A strong cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. In fact, 78% of recruiters expect applicants to submit one. But if writing isn’t your strength, or you’re short on time, ChatGPT can help you get it done without the stress.
This guide will show you step-by-step instructions on how to generate a high-quality cover letter using ChatGPT.
Get ChatGPT to generate your cover letter in 4 easy steps
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ready:
What you’ll need:
- The job description for the position you want
- Your current resume (ideally in DOCX format)
- Your LinkedIn profile URL
Once you have these, you’re ready to prompt ChatGPT to write a polished cover letter.
Step 1: Prepare your chat with a clear cover-letter prompt
Open a new chat in ChatGPT and begin with a message like this:
“Can you write a tailored cover letter for the job below using my resume and LinkedIn profile for context? I’d like it to sound confident and professional, and reflect my qualifications and interest in the role.”
This helps ChatGPT understand what you need and sets the tone for the letter.
Step 2: Copy and paste a job description into ChatGPT
Next, paste the job description into the chat. This is essential because ChatGPT needs to analyze the job posting’s language, requirements, and tone to tailor your letter accordingly.
Step 3: Upload your resume as a DOCX file
Upload your resume (preferably as a .docx file). This allows ChatGPT to match your past experience, skills, and achievements to the job description.
Step 4: Paste your LinkedIn URL into the chat
Your LinkedIn profile can offer additional insight into your background, endorsements, and professional summary. Including this helps ChatGPT generate a richer and more comprehensive letter.
11 ChatGPT cover letter prompts for different situations
You can customize your prompts to fit your exact career situation. Here are ten cover letter prompts you can copy and paste into ChatGPT, based on typical scenarios:
Prompt if you have no work experience
If you’re just starting out and want to write a cover letter with no experience, you can highlight your potential and transferable skills.
Using my LinkedIn and resume, can you write a cover letter for this entry-level marketing assistant role at a Giants Tech? I’m a recent communications graduate with a strong GPA, experience leading my university’s social media team, and I recently completed a digital marketing certification. I want to highlight my creativity, eagerness to learn, and strong writing skills. Please keep the tone enthusiastic and professional.
Prompt for a career change cover letter
Switching industries? Focus on how your existing skills apply to your new path in your career change cover letter.
Create a cover letter for this job description using my resume and LinkedIn profile as reference. I am transitioning from teaching to an instructional design role in a corporate setting. I’ve spent 8 years as a high school English teacher, created over 100 engaging lesson plans, and recently completed a certificate in eLearning development. I want to emphasize my ability to translate complex concepts into clear learning materials and my passion for adult education. Keep the tone confident but conversational.
Prompt for an employment gap cover letter
Re-entering the workforce? Frame your employment gap on your cover letter as a time of growth and readiness.
Write a cover letter for someone returning to the workforce after a 4-year break to care for family. I’m applying for a project coordinator role and have prior experience managing timelines, vendors, and budgets in a marketing agency. During my time away, I volunteered to organize community events and took online courses in Asana and Trello. I want to show I’m ready and capable of rejoining the workforce. Tone: positive and forward-looking.
Prompt for a remote job application
Show that you’re equipped to succeed in a remote work environment.
Can you write a cover letter for this remote customer service position at DataAnnotation? I’ve provided my LinkedIn URL and resume which shows I’ve worked in client-facing roles for 5+ years, have experience using Zendesk and Slack, and I’m comfortable working independently. I’d like to emphasize my communication skills, time management, and ability to build rapport virtually. I’m excited about the flexibility of remote work and the opportunity to support global customers.
Prompt for an internal promotion
To write a cover letter for an internal position, you’ll want to demonstrate your impact and readiness to move up within your current company.
Create a cover letter for an internal promotion from sales associate to sales manager. I’ve been with the company for 3 years, consistently exceeded sales goals by 20%, and mentored 5 junior team members. Refer to the job description, my resume, and LinkedIn profile to personalize it. I want to express appreciation for the company’s support and highlight my leadership potential, familiarity with the team, and readiness to step up. Please keep the tone professional but warm.
Prompt for a startup job
Startups value adaptability—let that shine in your cover letter.
Use my resume and LinkedIn profile to write a cover letter for this job description. I want to be hired for this marketing role at DeepBlue, as this is a fast-growing startup. I’ve worked at a mid-sized agency for 4 years, am skilled in brand strategy, content creation, and analytics, and thrive in fast-paced environments. I’m excited about the chance to wear multiple hats and contribute to a mission-driven company. Please make the tone energetic and entrepreneurial.
