Writing a compelling cover letter is a critical step in landing a job in today’s competitive market. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for a role. However, crafting a unique cover letter for each application can be time-consuming and challenging. With advancements in artificial intelligence, tools like ChatGPT have become popular for assisting with this task. As of 2025, ChatGPT’s capabilities, particularly with the ChatGPT-4o model, have improved significantly, offering more personalized and natural outputs.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI. It uses advanced natural language processing to generate human-like text based on user prompts. The latest version, ChatGPT-4o, released in 2025, is more intuitive, follows instructions better, and produces clearer, more concise responses. This makes it a powerful tool for tasks like writing cover letters, emails, or even preparing for interviews.
Can ChatGPT Write a Cover Letter?
Yes, ChatGPT can write a cover letter. It can generate a professional draft in seconds, tailored to a specific job if given the right input. According to sources like TealHQ and Jobscan, ChatGPT can create a solid foundation for a cover letter, but it’s not a complete solution. Without customization, the output may feel generic or include inaccuracies, so human editing is essential.
How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter
To create an effective cover letter using ChatGPT in 2025, follow these steps:
- Provide Detailed Context: Share your resume, the job description, and specific details about your skills and experiences. This helps ChatGPT align the cover letter with the job requirements.
- Use Advanced Prompts: Leverage ChatGPT-4o’s improved capabilities with specific prompts. Examples include:
- “Write a cover letter for a [job title] position at [company name] that highlights my experience in [specific skill or industry], using my resume: [paste resume].”
- “Create a cover letter that emphasizes my achievements in [specific area] for a [job title] role at [company name], incorporating the company’s values and mission.”
- Customize and Personalize: Review the generated letter and add personal details, such as specific achievements or reasons you’re drawn to the company. This ensures the letter reflects your unique voice.
- Verify Accuracy: Check for errors or irrelevant information. Even with ChatGPT-4o’s improvements, inaccuracies can occur, so thorough review is crucial.
Example Prompts for Different Scenarios
| Scenario | Prompt Example |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Position | “Write a cover letter for an entry-level marketing role at [company name] using my resume: [paste resume].” |
| Career Change | “Create a cover letter for a software developer role at [company name], emphasizing my transferable skills from [previous industry].” |
| Senior-Level Role | “Generate a cover letter for a senior project manager position at [company name], highlighting my leadership achievements.” |
Latest Updates on Using ChatGPT for Cover Letters
Recent advancements in ChatGPT have made it more effective for cover letter writing. Key updates include:
- ChatGPT-4o: Launched in 2025, this model offers better personalization, clearer responses, and improved instruction-following, as noted in OpenAI’s release notes.
- Enhanced Personalization: With detailed input, ChatGPT can now tailor cover letters more closely to specific roles and companies.
- Ethical Considerations: Experts, such as those at UNSW Business School, emphasize that while ChatGPT is a helpful tool, it should not replace your own work. Over-reliance can lead to generic letters that fail to impress hiring managers.
Is It Bad to Use ChatGPT for Cover Letters?
Pros of Using ChatGPT for Cover Letters
Using ChatGPT to write cover letters offers several benefits:
- Time-Saving: It generates drafts quickly, allowing you to apply to more jobs efficiently.
- Improved Quality: ChatGPT-4o produces more polished and tailored content compared to earlier versions.
- Inspiration: It provides structure and ideas, helping overcome writer’s block, as highlighted by CareerBee.
Cons of Using ChatGPT for Cover Letters
Despite its advantages, there are limitations to consider:
- Lack of Uniqueness: Even with personalization, AI-generated letters may lack the distinct voice hiring managers value, as noted by Forage.
- Potential for Errors: ChatGPT may include incorrect or irrelevant details, requiring careful review.
- Over-Reliance on AI: Relying too heavily on AI can hinder your ability to develop your own writing skills and personal brand.
Tips for Making Your ChatGPT-Written Cover Letter Stand Out
To ensure your cover letter impresses hiring managers, follow these tips:
- Add Specific Achievements: Include quantifiable accomplishments, such as “Increased team productivity by 15% through process improvements.”
- Tailor to the Company: Research the company’s values, mission, or recent achievements and mention them to show genuine interest.
- Use Your Own Voice: Edit the letter to reflect your personal style, making it feel authentic.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity to ensure a polished final product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Using Generic Prompts | Leads to bland, non-specific letters that don’t stand out. | Use detailed prompts with your resume and job description. |
| Not Editing the Output | May include errors or lack personal touch. | Always review and customize the letter to reflect your voice and experiences. |
| Ignoring Company Research | Fails to show genuine interest in the role or company. | Incorporate company-specific details, like values or recent projects. |
Ethical Considerations
Using ChatGPT for cover letters is generally acceptable, but it’s important to use it ethically. According to USC Online, the final cover letter should be your own work, reflecting your experiences and voice. Some employers, particularly in academic fields, may view heavy AI use negatively, as discussed on Academia Stack Exchange. Always check if the company has policies on AI use in applications.
Conclusion
ChatGPT, especially with its 2025 updates like ChatGPT-4o, is a powerful tool for writing cover letters. It can save time, provide inspiration, and produce professional drafts. However, it’s not a complete solution—customization and review are essential to create a unique and accurate cover letter. By combining ChatGPT’s efficiency with your personal touch, you can craft a cover letter that stands out and boosts your chances of landing an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can ChatGPT write a cover letter for any job in 2025?
Yes, with detailed prompts and input, ChatGPT can generate cover letters for various roles. The quality depends on the specificity of the information provided. - Is it ethical to use ChatGPT for cover letters in 2025?
It’s ethical if used as a tool to assist, not to deceive. Ensure the final letter is your own work and accurately represents you. - How can I make my cover letter unique if I use ChatGPT in 2025?
Add specific achievements, tailor it to the company, use your own voice, and proofread thoroughly to ensure uniqueness. - What are some good prompts to use with ChatGPT-4o for cover letters?
- “Write a cover letter for a [job title] position at [company name] that highlights my experience in [specific skill or industry], using my resume: [paste resume].”
- “Create a cover letter that emphasizes my achievements in [specific area] for a [job title] role at [company name], incorporating the company’s values and mission.”
- Should I disclose that I used ChatGPT to write my cover letter in 2025?
It’s not necessary to disclose, as long as the letter is your own work. However, check for company policies on AI use.