Is It Bad to Use AI for a Cover Letter? Pros, Cons, and Expert Tips

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we write, from creating content to automating business documents. But when it comes to something as personal as a cover letter, the question arises: Is it bad to use AI for a cover letter?

In this article, we’ll dive into the pros, cons, and expert tips for using AI tools to craft cover letters. We’ll provide a clear perspective on how AI fits into the job application process and whether it helps or hinders your chances of standing out to potential employers.

Why Are Cover Letters Important?

Before we get into AI, it’s essential to understand the significance of a cover letter. A well-crafted cover letter acts as your first impression on the recruiter or employer. It complements your resume by giving insight into your personality, your passion for the job, and how your skills align with the company’s needs.

Key Functions of a Cover Letter:

• Personalization: Introduces you in a way that a resume cannot, making the application more personal.
• Contextualization: Offers context to your skills and experiences, showing how they specifically relate to the job at hand.
• Demonstrates Communication Skills: Shows your ability to communicate professionally and clearly.
• Sets You Apart: A unique, well-written cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates, offering a competitive edge.

The Role of AI in Cover Letter Writing

AI writing tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper, and others are becoming increasingly popular for tasks ranging from content creation to drafting cover letters. These tools use sophisticated language models to generate text based on user input, often creating drafts that are grammatically correct, coherent, and on-topic. However, is using AI for something as personal as a cover letter really a good idea?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of using AI for your cover letter.

Pros of Using AI for a Cover Letter

AI has a number of benefits that can make the process of writing a cover letter easier and more efficient. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages:

1. Saves Time

Writing a personalized cover letter from scratch can be a time-consuming task. AI tools can help you generate a draft in just a few minutes, especially useful when you’re applying for multiple jobs and need to adjust your cover letter for each one.

2. Overcomes Writer’s Block

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. AI writing tools can help overcome writer’s block by providing a strong draft that you can refine or personalize further. You don’t have to worry about staring at a blank page.

3. Enhances Grammar and Syntax

AI tools are excellent at correcting grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. For non-native English speakers or those who struggle with writing, AI can help ensure that your cover letter is professional and error-free.

4. Customizable

Most AI writing tools allow you to adjust the tone, style, and format to suit the job you’re applying for. This flexibility can ensure that your cover letter aligns with the company’s culture, whether it’s formal, casual, or creative.

5. Incorporates Keywords

Many AI tools are designed to help you include job-specific keywords. This can be particularly useful when applying to companies that use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Including relevant keywords can help your cover letter pass through initial screenings.

Cons of Using AI for a Cover Letter

Despite the benefits, there are notable drawbacks to relying solely on AI to write your cover letter.

1. Lack of Personalization

AI-generated cover letters can sometimes feel too generic or robotic. Since these tools rely on patterns and data, they might not fully capture your personality, passion, or individuality, which are key components of an effective cover letter.

2. Misses Emotional Intelligence

AI lacks the emotional intelligence required to convey genuine enthusiasm or motivation. While AI can write a grammatically correct letter, it may not come across as sincere, which is crucial in human-centered job applications.

3. Overreliance Can Lead to Rejection

If too many job seekers use AI-generated cover letters, employers may begin to recognize patterns and become more adept at detecting machine-written letters. Some recruiters might view this negatively, potentially causing more harm than good.

4. Limited Understanding of Context

AI tools may not fully understand the nuances of the job or the industry. For example, the same template that works for a creative agency might not be effective for a corporate or technical job. A lack of context can lead to mistakes or awkward phrasing that a human writer would easily avoid.

5. Requires Human Editing

While AI can give you a solid foundation, it’s essential to edit and personalize the draft to avoid sounding too formulaic. Without human input, AI-generated cover letters risk being impersonal, which could deter potential employers.

Expert Tips for Using AI to Write a Cover Letter

If you decide to use AI for your cover letter, it’s crucial to approach it strategically. While AI can help streamline the process, blending it with human input is essential for crafting a standout cover letter. Below are expert tips to guide you.

1. Start with a Strong Prompt

The quality of AI-generated content depends largely on the input you provide. When using AI to draft a cover letter, give the tool a clear, well-defined prompt. Include specific information about the job, your skills, and the tone you want to achieve.

Example Prompt:
“Write a formal cover letter for a job application at a tech startup, highlighting my experience in software development, leadership skills, and passion for innovative technology.”

2. Customize the AI-Generated Draft

Never rely solely on the AI’s first draft. After receiving the generated content, review it carefully and add personal touches. Customize it by weaving in specific details about the job role and company. This is where you can inject your personality and motivation for applying.

Personalization Tip:
Mention the company’s values or recent achievements to show you’ve done your research. For example, “I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to sustainable technology, as evidenced by your recent product launch.”

