So, ChatGPT Wrote Your Cover Letter. Now What?

With the ever-present temptation of generative AI at your fingertips, Whoops Word can understand why so many exhausted job hunters are using these tools to do the majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to putting together a job application. But we caution you, dear reader, to be better. Simply accepting whatever fluffy, protracted drivel ChatGPT spews out for a cover letter and submitting it in your job applications is not going to win you your dream job. Let us explain.

1.        Generative AI can start the party, but you are the guest of honour

We’re seeing a generation of people entering the workforce who have never had to experience the dread of staring at a blank document, thinking, “What the heck am I even supposed to say?!” (Older generations, please try to hold your resentment in. Life’s not fair. That’s not new information. Big breaths. Big breaths, everyone!) This cohort is swanning in, well-versed in the efficiency of generative AI templating that gives them the kick they need to get their written assignments started. And honestly, when it comes to writing cover letters, there may be some benefit to getting behind this movement.

Having generative AI provide you with a rough layout, template, or even get your writing flow going is super handy, especially if you feel like you’re lost in the process and don’t even know how to start. Bypass the paralysis that comes with intimidation of the blank page and help yourself get started! But – and this is the important part, dear reader – while generative AI is a wonderful starting point for your cover letter, it should never be considered a final product.

2.        Infuse your application with, well, you!

Generative AI still struggles with tone. Don’t get us wrong, these bots have a good crack at it. But having a stab in the dark and missing the mark more often than not isn’t the energy you want when you’re applying for the next step in your career. Your tone sets the voice of your cover letter, so make sure your generated template is infused with it.

If you asked ChatGPT to spit out a cover letter for your application, it would be filled with generic, cliché, and overly polite language and turns of phrase. You want to win an interview, dear reader, not bore the poor hiring manager to death! Here’s a quick checklist of things that you can add to a generic template to make sure that this cover letter screams YOU:

• Talk about your current role and some great personal achievements you’ve accomplished. (Use numbers and percentages for a real wow factor here.)

• Sprinkle in an explanation of how you relate to a company value or their business ethos.

• Use keywords from the job description and give examples of how you embody them in your current or previous roles. (Mentioning transferrable skills is also excellent!)

3.        Don’t fall for the compliments!

Just as with the above checklist, be very conscious and critical of what AI says about you. Generative AI is known for its sycophantic, people-pleaser tendencies. These tools want you to keep interacting with them, so they are highly complimentary, but not very specific. For example, we’re willing to bet that if you asked ChatGPT to write a generic cover letter right now, it would come back with something like, “I am a hardworking, motivated individual with a passion for excellence.” It’s nice, but doesn’t actually say anything about you, does it?

In a world where everyone is using generative AI, and no one has the energy to double-check what is being written for them, we encourage you to be a harsh critic. Similarly to how taking your own opinions out onto the back veranda and beating them with a broomstick is good for developing your cognitive empathy, taking your generative AI-written cover letter out the back and employing the same technique will shake off the superfluous, flowery phrases and allow you to fill the gaps with your voice and facts.

If you want to say you are a hard worker, a fast learner, or a team player, you need to back it up with specific examples (refer to the mini checklist above). Generative AI wants you to like it, dear reader, but that doesn’t mean they know you and how to sell you to a hiring manager. Only you can do that.

For those of you who feel unsure about all this generative AI templating, Whoops Word has templates aplenty (human-made, we might add) that have been tried and tested in the job application arena. Contact us to request one for FREE today!