How to Write a Cover Letter With AI

Quick Answer

Feed AI the job description, your relevant experience, and one specific reason you want this role. Ask it to write a focused, three-paragraph cover letter. Edit to add personality and specific examples. Total time: 15-20 minutes.

What This Workflow Helps You Do

• Write tailored cover letters quickly for multiple applications
• Avoid the blank page and generic templates
• Match your letter to the specific job description
• Sound professional without sounding formulaic

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather your inputs (5 minutes)

Before prompting, have ready:

• The full job description
• 2-3 bullet points of your most relevant experience for this role
• One specific reason you want to work at this company (not just “I admire your growth”)
• Any notable achievement relevant to the role with a real number if possible

Step 2: Generate the first draft (5 minutes)

Write a cover letter for this job application.

Job title: [title]
Company: [company name]

Job description (key requirements):
[paste the most relevant 3-5 requirements]

My relevant experience:
[your 2-3 bullet points of relevant experience]

Why I want this specific role/company:
[your specific reason]

Format: 3 short paragraphs. Under 250 words total.
Tone: professional but human — not stiff or over-formal.
Do not use the phrase "I am excited to apply" or "I am writing to express my interest."
Start the first paragraph by immediately connecting my experience to their need.

Step 3: Strengthen the opening (5 minutes)

The first sentence is the most important. If the draft opener is weak:

The opening paragraph of my cover letter starts with:
"[paste the opening]"

Rewrite just the opening sentence to be more direct and compelling.
It should immediately establish my most relevant credential for this specific role.
Give me 3 alternative opening lines to choose from.

Step 4: Add your personal voice

Read the draft and make these edits manually:

• Replace any phrase that sounds like it could be anyone’s letter
• Add one specific example or project if the draft is too vague
• Adjust the tone to match how you actually communicate
• Remove any filler sentences that restate the obvious

Step 5: Final check

Review this cover letter and flag:
1. Any generic phrases that weaken it (e.g., "team player," "fast learner," "passionate")
2. Any sentences that are too long or unclear
3. Whether the opening clearly states my value for this specific role

[paste cover letter]

Cover Letter Checklist

• Opening directly connects your experience to their need
• Mentions the company name and role specifically
• Includes at least one concrete example or achievement
• Under 300 words
• No clichés: “results-driven,” “I am writing to apply,” “team player”
• Closing has a clear, confident call to action

Common Mistakes

Writing the same letter for every job. Hiring managers spot generic letters immediately. The tailoring (Steps 1-2) takes 5 minutes and makes a significant difference.

Too long. Most cover letters should be under 300 words. Recruiters skim, make every sentence count.

Focusing on what you want, not what you offer. The cover letter should answer: why should they hire you for this specific role? Not: why you want the job.