ChatGPT Is Not Your Cover Letter Writer... You Are

 

Let’s be honest: if you’re asking ChatGPT to write your whole cover letter for you, you’re doing it wrong. ChatGPT isn’t a shortcut to avoid thinking. It’s a tool and a powerful one, but only when you bring the substance. Think of it like Grammarly with a little extra flair. Its job is to help clean up, polish, and structure your writing... not to write your story for you.

So before you jump into the prompt box, here’s what to do instead:

Step 1: Start with Self-Reflection, Not AI
Before you even open ChatGPT, write out some bullet points or a rough paragraph covering the following:

  1. Why are you interested in the brand?
    Do you wear the brand? Admire their design ethos? Love their campaigns? Mention it. Show you're engaged.

  2. Why do you want the role?
    Is it a step forward? Are you excited by the responsibilities or challenges? Be clear and specific. Avoid vague lines like “It seems like a good opportunity.”

  3. Have you worked in a similar or relevant business before?
    Even better if it’s a competitor, or a brand with similar values or customer profiles.

  4. What’s something interesting about you?
    This is what makes your cover letter feel human. Think:
    “I started my career in textile design before moving into buying,” or
    “I’ve always been driven by the connection between product and customer.”

  5. List 1–3 key achievements that relate to the role
    Keep them sharp and outcome-focused:
    “Increased category sales by 30% YoY,” or
    “Launched three new collections under tight timelines.”

Step 2: Use ChatGPT to Polish What You Wrote
Now that you’ve got the core content, it’s time to use ChatGPT — but NOT to write it for you — to help you refine and elevate your words.

Here’s how to prompt it:

“I’ve written the rough content for my cover letter. Please help me clean up the grammar and sentence structure while keeping my tone professional but warm. Don’t change the meaning or add anything. Here’s the text: [paste your writing].”

Want to go one step further? Ask it to reword for clarity, remove repetition, or adjust the tone if you’re applying for a creative vs. corporate role.

Please Stop Copy-Pasting Your CV and the Job Ad Into ChatGPT
Yes, ChatGPT can scan job descriptions — but unless you bring the insight and intent, the result will always sound like everyone else.

Recruiters read dozens of AI-generated cover letters. They know when it’s been copy-pasted.

What stands out is someone who took time to reflect, connect, and articulate why this job, this brand, and this role are the right fit.

Also worth noting:
Putting your CV and the JD into ChatGPT will just give you a generic cover letter that mirrors 20 other applicants.

And honestly? If writing isn’t your strength, your role doesn’t require it, and no cover letter has been requested — then you don’t have to write one.

Final Checklist Before Sending
✅ Did you clearly explain why you want this job and why this company?
✅ Did you share something only you could write?
✅ Did you mention a few specific achievements?
✅ Did you use ChatGPT to improve your writing, not replace it?

ChatGPT is not your ghostwriter.
It’s your editor.

Your voice. Your insights. Your achievements.
That’s what makes a great cover letter.

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Jahzel Christi LamigComment