Can You Use ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter? Here’s the Honest Answer

You’re staring at a blank document, cursor blinking mockingly, as you contemplate writing yet another cover letter. Your fourth one this week. The job description sits in another tab, and you’re wondering, for the tenth time, if anyone will even read this thing. Then you remember ChatGPT. What if you could just paste in the job description and let AI handle it? Would anyone notice? Should you even care?

If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone. With artificial intelligence becoming increasingly sophisticated, thousands of job seekers are now turning to ChatGPT to write their cover letters. But here’s the million-pound question: is it actually a good idea?

Let’s cut through the noise and explore the honest truth about using ChatGPT for your cover letter, what hiring managers really think, and how to leverage this powerful tool without shooting yourself in the foot.

The Rise of AI in Job Applications

The landscape of job hunting has transformed dramatically since ChatGPT launched in November 2022. According to recent hiring manager surveys, nearly half of all current job applicants now use AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to enhance their applications. That’s a staggering shift in just a few years.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Research shows that 78% of job seekers who used ChatGPT to create application materials secured an interview, and 59% were eventually hired. These aren’t bad odds, particularly in today’s competitive job market where you’re competing against hundreds of other applicants for a single position.

But before you rush off to let ChatGPT handle everything, there’s a crucial caveat: context matters enormously. The same research revealed that 11% of users were denied positions when interviewers discovered they’d used ChatGPT. Moreover, 80% of hiring managers view purely AI-generated content negatively.

So what’s really happening here? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes, use it” or “no, don’t use it”. The reality lies somewhere in the nuanced middle ground.

What Hiring Managers Actually Think About AI Cover Letters

Understanding the perspective of those on the other side of the application process is crucial. Let’s examine what hiring managers are really thinking when they review cover letters in 2025.

The Statistics That Matter

According to comprehensive research on hiring practices, 91% of hiring managers receive application materials they believe were written by ChatGPT either “somewhat” or “very” often. The most common AI-generated materials? Cover letters top the list at 80%, followed by writing samples at 60%.

Here’s where it gets interesting: when asked to identify which cover letters were written by AI versus humans, only 18% of hiring managers got all three examples correct. This suggests that, contrary to popular belief, most hiring managers cannot reliably detect well-crafted AI-assisted cover letters.

However, there’s a critical distinction between AI-assisted and AI-generated content. The hiring managers who can spot AI-written cover letters typically do so within 20 seconds, identifying tell-tale signs like:

• Repetitive phrasing patterns: AI tends to cycle through similar sentence structures
• Generic buzzword overload: Terms like “synergy,” “stakeholder engagement,” and “cross-functional collaboration” without proper context
• Overly polished but impersonal tone: Content that sounds professional but lacks genuine personality
• Keyword parroting: Simply repeating phrases from the job description without explanation

The Detection Landscape

The reality of AI detection in 2025 is complex. Approximately 65% of Fortune 500 companies and 35% of mid-sized businesses now use some form of AI detection tool. Industries like finance, legal, and healthcare implement the most rigorous detection protocols.

The tools themselves claim impressive accuracy rates, with some platforms boasting 99.12% accuracy on human content and near 0% false positive rates. But here’s the thing: most recruiters aren’t actually using these tools on every application. Over one-third (37.5%) of hiring managers report they don’t use any AI tools in their hiring process at all. That number rises to 45.2% amongst Gen X interviewers and 72.5% amongst Baby Boomers.

Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Cover Letter Content?

The short answer? Yes, but with significant caveats. Think of ChatGPT as your writing assistant, not your ghostwriter.

The Legitimate Benefits

Time Efficiency: Let’s be honest, writing cover letters is tedious. ChatGPT can generate a solid first draft in minutes rather than hours, allowing you to apply to more positions efficiently.

Overcoming Writer’s Block: Staring at a blank page is paralysing. ChatGPT provides an excellent starting point, generating structure and content that you can then refine.

Professional Polish: The AI excels at proper grammar, formal tone, and professional language, eliminating basic errors that might otherwise slip through.

Customisation at Scale: Once you understand how to craft effective prompts, you can quickly tailor cover letters for different positions without starting from scratch each time.

