaccuracies was still a necessary step.

Ethical Considerations of Using AI Tools for Cover Letter Writing

Cover letter AI generators are handy, but ethical considerations exist. Here’s what to think about before you use one

• Transparency: Be upfront with potential employers about using AI assistance. Dishonesty can damage trust.
• Originality: AI-generated content can lack authenticity. Strive for a balance between AI’s suggestions and your own voice.
• Bias: AI can perpetuate biases present in its training data. Choose tools that prioritize fairness and inclusivity.
• Over-Reliance: Don’t become dependent on AI. Use it as a springboard, but personalize and proofread the final product.
• Privacy: Ensure the AI tool you choose has robust data security practices to protect your information.

Future Insights of AI cover letters

As AI technology continues to advance, the future of cover letter writing looks promising. Here are some exciting possibilities:

• Super Personalization: AI will tailor cover letters to your writing style and target specific skills employers want.
• Job Board Integration: Imagine generating cover letters directly from job postings!
• Bias-Busting: AI can help eliminate unconscious bias in applications.
• Creative Storytelling: AI will craft compelling narratives that showcase your unique strengths.
• Ethical Focus: Transparency and applicant control over content will be key.
• Human-AI Teamwork: AI provides the base, but human input personalizes the final product.

Explore More How-to Guides

Check out these how-to guides for a dose of inspiration! They’ll help you get creative and master new skills.

• How to Use AI to Write a Job Description
• How To Use AI To Prepare For A Job Interview
• How to write effective opinion pieces with AI writing tools
• How to write effective policy papers with AI writing tools
• How to use chatgpt to summarize an article

FAQS

Wrap Up

Using Artificial Intelligence transformed my job application process, making it more efficient and less stressful. These tools helped me a tailored cover letter that captured my skills and experiences effectively.

If you’re struggling with cover letter writing, I highly recommend learning how to use AI tools to write a cover letter. Interested to learn more about AI? Have a look at the AI glossary.