AI Is Writing Cover Letters - Should You?

Written By Anusha Kannan

How to use it without sounding like every other “Dear Hiring Manager” in the stack

The Story That Made Me Write This

One of my friends applied to 100+ job applications per day & used ChatGPT for resumes & cover letters. I was not convinced. I mean… where is the due diligence? The art of writing? The part where you actually think about why you want the job? Then again, sometimes we’ve just got bills to pay and mouths to shut.

But here’s the truth: blasting AI-generated applications into the void can get you interviews, but it can also get you ghosted. The difference? Whether you know how to make AI work for you instead of turning you into a copy-paste bot.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

  • 47% of job seekers have used AI for resumes or cover letters (Business Insider, 2025).

  • Using AI for job applications led to an ~8% boost in hires in a Stanford/MIT study-but only when paired with human editing.

  • Recruiters can spot generic AI text, and they skip it.

The “Blast and Pray” Problem

Most people treat AI like a vending machine: type prompt, get cover letter, send. That’s why so many applications sound like:

“I’m passionate about dynamic environments and leveraging my skills to contribute to your esteemed organization.”
If that made your eyes glaze over, imagine the recruiter reading 73 versions of it!!!

The Playbook That Actually Works

Start with AI for structure
Don’t ask for a “full cover letter.” Instead, get a clean outline with bullet points for where you’ll add proof. (Download our free AI Prompt File for this - link below.)

  1. Add receipts
    Replace vague adjectives with specific, verifiable results.
    Instead of “I’m detail-oriented”, say “I managed a database migration with zero downtime for 12,000 active users.”

  2. Make it un-Googleable
    Include one or two details that only you could write: a customer pain point you solved, a product feature you admire, or a relevant personal win!

The Worst Part of Writing a Cover Letter is No One Reading it (But Why This Matters Even If No One Reads It)

Yes, sometimes your cover letter won’t get a direct read. But the process of writing it well forces you to:

  • Clarify your personal pitch.

  • Spot skill gaps.

  • Build confidence for interviews.

AI can’t fake that part for you!!

Want my actual prompts?
I put together a free mini-pack of AI prompts that will make your cover letter actually yours. They’re the same ones I used, & they’re designed so you never end up with “dynamic environment” syndrome again.

Anusha Kannan