Keyword Optimisation: ChatGPT can help incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions, improving your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

The Significant Risks

Generic Output: Without detailed prompting, ChatGPT produces bland, cookie-cutter content that could apply to anyone. This is the quickest way to get your application binned.

Lack of Authenticity: AI cannot replicate your unique voice, experiences, or genuine enthusiasm for a role. Hiring managers are increasingly skilled at spotting this absence.

Potential Inaccuracies: ChatGPT sometimes “hallucinates,” inventing experiences or achievements you don’t actually have. This can be disastrous if questioned during an interview.

Detection and Rejection: Roughly 20% of employers automatically reject applications flagged as AI-generated, particularly in legal, defence, and finance sectors.

Over-Reliance Risk: Using AI as a crutch can prevent you from developing essential communication skills that you’ll need throughout your career.

The Right Way to Use ChatGPT to Write Cover Letter Documents

If you’ve decided to use ChatGPT, here’s how to do it properly. The difference between success and failure lies entirely in your approach.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before opening ChatGPT, compile everything you need:

• The complete job description
• Your current CV or resume
• Two to three specific accomplishments relevant to the role
• Research about the company (culture, recent news, values)
• Any specific requirements or qualifications mentioned

The quality of ChatGPT’s output depends entirely on the quality of your input. This isn’t a tool you can use blindly.

Step 2: Craft Detailed Prompts

Generic prompts produce generic results. Instead of simply typing “write me a cover letter for this job,” try something like:

“I’m applying for a senior marketing manager position at [Company Name]. Here’s my CV: [paste CV]. Here’s the job description: [paste description]. Key achievements I want to highlight: increased email campaign engagement by 45% over six months, led a team of five in developing a new brand strategy that generated £2M in revenue, and implemented data analytics processes that improved targeting accuracy by 30%. Please write a cover letter that’s conversational yet professional, around 250 words, focusing on how my experience aligns with their need for strategic planning and team leadership.”

Notice the difference? You’ve provided context, specific achievements, tone preferences, and length requirements.

Step 3: Review and Personalise

This step is non-negotiable. Once ChatGPT generates your cover letter, you must:

• Read it thoroughly: Check for inaccuracies or made-up details
• Add your voice: Insert personal anecdotes, adjust phrasing to sound like you
• Verify facts: Ensure all achievements and qualifications are accurate
• Check for repetition: Remove redundant phrases or buzzwords
• Incorporate company research: Add specific details about why you want to work for this particular company
• Adjust the tone: Match the company’s culture (more formal for traditional industries, relaxed for startups)

Think of the ChatGPT output as a 70% complete draft. Your job is to transform it into something authentically you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ChatGPT for Cover Letters

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you considerable grief. Here are the most common pitfalls:

1. Copy-Pasting Without Editing

This is the cardinal sin of AI-generated cover letters. Hiring managers can spot unedited ChatGPT content almost instantly. The language is too polished yet somehow impersonal, and it lacks the specific details that make you memorable.

One recruiter from a major tech firm noted: “We get cover letters so polished they gleam. They’re perfect. And that’s precisely the problem.”

2. Failing to Include Specific Achievements

ChatGPT loves vague statements like “proven track record of success” or “strong leadership skills.” These mean nothing without concrete examples. Always replace generic claims with specific, measurable accomplishments.

Instead of: “I have strong project management skills.”

Write: “I managed a cross-functional team of eight to deliver a software implementation project three weeks ahead of schedule, saving the company £50,000 in contractor fees.”

3. Ignoring Company Culture

ChatGPT doesn’t know whether you’re applying to a buttoned-up law firm or a casual tech startup. You need to adjust the tone accordingly. Visit the company website, read their blog, check their social media. Then ensure your cover letter reflects their culture.

4. Overloading with Keywords

Yes, including relevant keywords helps with ATS systems. But stuffing your cover letter with every buzzword from the job description makes you sound robotic. Use keywords naturally within the context of your actual experience.

5. Neglecting the Opening and Closing

The first and last paragraphs are crucial for making an impression. Don’t let ChatGPT write generic opening lines like “I am writing to express my sincere enthusiasm regarding the opportunity to contribute to your distinguished organisation.” That’s an instant red flag.

