Using Generative AI Chatbots to Craft Cover Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to gen AI chatbots in job application cover letters

In today's competitive job market, creating a standout cover letter that captures the attention of hiring managers is essential. With the advancement of technology, the use of generative AI chatbots in crafting job application cover letters has become increasingly popular. These innovative tools leverage artificial intelligence to assist job seekers in creating personalized and compelling cover letters.

In this article, I will describe the step-by-step process of using Generative AI to guide you in mastering the art of writing a cover letter using these powerful tools.

I used Google Gemini as the AI Chabot, but the steps are similar to other Generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Perplexity.

If you would prefer a more automated approach to creating cover letters read this blog post How to create a Cover Letter generator with ChatGPT for step-by-step instructions.

Understanding the importance of a well-crafted cover letter in the age of AI

Before we dive into the specifics of using generative AI chatbots, it is crucial to understand the importance of a well-crafted cover letter in the age of AI. While AI algorithms are becoming more prevalent in recruitment, cover letters remain essential for job applications. A compelling cover letter allows you to showcase your skills, experience, and personality in a way that cannot be captured by a resume alone. Although not all job application websites allow you to include a cover letter, there is usually a section to include additional information that you can cut and paste the cover letter into.

Benefits of using Gen AI chatbots in writing a Cover Letter

Gen AI chatbots offer numerous advantages for creating a job application cover letter. Firstly, they offer a user-friendly interface that provides guidance throughout the cover letter creation process. These chatbots enable users to input their skills and experience, which they then use to generate personalized content for the cover letter. Moreover, they allow users to incorporate the job description, ensuring that the cover letter aligns with the specific job requirements, thus enhancing its relevance and impact.

Furthermore, If you encounter writer's block or struggle to effectively communicate your experience, these chatbots can offer suggestions and brainstorm potential points to include in the cover letter. This feedback ensures that the cover letter is comprehensive, well-structured, and engaging.

A step-by-step guide to crafting a job application cover letter with Gen AI chatbots

Step 1: Research the company and job position

Before you begin crafting your cover letter, it is essential to research the company and the specific job position you are applying for. This research will provide valuable insights into the company's values, culture, and requirements for the role. By understanding these aspects, you can tailor your cover letter to align with the company's needs and demonstrate your suitability for the position. Ensure you have the job description available to cut/paste into the chat.

Step 2: Have your resume on hand.

Have your resume handy to allow you to use it as input into the chat. If you want to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for make those changes first and finalize the updates to your resume in preparation for use in the chat prompt.

Step 3: Log in to your AI chatbot of choice and open a new chat

Several gen AI chatbot platforms are available that can assist you in creating a compelling cover letter. In this example, I will show the steps using Google Gemini. If you choose another AI chatbot, you may need to modify the steps slightly on when and how to insert the resume and job description. Additional AI chatbots or writing tools can be found on this page [link].

Step 4: Input your text prompt

The secret to getting the best output from the AI tool is making the prompt input very detailed and specific to the task. I used the following prompt:

(I've included it below for you to easily cut & paste to your Generative AI chatbot prompt)

I want you to act as an expert cover letter writer from the point of view of a recruiter reviewing the letter. I will provide you with the job description, and my relevant skills and experience in the form of a resume, and you will use this information to create a professional and effective cover letter. You should also tailor the cover letter's content to the specific job and company that I am applying to, highlighting my relevant skills and experience and explaining why I am a strong candidate. Please ensure the cover letter is clear, concise, and effectively communicates my qualifications and interest in the job. If the job description has requirements for skills or experience that I do not show on my resume do not add them to the cover letter. Focus on best practices and industry standards for cover letter writing. I want you to use bullet form in the formatting and layout to make the cover letter visually appealing and easy to read. Do not generate the letter yet. First ask me for my resume, and then ask me for the job description.

Google Gemini prompt showing response to request to generate a cover letter

Step 5: Insert your resume

In this example, Google Gemini asks you to provide your resume based on the text prompt that instructs it to first ask for the resume. Open up your resume (PDF or document format), highlight all the text, and copy and paste the text into the Google Gemini prompt. Gemini will read your resume and prompt you to enter the job description.

Example showing the highlighting and copying of resume text

The following shows the resume text, highlighted in green, pasted into the Google Gemini prompt

Note: Google Gemini does not allow you to upload a PDF file or text document as input to the prompt. Because of this limitation, you must copy/paste the text into the chat prompt. Some AI chatbots will allow you to input PDF or text files. In those cases, you must direct the AI to use the uploaded files for the resume and job description instead of telling the AI to insert the text into the prompt.

