By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
I know writing cover letters can feel like a chore, but they’re still a crucial part of getting noticed in today’s job market. Fortunately, tools like ChatGPT can significantly speed up the initial writing process. However, don’t just expect a ready-to-submit masterpiece; think of ChatGPT as a powerful first-draft generator that needs your expert touch. As your coach, let me guide you on how to truly leverage this AI to create compelling introductions.
Preparation is Paramount
Before you even open ChatGPT, you need key ingredients: the job description, your resume, and insights about the company. Effective cover letters are primarily about the opportunity and how you fit their needs, not just a summary of your life story. Research the company – their website, LinkedIn, social media – to understand what they value and what they’re focusing on right now. Identify the most important requirements and qualifications listed in the job description. Your resume provides the specific details of your career history, skills, and achievements.
Mastering the Prompt
ChatGPT is a pattern-matching tool that often relies on general templates found online unless directed with precision. Copy-pasting a whole job description or resume isn’t always effective; the key is to be super specific and even micromanage the bot. Treat your prompt like an outline, laying out what you want ChatGPT to include, ideally paragraph by paragraph.
Here’s a general approach based on expert structure:
- Set the Persona & Task: Instruct ChatGPT to act as an expert cover letter coach.
- Define the Role: State the job title and company you’re applying for.
- Break Down the Content: Specify the content for each paragraph. For example:
- Paragraph 1: Start with enthusiasm for the role and company, highlighting years of experience and specifying a reason for applying. You can also include a hook – a specific compliment about the company’s work connecting to your own.
- Paragraph 2: Focus on how your skills and achievements align with the job description’s requirements. Use your resume as a reference, ideally including metrics. Mention top listed skills from the job description.
- Paragraph 3: Share a brief, compelling career story showcasing character, leadership, or problem-solving skills, potentially with quantifiable results. Explain why you admire the specific company and what you hope to gain or contribute.
- Paragraph 4: Conclude with a clear call to action, expressing interest in an interview. You might also mention that your resume highlights key qualifications.
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A strong initial prompt might look like this: “You are an expert cover letter writing coach. Write a cover letter for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Paragraph 1: Express enthusiasm for the role, mention my [X] years of experience in [Your Field], and state a specific reason I’m applying, connecting to something I admire about [Company Name]. Paragraph 2: Detail my relevant skills and achievements based on my resume, specifically highlighting how they align with the job description’s requirement for [Top Skill 1] and [Top Skill 2].” [Adapted from 1, 3]
Refining for Impact
The initial output from ChatGPT is a starting point, maybe an 8 out of 10 at best. It will need significant refinement.
- Inject Personality: AI often defaults to standard, generic language. Go through the draft and replace vague or cliche phrases. Ask ChatGPT to identify cliches or suggest alternative wording. Read it in your own voice to ensure it sounds authentic.
- Add Specific Examples: ChatGPT might dream up examples or keep things too general. You need to swap these out for your actual experiences, ideally with metrics, to bring the descriptions to life. Think about the impact of your actions.
- Ensure Accuracy: Double-check that all details about your experience and references to the job description are accurate.
- Check Formatting and Length: Ensure the letter is clean, readable, and concise, typically under 400 words. Proper formatting is crucial whether sent as a PDF or in an email.
By using ChatGPT to generate a structured draft and then applying your own research, specific examples, and unique voice, you transform a generic AI output into a powerful, personalized cover letter that truly captures attention. It’s a tool to enhance your process, not replace your critical thinking and personal touch.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier.
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
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He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes over 13+ years.
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