6. Using the Same Letter for Multiple Applications

Even with ChatGPT’s help, each cover letter should be tailored to the specific role and company. Hiring managers can tell when you’ve submitted a template.

How to Make Your ChatGPT Cover Letter Undetectable

If you’re concerned about AI detection, here are strategies to humanise your ChatGPT-generated content:

Add Personal Stories

Replace at least one generic paragraph with a brief personal anecdote. For example:

“During my time at [Company], I encountered a challenging situation when our team faced a sudden deadline shift. Rather than panicking, I reorganised our workflow using agile methodology, which not only helped us meet the deadline but also improved our overall efficiency by 25%.”

Personal stories are uniquely yours and impossible for AI to fabricate convincingly.

Vary Your Sentence Structure

AI tends towards predictable patterns. Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones. Read your cover letter aloud. If it sounds too uniform, it needs more variation.

Include Specific Details

Instead of “I worked on marketing campaigns,” write “I developed the Q3 social media campaign for our autumn product launch, which reached 500,000 impressions and generated 2,000 qualified leads.”

Show Genuine Enthusiasm

ChatGPT struggles with authentic emotion. Add a sentence or two explaining specifically why you’re excited about this opportunity. What about the company’s mission resonates with you? What particular project or initiative interests you?

Edit for Natural Language

Remove overly formal phrases. Replace “utilise” with “use,” change “facilitate” to “help,” and swap “leverage” for “use” or “apply.” Real people don’t speak in corporate jargon.

Understanding AI Detection: What You’re Up Against

Let’s demystify how companies actually detect AI-generated content, so you know what you’re working with.

How Detection Tools Work

AI detection software looks for several indicators:

• Perplexity: How predictable the text is (AI tends to be more predictable)
• Burstiness: Variation in sentence length and complexity (humans vary more)
• Unusual word patterns: AI often uses certain phrases more frequently
• Lack of personal context: Missing specific details that only you would know

Popular detection tools include Originality.ai, GPTZero, and Turnitin. They claim high accuracy rates, but they’re not infallible. Well-edited AI content that incorporates personal details typically passes through undetected.

The Reality of Detection in Hiring

Here’s something important to understand: most hiring managers aren’t running every cover letter through AI detection software. They’re too busy, and the technology isn’t yet standard practice in most organisations.

When they do spot AI-generated content, it’s usually because of obvious tells like repetitive phrasing, generic content, or that overly polished yet impersonal quality. If you’ve properly personalised your cover letter, you’re likely in the clear.

Comparing Approaches: A Practical Breakdown

To help you understand the different ways to approach cover letter writing in 2025, here’s a comprehensive comparison:

The sweet spot for most job seekers is “ChatGPT with Thorough Personalisation.” You get the efficiency benefits of AI whilst maintaining authenticity and reducing detection risk.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries have varying tolerance levels for AI-generated content:

High-Scrutiny Industries

Finance, Legal, and Healthcare: These sectors often have zero-tolerance policies for AI-generated applications. They’re more likely to use detection tools and automatically reject flagged applications. If you’re applying in these fields, use ChatGPT only for structure and brainstorming, then write the actual content yourself.

Moderate-Scrutiny Industries

Corporate, Technology, and Engineering: These industries are more accepting of AI tools, as they often use similar technologies themselves. Well-edited, personalised ChatGPT content is generally acceptable, but obvious AI-generated text will still be rejected.

Lower-Scrutiny Industries

Retail, Hospitality, and Entry-Level Positions: Hiring managers in these sectors are less likely to use detection tools and more focused on whether you have the basic qualifications. ChatGPT with moderate editing is usually sufficient.

The Ethical Question: Is Using ChatGPT Cheating?

This is a question many job seekers struggle with. Is it dishonest to use AI to write your cover letter?

The consensus amongst career experts is nuanced. Using ChatGPT as a writing tool is no different from using a thesaurus, grammar checker, or spell-checker. The key ethical boundary is authenticity: the content must accurately represent your skills, experience, and genuine interest in the position.

