How I started using AI to write better cover letters
After being laid off, I found myself rewriting cover letters repeatedly — with little response. Like many job seekers, I started wondering: can AI actually help write a strong, tailored cover letter? This post explains the exact AI prompt I now use to draft customized cover letters that generate more callbacks.
I’ve been unemployed for almost a year following layoffs at my previous company. I missed working with a team, building products, and solving meaningful problems.
During that time, I finished my novel, improved my German, and completed online courses in AI prompting and digital marketing. Still, the job search process was mentally exhausting.
The most frustrating part? Writing cover letters.
Getting used to being unemployed
Like many others, being unemployed took a toll on my mental health. Yes, I finished my novel and reached out to an editor, who encouraged me to write another one. Yes, I improved my German from barely pronouncing complex words to having in-depth conversations with my German therapist, even though he doesn’t always understand what I’m saying. Yes, I completed a few online courses on AI prompting, digital marketing, despite the decreasing confidence I started to feel in my professional field. I’ve also considered pursuing another master’s degree, although I already have six years of academic education under my belt.
But what I really miss is working with a team of professionals to brainstorm and solve problems while creating amazing products. That was the stage of my life I was at, and I wanted to move forward, not backward. I kept reminding myself of what my friends, family, and therapist advised: focus on what you can control, get back on your feet, and use your skills to find a new job. They shared many other helpful tips, but this one was particularly effective in keeping me sane.
Why writing cover letters is so frustrating
Most applicants spend hours drafting personalized letters, often unsure whether recruiters even read them. Yet many companies still require them.
Common problems:
– Rewriting the same achievements repeatedly
– Trying to sound enthusiastic but not generic
– Aligning with ATS keywords
– Balancing personality and professionalism
That’s where AI can help — if used correctly.
How I use AI to draft tailored cover letters
At first, the AI outputs were generic and unusable. The problem wasn’t the tool — it was the prompt. Once I started providing structured inputs — the full job description, selected highlights from my CV, and a short note on why I liked the company — the quality improved significantly. More importantly, I began receiving more interview callbacks.
So, all this to say that I want to share the prompt I use for writing my cover letters. I tweak it slightly depending on the tone I assume the company uses in its communications. If this prompt doesn’t work for you and you have a great one that does, please share it in the comments. You’ll be saving not only my brainpower but potentially that of many others who might read this post.
The AI Prompt I Use to Write a Tailored Cover Letter
Below is the exact prompt I use. I adjust tone slightly depending on the company.
“Using the information provided below, draft a concise, engaging, and jargon-free cover letter tailored specifically to the job description.
The letter should:
- Directly address the key requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description
- Seamlessly integrate relevant achievements and experiences from my CV
- Clearly articulate why I’m a strong fit for the role
- Highlight what genuinely attracts me to the company (culture, mission, product, or positioning)
- Maintain a confident, professional tone without sounding generic or overproduced
- End with a closing that encourages the reader to learn more about my profile
Please bold the most important keywords and phrases, especially those aligned with the job description and ATS-relevant terms.
Avoid clichés, filler phrases, and excessive self-promotion. Prioritize clarity, relevance, and impact.”
Inputs:
- Job Description: [paste job description]
- My CV Highlights: [paste CV or selected highlights]
- What I Like About the Company: [1–2 authentic sentences]
This whole post goes without saying that once the machine has churned out our nice text, we should also re-read it, add our personal touch, and then use Grammarly, or some other tool, to quickly proofread it—even though I have to admit I don’t always do this…
FAQ: Using AI to write cover letters
Is it okay to use AI for cover letters?
Yes — as long as you personalize and edit the output. Recruiters care about clarity and relevance.
Will recruiters detect AI-written cover letters?
They might if the text sounds generic. Strong prompts and manual editing are essential.
Does AI improve callback rates?
In my experience, structured AI-assisted drafting helped align my application more closely with job descriptions and increased responses.
