So, what is ChatGPT?
Imagine having a conversation with a computer that understands your questions, follows your instructions, and even writes creatively in response to your requests. That's what ChatGPT is!
Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is an advanced language model that's been making waves in the world of artificial intelligence. It's like a super snazzy writing assistant that can generate high-quality text on, well, pretty much anything!
How does it work? Well, try to visualise feeding a computer a library the size of the internet. Yep, that’s what ChatGPT has been programmed to do! This massive dataset of text and code allows ChatGPT to understand nuances in language, grammar, and even different writing styles. So, whether you need help composing a sonnet that rivals Shakespeare, writing a compelling marketing email for Māori Language Week, or even generating complex lines of code, ChatGPT can be a productive tool.
While ChatGPT can help you craft a cover letter, it's important to note that it's not a replacement for your own input and understanding of the job role. It can analyse job descriptions, incorporate keywords, and tailor your application to specific roles, saving you time and allowing you to put your best foot forward. However, it's crucial to review and edit the generated content to ensure it accurately represents your skills and experiences.
The advantages of using ChatGPT to write your cover letter
Using ChatGPT to write your cover letter can feel like having a secret weapon in your toolkit. It's more than just a shortcut–it's a tool that can elevate your job application in ways you might not expect.
Instead of spending hours agonising over every word, you can now refine and polish a strong draft, ensuring your ChatGPT cover letter is engaging, brief, and insightful. One of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT is its ability to help you tailor your applications effectively, saving you valuable time and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your job search.
Say “ka kite” to the days of generic, stale, one-size-fits-all cover letters. By feeding ChatGPT details about the specific role and company, you can generate content that speaks directly to the hiring manager's needs and expectations. Think of it as having a personalised writing assistant that can instantly adapt your core message to different audiences. This level of customisation saves you time and increases your chances of making a strong impression.
Besides generating text, ChatGPT can act as an editor, offering helpful suggestions to improve your cover letter. It can help you rephrase sentences, identify areas that require more detail, and even suggest relevant keywords that will help your application get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems, otherwise known as the ATS.
This approach allows you to leverage the power of AI while retaining control over your final product. Ultimately, ChatGPT empowers you to present your qualifications in the most compelling and persuasive way possible, increasing your chances of landing that job you’ve got your sights set on. You're the one in the driver's seat, with ChatGPT as your trusty navigator.
Don't treat ChatGPT as a one-stop shop for your ChatGPT cover letter. Instead, use it as a springboard for your creativity. Start by generating a draft with ChatGPT, then analyse and edit the final product.
Ask yourself: What unique anecdotes or experiences can I add to make this letter stand out? Where can I inject my personality and voice more strongly? What subtle details can I include to demonstrate my deep understanding of the company and its needs?
By using ChatGPT as a foundation and including your own insights and personal touch, you'll create a cover letter that is both compelling and authentically you.
How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter in four steps
So, keen to learn how to use ChatGPT to write a killer cover letter? We thought so!
Here's a step-by-step guide to using this powerful AI tool to help take your career to the next level:
Optimise your source material
Before you tap into ChatGPT's power, do a little prep work. Dig into that job description and highlight the important stuff—the skills they're looking for, the experience you need, all that jazz. The more info you feed ChatGPT, the better it can help you.
Have your updated CV readily available so ChatGPT can tailor your cover letter to your professional background. For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role, highlight your experience in social media management and content creation.
Remember to research the company and its values to personalise your letter and demonstrate genuine interest. If you have any previous cover letters you've written or examples you admire, these can also be useful to provide context to ChatGPT.
Give ChatGPT a foundation to work with
Don't just ask ChatGPT to "write me a cover letter." Include key details in your prompt to provide a strong foundation. Clearly state the specific job title and company you're applying for. Highlight the most relevant technical skills, interpersonal skills, and experiences from your CV that align with the job description.
Give ChatGPT some insights into your personality and work style – for example, "I’m a motivated and results-oriented Mechanical Engineer based in Wellington with a strong work ethic and passion for my community." This information can help ChatGPT understand your unique selling points and incorporate them into the cover letter, making it more personalised and engaging.
Ask for alternative drafts
Don't just settle for the first draft ChatGPT throws at you! Think of it like a brainstorming buddy. Play around with it – tell it to rewrite your draft with a different vibe. Want something more professional? Ask for a formal tone. Want to sound super excited? Tell it to crank up the enthusiasm. You can even ask it to try out a few different opening lines and see what hooks you.
Explore alternative ways to describe your skills and experiences. Even ask, "Can you make this cover letter sound more [confident/passionate/results-oriented]?" By experimenting with various options, you can find the version that best reflects your unique voice and resonates with the specific job.
Ask ChatGPT to include keywords
Lots of companies use ATS to filter applications based on relevant keywords. To increase your chances of getting past this initial screening, ask ChatGPT to "Incorporate these keywords into the cover letter: [list of keywords from the job description]."
You can also simply request that it "Ensure the cover letter is optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems." Incorporating keywords can help your application get noticed and increase your chances of landing an interview!
Focus on using keywords naturally. While it's important to weave in keywords from the job description, keyword stuffing is a big no-no. Instead, focus on weaving those keywords naturally into your sentences and paragraphs.
For example, if the job description highlights " project management" and "communication skills," you might write a sentence like: "In my previous role, I successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, effectively communicating progress and challenges to stakeholders at all levels."
ChatGPT cover letter prompt writing ideas
Here are some specific prompts to get you started:
- "Write a cover letter for a [job title] position at [company name]. I have [number] years of experience in [industry] and possess strong skills in [list of skills]. I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of the job or company]."
- "I am a highly motivated and results-oriented [your profession] with a track record of success in [area of expertise]. I am applying for the [job title] position at [company name] as advertised on [platform where you saw the ad]. Based on my CV [paste your CV here], create a cover letter that highlights my skills in [list of skills] and highlights my passion for [area of interest]."
- "Using the job description below [paste job description], write a cover letter that showcases my skills in [key requirement from job description], [another key requirement], and [one more key requirement]. I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to [company name]'s mission of [company mission]."
- "Craft a cover letter tailored to the New Zealand job market and highlight my experience in [industry]. I am a [your nationality] citizen with a [visa status] visa. I am particularly interested in working for [company name] because of [reasons]."
What to avoid when writing a ChatGPT cover letter
While ChatGPT can be a great tool for crafting a cover letter and empower your search for mahi, ultimately, it’s essential to use ChatGPT responsibly and wisely. What ChatGPT spits out is just a rough draft. You've got to make it your own – tweak it, add your own stories, and make sure it really shows who you are and what you bring to the table.
Don’t fall into the trap of copying and pasting–inject your personality and tailor the letter to the specific job and company. Although ChatGPT can generate grammatically correct text, you can still use your own critical thinking and judgment. Ensure all information is truthful and accurate, and always proofread carefully before submitting your application.
Key takeaways
Using ChatGPT as your AI writing partner can be helpful when generating tailored first drafts and incorporating relevant keywords, but remember to personalise the results by adding your unique voice, experiences, and flavour.
Be sure to review, edit, and proofread carefully before submitting to ensure accuracy and authenticity. By combining AI assistance with human oversight, you'll create a standout cover letter that captures employers' attention.
