Using AI to Improve Your Cover Letters

Yes, you can use AI to help you with your cover letters. Tools like Copilot or ChatGPT can be helpful for getting started or generating ideas. But first, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • AI is a starting point, not the finish line. Use it for refining tone or organizing thoughts, but always personalize.
  • Always review for accuracy. AI might misinterpret facts or oversell certain points. Be meticulous in your editing.

#1 Tip: Be Specific

The more specific you are, the better the AI can help you.

Instead of asking something general like, “Write a cover letter” try something like: “Match the qualifications and skills needed for this role with the experiences listed on my resume and provide an outline for a cover letter”

Why it matters: Recruiters are already seeing A LOT of copy-paste applications that sound the same — because people are using AI without editing or personalizing the content. Make sure your materials still sound like you.

Sample Prompts for Writing a Cover Letter

Use these prompts to help you brainstorm content for each cover letter you write individually, and learn how to organize and structure your cover letters.

Pro Tip: Meet with a Career Advisor or Career Fellow to learn how to approach cover letter writing before jumping in with these prompts.

Prompt: What are the key skills and qualifications in this job description? (pate the job description)

Prompt: Which of my experiences best match the skills and qualities needed for this role? (upload resume and job description)

Prompt: Can you suggest how I can highlight my most relevant experiences in a cover letter? (upload resume and job description)

Prompt: What should I include in each paragraph of a cover letter for this job?

Prompt: Suggest an outline for a cover letter showcasing my skills for this job (insert job description and resume)

Prompt: Make this opening line more engaging

Prompt: Make suggests to make this paragraph (insert) sound more confident and professional. Do not rewrite.

Prompt: What keywords from this job description (insert) are missing from my cover letter (insert)? Make specific suggestions to integrate missing key words or concepts. Do not rewrite.

Prompt: What keywords from the job description should I include in my cover letter to improve ATS compatibility? (upload job description and resume)

Prompt: Suggest a way to connect my previous experience and internships to this new opportunity (insert job description and resume)