Cover Letter Writing: Get Started with ChatGPT
This resource is designed to help you use ChatGPT as a starting point for writing your cover letter. Whether you’re new to cover letters or looking to refresh your approach, ChatGPT can assist in organizing your ideas and providing initial structure. Remember, while ChatGPT can guide you through the process, it’s your personal experience and final edits that make the cover letter truly yours!
Follow the steps below to begin crafting a strong, personalized cover letter.
- Why this matters: Protect your privacy and focus on key details that will help ChatGPT guide your cover letter draft.
- Instructions:
- Open your resume and copy the main sections such as:
- Summary or Objective
- Education
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Certifications
- Volunteer or Extracurricular Activities
- Remove any personal contact information to maintain privacy.
- Open your resume and copy the main sections such as:
Remember, you’ll use this as the foundation for your cover letter, but you’ll still need to make it your own!
How to Prepare Your Resume Content for ChatGPT:
- Remove Personal Information:
- Before sharing your resume with ChatGPT, remove any personal contact information (name, address, phone number, email). Focus on the content of your experiences, education, and skills.
- Use Clear Formatting:
- ChatGPT can understand resume content better if it’s well-structured. List your experiences clearly, using sections like:
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
- Volunteer Work
- ChatGPT can understand resume content better if it’s well-structured. List your experiences clearly, using sections like:
Work Experience:
Marketing Intern at ABC Corp. – Summer 2024
- Created social media campaign that increased engagement by 30%
- Conducted research and presented reports to senior management
Skills:
- Data Analysis
- Social Media Management
3. Focus on Relevant Experience:
- ChatGPT can better help you when it has the most relevant information. If the job is in marketing, include experiences and skills tied to marketing. If the job is in another field, adjust your resume content accordingly.
Why this matters: Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job is important, and understanding the job description will guide ChatGPT to help you craft a personalized draft.Instructions:
- Find the job description from the job listing.
- Take note of:
- Job title
- Key responsibilities
- Required skills and qualifications
- Company values or mission
- Open ChatGPT: Use ChatGPT to help guide your first draft.
- Frame the Prompt: Focus on ChatGPT as a tool to guide you. For example, you might say:
“Hi ChatGPT, I’m writing a cover letter for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I want to focus on my [specific skills or experience] and how they match the job description. Can you help me organize a draft?”
“Here’s a job description for a [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I want to emphasize my skills in [list specific skills] from my resume. Can you suggest how I might weave these into the cover letter?”
“I’m applying for a position at [Company Name], and they value [company values or mission]. Could you help me align my past experience with their company culture in a cover letter draft?”
“I’m transitioning from [Current Industry] to [New Industry] and want to apply for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Can you help me structure my cover letter to explain how my skills transfer?”
3. Review the Suggested Content: Once ChatGPT provides some ideas, use them as a starting point:
- Check if it highlights your relevant experience.
- Adjust it to reflect your own style and personal voice.
Why this matters: The initial draft is just the beginning. You should always refine and add personal touches to make your cover letter unique to you.Instructions:
- Review the overall structure.
- Add specific examples from your experiences that align with the job description.
- Customize the greeting and ensure the tone reflects your genuine interest in the position.
- Use the suggestions as inspiration but infuse your own voice throughout the letter.
- Why this matters: A polished cover letter reflects professionalism and care.
- Instructions:
- Proofread your draft for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
- Make sure your personal voice and experiences are clearly expressed.
- Ensure the letter is targeted to the specific job, showcasing your fit for the role.
ChatGPT is a great tool to help you organize your thoughts, but the final draft should be a reflection of your personal journey and ambitions.
- Customize the Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name, if known. If not, use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Team.”
- Check the Introduction: Does it clearly state the job you’re applying for and why you’re interested?
- Review the Body: Make sure it highlights your most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description.
- Conclude Strongly: The closing paragraph should express enthusiasm for the position and a willingness to discuss your qualifications in more detail.
- Proofread: Use the editing tools above to check for grammar, spelling, and tone.
- Double-Check Formatting: Ensure your cover letter is well-organized, with clear sections and no formatting errors.
Want to chat more about this topic or need general career support? Schedule an appointment with our Career Studio staff or stop by our drop-in hours listed at the bottom of this website.
Source: ChatGPT. (2024, October 15). Cover Letter Writing: Get Started with ChatGPT. OpenAI.
This content was edited for clarity and accuracy by Dr. Lucas Gorham, Senior Associate Director for the Office of Career & Professional Development at the University of Redlands. Connect with him on LinkedIn!