Prompt for a highly competitive role
Make your application stand out with a confident and concise letter.
Please generate a cover letter for this highly competitive analyst position at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 500 company. Use my resume and LinkedIn URL to find more details and highlight how I’m a data-driven thinker with a master’s degree in finance, internship experience at a top consulting firm, and a strong record of building models that drive business decisions. I’d like the letter to be crisp, focused on measurable achievements, and tailored to the company’s emphasis on innovation.
Prompt for someone returning after retirement
Position your return as an asset, backed by years of experience.
Refer to my LinkedIn and resume to write a cover letter for someone re-entering the workforce part-time after retirement. I’m applying for this customer support role at the Community Bank, Zanesville, Ohio. I previously worked in financial services for 25+ years and want to stay active while continuing to help people. Please emphasize my reliability, experience, and interest in staying connected with the industry. Keep the tone friendly and grounded.
Prompt for a creative industry job
Creatives should use their letter to reflect both personality and skill.
Create a cover letter for me using my resume and LinkedIn URL. I am a graphic designer applying to this creative agency’s job description. I have 3 years of experience in brand design, a strong portfolio of digital and print work, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. I want to convey my creative problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset. Please give the letter a creative but professional tone.
Prompt for an international job
Highlight your adaptability and cross-cultural competence.
Can you write a cover letter for this job description using my resume and LinkedIn? I’m applying to an international nonprofit role in Germany, I’m fluent in English and German, have experience working in multicultural teams, and have led sustainability projects across Europe. I’d like to highlight my global mindset, adaptability, and passion for environmental work. Keep the tone globally aware and mission-driven.
Prompt for a part-time job
Show flexibility and enthusiasm in your part-time job cover letter, while also emphasizing relevant experience.
Refer to my Linkedin URL and resume to write a cover letter for this part-time front desk role at Strong Fitness Studio. I have strong customer service experience from working in retail, I’m enthusiastic about fitness, and I’m available on evenings and weekends. I’d like to come across as approachable, dependable, and aligned with the studio’s community-oriented vibe.
Take your ChatGPT cover letter to the next level with a stylish design template
ChatGPT’s main limitation is that it can’t format or design your cover letter for you. However, employers will still expect you to follow the standard format for cover letters when you’re submitting your application.
For a more polished look, download a professionally-designed cover letter template and paste your new cover letter into it. Remember that the template you choose should match your resume’s design as well.
To avoid writing long commands and additional formatting, try a cover letter builder instead of ChatGPT. The best online cover letter generators offer customizable templates and pre-written content that you can easily modify to fit your needs. Plus, they have built-in formatting options to save you time.
Frequently asked questions about using ChatGPT to write a cover letter
If you still don’t know everything you need to know about how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter, we’ve answered some common queries here:
Can ChatGPT really write a good cover letter?
Yes—when you provide the right context (job description, resume, and LinkedIn), ChatGPT can generate a strong, customized letter in seconds.
Do I still need to edit the letter?
Absolutely. Use the AI-generated draft as a starting point. Personalize it with specific achievements or goals to make it truly yours.
Is it okay to use ChatGPT for job applications?
Yes, as long as you’re honest and accurate in the information provided. Think of ChatGPT as a writing assistant, not a replacement for your voice.
Can employers tell if you use ChatGPT to write cover letters?
Employers are aware that applicants use AI to write cover letters. They could be on the lookout for overuse of polished, but impersonal language. AI tends to produce text that is grammatically correct but overly formal and vague. This is why it is important to edit your letter to add in your voice.
What’s the best format to submit my cover letter?
PDF is usually the safest format to preserve formatting and ensure compatibility across devices.
How long should a cover letter be?
One page, ideally 3–4 concise paragraphs. Keep it focused and avoid repeating your resume.
Leora Joy Jones
Career Expert & Content Writer
Leora Joy Jones is a multidisciplinary creative who writes career content for job seekers. She is passionate about empowering people to invest in personal development. From recent graduates to career changers to DIY freelancers, she aims to cheerlead her readers to make informed choices. Born in the USA and raised in South Africa, Leora now lives and works in Taiwan. She has a BFA in Fine Arts, an MA in Art Curation, and over 10 years experience writing and editing words on many topics. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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