First, to clarify the question, “Should I include a cover letter?” The answer is an emphatic “YES.”
A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce oneself professionally to the recruiter or employer and demonstrate a passion for the position.
It allows the job seeker to highlight their core competencies, market their skills and gain the hiring manager’s attention, increasing the chances of getting the position.
Also, a cover letter provides the hiring manager with further detail on how the job seeker’s skills match the job requirements, what they can bring to the team, and why they want the position.
AI to the rescue?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology focuses on creating intelligent machines. It is used in various applications, from robotics to healthcare to finance. Recently, in addition to writing resumes, AI has been used to automate writing cover letters.
There are pros and cons to using AI for cover letters. Understanding them can help you decide whether or not to use this technology for your application process.
Pros of using AI for cover letters:
Save time and effort: Writing a cover letter from scratch can be lengthy and detailed. For job seekers who are short on time or want to save some effort,
AI can be a great tool to speed up the process. AI can take the user’s input and quickly generate a professional cover letter tailored to the employer’s requirements.
Improve the quality of your cover letters: AI can improve the quality of your cover letters. Many AI tools use sophisticated algorithms to understand the employer’s job description and write cover letters targeted to their needs.
This type of “tailoring” benefits job seekers who may not have the time to understand the job requirements fully or need help crafting a compelling narrative for their application.
Reach a wider audience: AI can be used to reach a larger audience by automatically submitting your cover letter to multiple job postings. Bulk posting can save time and effort in searching for the perfect job opportunity.
Cons of using AI for cover letters:
It can lack a personal touch: Even though AI writes cover letters professionally, they may need to gain the unique personal touch and enthusiasm that comes with a human-written cover letter.
This lack of a personal touch can make it harder for job seekers to stand out amongst other applicants and connect with employers more meaningfully.
Not be tailored to your specific skills and experience: AI tool developers created algorithms to match the employer’s job requirements.
However, they need to capture the nuances of your experience and qualifications. Without this “personal touch,” it can leave certain aspects of your cover letter incomplete or mischaracterized, leading to a less successful application overall.
Can be expensive: Despite their potential to save job seekers time and effort, some AI tools can be costly for people.
The cost of using a robust AI application can add up for those applying to many jobs simultaneously needing to generate multiple cover letters quickly.
Tips for using AI for cover letters:
Use AI as a tool, not a replacement for your writing skills: AI can be a great tool to help you generate a professional cover letter, but it should not replace your writing.
Utilizing your skills and knowledge to craft a cover letter tailored to you and the employer can be more effective in the long run.
Please be clear about your outcome for your cover letter: When using an AI tool, could you explain what you hope to accomplish?
By being specific about what you want, the AI tool can help craft a cover letter tailored to you and the job you are applying for more accurately.
Please provide the AI tool with as much information as possible about the job you are applying for.
Providing the AI with more detailed information about the job you are applying for can help craft a more accurate and comprehensive cover letter.
Detailed background information can help you save time and ensure your application is as strong as possible.
AI Cover Letter Prompts
Most AI apps that offer resume and cover letter tools use similar technology. These tools can generate cover letters quickly, however as mentioned above, the results may look stiff or impersonal.
A well-crafted prompt can help the AI tool produce more relevant responses. It helps the AI understand the context and the specific information you seek.
Here is a prompt for a general cover letter. Use the [bracket] to customize the information for your prompt:
“Generate a cover letter for a job application. The applicant has [X] years of experience in [occupation or industry], with a focus on [most valuable skill or experience]. They are applying for a [position] at a growing [company]. The cover letter should highlight their project management skills, leadership abilities, and experience in the [occupation or industry]. It should also express their enthusiasm for the role and the company.”
Your AI Cover Letter Decision
The decision of whether or not to use AI for your cover letters is a personal one. However, by understanding the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
AI can be a great tool to help you save time and improve the quality of your cover letters.
However, it is important to remember that AI is no substitute for your writing skills.
If you feel comfortable using AI, it can be a great asset in your job search – but remember to add your personal touch to the process.