How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter That Doesn't Sound Generic

The short version

A generic cover letter is what you get when you only paste the job ad. The letter becomes yours when you add the two achievements that match the job and the real reason you want it. ChatGPT handles structure and wording; those two ingredients have to come from you.

Step by step

1. Paste the job ad and your resume.
2. Name your two best matches: the achievements that answer the ad’s main requirements.
3. Give one honest reason you want this job at this company. Something specific: their product, their customers, a move in your career.
4. Ask for a short letter, under 250 words, plain language, no clichés.
5. Rewrite the first and last lines yourself. That’s where a generic letter shows most.

Prompts to copy

Here's the job ad:
[paste]
Here's my resume:
[paste]
Write a cover letter under 250 words. Lead with my strongest match: [achievement 1].
Also use: [achievement 2]. My reason for wanting this job: [your reason].
Plain, confident language. Don't use "I am excited to apply", "passionate" or "team player".

Make it shorter and sharper:

Cut this to 180 words. Keep the two achievements and the reason. Remove anything a hiring manager would skim past.

Check it against the ad:

Which requirements in the job ad does my letter answer, and which does it ignore? Suggest one sentence for the most important gap, only if my resume supports it.

Example opening

Generic: “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Coordinator position.”

Specific: “Last year I grew a local bakery’s online orders by 40% with a $300 monthly ad budget. I’d like to do the same for Fresh Fields’ new delivery service.”

Mistakes to avoid

• Repeating the resume. The letter should connect two or three things to this job, not list everything.
• Claims you can’t back up. Every achievement must be on your resume and true.
• The same letter for every job. Change the reason and the matches each time.

When not to use it

If the employer says applications must be written without AI help, follow that. For a role where writing is the job, your own words matter even more: use ChatGPT for feedback rather than the draft.

Related: write or improve your resume.