Where it crosses into problematic territory:

• When you fabricate experience that ChatGPT invents
• When you submit completely unedited AI content that doesn’t reflect your voice
• When you claim accomplishments that aren’t yours
• When company policy explicitly prohibits it (some organisations have specific rules)

Think of it this way: your cover letter is meant to communicate who you are and what you can offer. If ChatGPT helps you articulate that more clearly, that’s a tool. If ChatGPT creates a fictional version of you, that’s deceptive.

Best Practices for 2025 and Beyond

As AI technology evolves and hiring practices adapt, here are best practices for using ChatGPT to write cover letters in 2025:

Create a Master Template

Use ChatGPT to develop a flexible template that includes:

• Your personal brand statement
• A framework for discussing achievements
• Standard opening and closing paragraph structures
• Transition phrases that sound like you

Then customise this template for each application.

Develop Your Prompting Skills

The better you get at crafting prompts, the better your results. Study effective prompting techniques:

• Be specific about tone and style
• Include relevant context
• Request multiple versions and choose the best
• Ask ChatGPT to critique and improve its own output

Maintain a Personal Touch

Always include at least one paragraph that ChatGPT couldn’t have written without your input. This might be:

• A specific story about your career journey
• Your unique perspective on the industry
• A personal connection to the company’s mission
• An insight that demonstrates industry knowledge

Use Complementary Tools

Don’t rely solely on ChatGPT. Combine it with:

• Grammarly or ProWritingAid: For polishing and style suggestions
• Job description analysers: To identify key requirements
• Company research tools: To gather relevant information
• ATS checkers: To ensure your letter will pass applicant tracking systems

Keep Records

Save your prompts and iterations. This helps you:

• Refine your approach over time
• Avoid repeating mistakes
• Quickly adapt successful templates
• Demonstrate your process if questioned

When NOT to Use ChatGPT for Cover Letters

Despite its utility, there are situations where you should avoid using ChatGPT:

Senior-Level and Executive Positions

At this level, your cover letter needs to demonstrate sophisticated thought leadership and strategic vision. ChatGPT can help with structure, but the content should be overwhelmingly your own insights and perspective.

Career Change Applications

When pivoting careers, you need to craft a compelling narrative that connects your past experience to your new direction. This requires nuanced thinking that ChatGPT struggles to replicate without extensive prompting.

Highly Specialised or Technical Roles

If the position requires deep domain expertise, ChatGPT may lack the technical knowledge to write credibly. You’re better off writing it yourself.

Companies with Explicit AI Policies

Some progressive companies are now stating explicitly whether they accept AI-assisted applications. Always respect stated preferences.

When You Lack the Time to Edit Properly

If you can’t dedicate at least 20-30 minutes to properly editing and personalising ChatGPT’s output, don’t use it at all. A rushed AI-generated letter is worse than a simple, sincere letter you wrote yourself.

The Future of AI in Job Applications

Looking ahead, the relationship between AI and job hunting will continue to evolve. Here’s what experts predict:

Increasing Normalisation

Just as spell-checkers and grammar tools became standard, AI writing assistants will likely become an accepted part of the application process. The focus will shift from “Did you use AI?” to “Did you use it thoughtfully and authentically?”

Better Detection Technology

Both AI writing tools and detection software will improve. This means the gap between obvious AI content and human-quality content will narrow, making authenticity even more crucial.

Employer Adaptation

Companies are beginning to adapt their hiring processes to account for AI use. Some are adding additional screening steps, such as requiring video introductions or writing samples completed during interviews.

Skills-Based Assessment Shifts

As AI makes it easier to create polished application materials, employers are placing more emphasis on practical assessments, portfolio work, and interview performance.