Step 6: Insert the job description

Open the job description in the job posting and copy/paste the job description using the similar approach to the copy/paste steps described above for the resume. Paste the job description into the Google Gemini Prompt, as shown below highlighted in green.

Step 7: Cover letter generated

Gemini responds with the cover letter in bullet format as instructed. It also provides directions, as illustrated in red below, on the format of the letter, showing the sections and their purpose. When finalizing the letter, you will want to remove those directions.

Google Gemini screen image showing the generated cover letter

Step 8: Copy the generated text to a working document

At this point, the text for the cover letter has been generated. You should copy and paste the text into a working document (i.e., google or Microsoft Word) to do the final editing.

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Google Gemini Response with Cover letter

Absolutely! Here's a tailored and polished draft cover letter, building upon your impressive resume and addressing the specific requirements of the Director of Engineering position at ACME Software. I've focused on a clear layout and key best practices of cover letter writing.

Mark Stanley 

Montreal, QC | mark.stanley@gmail.com | [www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stanley]([invalid URL removed])

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If available)

[Title]

ACME Software

[Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], (Or "Dear Hiring Team" if no name is available)

• Opening Paragraph: Express your strong interest in the Director of Engineering position at ACME Software and briefly highlight your most relevant qualifications.

• I am an experienced Software Engineering Director with a 25+ year history of strategic leadership and technical expertise in developing scalable software solutions. My demonstrated success in the healthcare and logistics industries makes me exceptionally well-positioned to step into the Director of Engineering role at ACME Software.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Demonstrate how your experiences directly align with the specific requirements of the role.

• My background in managing both legacy monolithic applications and modern microservices architectures would be invaluable in overseeing ACME's current tech stack and its evolution.

• I have a proven track record of successfully leading geographically dispersed teams of software engineers in both leadership and player/coach roles. I consistently drive collaboration between Product, Operations, and Engineering teams to align development strategies with organizational goals.

• Throughout my career, I've spearheaded development of cloud-based software platforms resulting in substantial cost reductions and revenue growth. My expertise with AWS would allow seamless integration with ACME's technical infrastructure.

• Showcase Enthusiasm & Fit: Articulate your genuine interest in ACME Software and what makes you a great fit for the role.

• I am truly inspired by ACME's mission in the eCommerce space. Your commitment to performance, reliability, and customer-centric experiences strongly aligns with my approach to software development.

• Closing Statement & Call to Action: Reiterate your enthusiasm and request an opportunity to discuss your qualifications further.

• I am confident that I can be a key contributor to ACME's success and would be thrilled to discuss how my expertise and passion can advance your innovative products. Please feel free to contact me for an interview at your earliest availability.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Mark Stanley

A Few Notes:

• Tailor Further: Once you have the hiring manager's name, adjust the salutation accordingly.

• Company Research: Spend time on ACME's website and social media to gain insights into their company culture and tailor your tone.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments (e.g., 'reduced costs by 18%').

Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or refinements!

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Notes:

• If you are not satisfied with the above generated cover letter you can provide additional directions to Google Gemini to further refine what it generates.

• Google Gemini has a feature that allows you to review the drafts that it produces to allow you to decide if you prefer to use one of the other generated outputs.

Google Gemini screen image illustrating how to view multiple drafts

Step 9: Customize your cover letter

Treat this generated letter as a starting point, not the final version. It's important to take the time to customize the letter by adding any missing examples and achievements demonstrating your job qualifications. Tailor the content to align with the job requirements and show why you are the ideal candidate. Generative AI uses your input from the resume and the job description, but it may still and probably will generate incorrect text. Therefore, it's important to check for inaccuracies.

Side note: Gemini did a good job sticking to the skills and experience I indicated in the resume, not inventing skills I do not list in the resume. It also did a good job recognizing I did not have eCommerce industry knowledge and accounted for that in the generated text.

Step 10: Proofreading and editing your cover letter

Once you have customized your cover letter, it is essential to proofread and edit it. Check for typos, grammatical, and spelling mistakes and ensure the content flows smoothly. You may also consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or mentor to ensure your cover letter is polished and error-free.

Conclusion

Crafting a job application cover letter that stands out in the age of AI is a skill that can be mastered with the help of gen AI chatbots. These powerful tools assist job seekers in creating personalized and compelling cover letters highlighting their skills and experience. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can harness the power of gen AI chatbots to craft a cover letter that will impress hiring managers and increase your chances of securing the job interview.

Note: The job description and resume listed in this blog post are fictitious and were created solely for the purpose of writing this post.