3. Blend Human Emotion with AI Precision

AI can handle the technical aspects of writing, but emotional resonance must come from you. Make sure to express genuine interest in the role and passion for the industry. Use AI to clean up the grammar and structure, but always add human emotion to stand out.

Example:
Instead of saying, “I am excited to apply for this role,” consider adding more personal context:
“I’ve always been passionate about sustainability in tech, which is why I am particularly excited to contribute to [Company Name’s] mission of creating eco-friendly solutions.”

4. Be Mindful of Overuse

While AI can be helpful, avoid relying on it for every job application. Recruiters may pick up on repetitive phrasing if many applicants are using AI tools. Use AI sparingly and always make sure your final cover letter reads as a unique document tailored to the specific job.

5. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly

Even though AI tools often produce grammatically correct content, they are not infallible. Always proofread your AI-generated cover letter to ensure there are no awkward phrases or context errors. You want the final document to be polished and professional.

Situations Where AI Should Be Avoided for Cover Letters

While AI can be helpful in many cases, there are certain situations where it’s better to rely on human effort. Here are instances when AI may not be the best option for writing your cover letter:

1. Applying for High-Stakes or Executive Roles

For senior-level or executive positions, companies expect a high level of personalization, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of their business. In these cases, using AI can result in a generic-sounding cover letter, which may reduce your chances of making a strong impression.

2. Creative and Artistic Roles

If you’re applying for a creative position, such as a designer, writer, or marketing strategist, your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and writing style. AI may not be able to convey the unique flair that creative roles often require, which could make your application less appealing.

3. Companies That Value Authenticity

Some companies, particularly startups or organizations with strong company cultures, place a high value on authenticity. If the job description emphasizes the importance of company values or personality, you should write the cover letter yourself to ensure it reflects your genuine passion for the role.

4. When the Job Listing Mentions AI Detection

As AI tools become more popular, some employers are actively on the lookout for AI-generated content. If a job listing mentions AI detection software or hints at concerns over automated applications, it’s best to avoid using AI and craft your cover letter from scratch.

AI Tools vs. Human-Written Cover Letters

Here’s a comparison between AI-generated cover letters and those written by humans to give you a better understanding of when to use AI and when to rely on traditional methods:

Aspect	AI-Generated Cover Letters	Human-Written Cover Letters
Speed	Quick generation, can create a draft in minutes	Time-consuming, especially if writing from scratch
Personalization	Limited personalization, requires manual input to fine-tune	High level of personalization, reflects genuine interest
Grammar and Syntax	Excellent grammar and structure correction	Relies on the writer’s skills or tools like Grammarly
Creativity	Lacks creativity, often generic or repetitive	Can showcase creativity and unique writing style
Emotional Tone	Lacks emotional depth, may come across as robotic	Captures enthusiasm and sincerity
Suitability for ATS	Can optimize for keywords, passes ATS easily	May miss keywords unless manually adjusted
Cost	Free or low-cost AI tools available	Free, but may require professional editing assistance

Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter with AI

To get the most out of AI while maintaining the integrity and quality of your cover letter, follow these best practices:

1. Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Think of AI as an assistant to your writing process, not a replacement. AI can help with generating ideas, improving grammar, and structuring your letter, but the final product should always have your personal touch.

2. Provide Detailed Inputs

The more specific you are with the prompts, the better the AI output will be. Mention the role, company, and key skills or experiences you want to highlight. Vague prompts will lead to generic results, so being clear and precise is essential.

3. Always Customize the Output

After the AI generates a draft, it’s crucial to go through the content and customize it to fit the job role and company. Add relevant anecdotes or personal experiences to make your cover letter unique and memorable.

4. Check for Consistency

AI-generated cover letters may sometimes include irrelevant or incorrect information. Always read through the draft to ensure everything aligns with your resume and the job you’re applying for. Consistency between documents is key to a professional application.

5. Edit for Tone and Readability

While AI tools are great at handling grammar and structure, they may miss the appropriate tone for your cover letter. Ensure the tone fits the company’s culture—formal for corporate roles, casual for creative startups, etc. It’s also important to make sure the letter flows naturally and is easy to read.

Conclusion

Using AI to write your cover letter isn’t inherently bad—it’s all about how you use the tool. AI can offer speed, efficiency, and error-free drafts, but it falls short when it comes to personalization, creativity, and emotional expression. The best approach is to combine AI’s efficiency with your own human touch. Use AI to draft the basics, but take the time to add personality, customize details, and proofread thoroughly.

By leveraging AI smartly and editing the final draft yourself, you can strike the perfect balance between automation and personalization—saving time without compromising quality. Whether you’re applying for your first job or a senior position, AI can help, but remember: the most important ingredient is always you.