Practical Tips for Different Experience Levels

For Recent Graduates and Entry-Level Applicants

You might lack extensive experience, but you have fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. Use ChatGPT to:

• Structure your academic achievements effectively
• Connect coursework to job requirements
• Express enthusiasm without sounding desperate
• Highlight transferable skills from internships or projects

But personally write:

• Your motivation for choosing this field
• Specific classes or projects that inspired you
• Your unique perspective as someone new to the industry

For Mid-Career Professionals

At this stage, you have substantial experience to draw from. Use ChatGPT to:

• Organise multiple achievements coherently
• Find compelling ways to describe familiar responsibilities
• Adapt your experience to different types of roles
• Maintain consistency across multiple applications

But personally write:

• Your career progression narrative
• Key lessons from major projects
• Industry insights you’ve developed
• Specific reasons for your interest in this opportunity

For Senior Professionals and Executives

Your applications require gravitas and vision. Use ChatGPT to:

• Ensure proper formatting and structure
• Suggest alternative phrasings
• Identify gaps in your argument
• Provide a sounding board for your ideas

But personally write:

• Your leadership philosophy
• Strategic vision and industry perspective
• Significant achievements and their impact
• How you can specifically benefit this organisation

Real-World Examples: Before and After

Let’s examine how proper editing transforms ChatGPT output:

Example 1: Opening Paragraph

ChatGPT’s Generic Version: “I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Senior Marketing Manager position at TechCorp. With my extensive background in digital marketing and proven track record of driving results, I am confident I would be an excellent fit for your distinguished organisation.”

Edited, Personalised Version: “When I read about TechCorp’s recent expansion into the European market, I immediately saw parallels to the product launch I led at DigitalFirst last year. Growing revenue from £500K to £2.1M in a new market taught me exactly the kind of strategic thinking and agile execution your team needs right now.”

See the difference? The edited version is specific, demonstrates research, and immediately showcases relevant experience.

Example 2: Achievement Description

ChatGPT’s Generic Version: “I successfully managed multiple projects and consistently delivered results ahead of schedule whilst maintaining high quality standards.”

Edited, Personalised Version: “Last quarter, I simultaneously managed three client migrations, including a particularly challenging transition for a 5,000-user organisation. By implementing a phased rollout strategy I developed based on previous lessons, we completed all three projects within budget and received an average satisfaction score of 4.8/5.”

The edited version provides concrete details, demonstrates learning, and quantifies results.

Your Action Plan: Implementing This Knowledge

Here’s your step-by-step plan for using ChatGPT effectively:

Week 1: Preparation

• Update your CV thoroughly
• Compile your top 10-15 achievements with specific metrics
• Research companies and industries you’re targeting
• Practice writing effective ChatGPT prompts

Week 2: Template Creation

• Use ChatGPT to create a master cover letter template
• Test it with 2-3 different job descriptions
• Refine based on results
• Get feedback from a trusted colleague or mentor

Week 3: Application

• Apply the template to real job applications
• Track which approaches get responses
• Continuously refine your process
• Build a library of successful phrases and structures

Ongoing: Optimisation

• Keep records of what works
• Stay updated on AI detection trends
• Adjust your approach based on results
• Continue developing your personal writing voice

The Bottom Line: Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Cover Letter Content?

After examining all the evidence, statistics, and expert opinions, here’s the honest answer: Yes, you can and arguably should use ChatGPT to write your cover letter, but only as a sophisticated writing assistant, not a replacement for your own thinking and authenticity.

The job seekers finding success with ChatGPT aren’t those who blindly copy-paste its output. They’re the ones who:

• Provide detailed, thoughtful prompts
• Edit extensively to add personality and specific details
• Use it to overcome writer’s block and improve structure
• Maintain full ownership of the final content
• Treat it as one tool in a broader application strategy

Think of ChatGPT as a highly capable intern who can draft documents quickly but needs your expertise to make them excellent. The AI provides the framework; you provide the soul.

In today’s competitive job market, using available tools intelligently isn’t just acceptable, it’s necessary. But remember: hiring managers aren’t just evaluating your ability to string sentences together. They’re assessing whether you’re someone they want to work with, whether you genuinely understand and care about the role, and whether your skills match their needs.

No AI can fabricate genuine enthusiasm, authentic experience, or real understanding of an industry. Those elements must come from you. Use ChatGPT to help you articulate them more effectively, not to replace them entirely.

The question isn’t whether you should use ChatGPT for your cover letter. It’s whether you’re willing to use it thoughtfully, edit thoroughly, and maintain the authenticity that makes you a compelling candidate. If you can do that, ChatGPT becomes a powerful ally in your job search rather than a risky shortcut.

Now stop deliberating and start writing. Your next opportunity is waiting, and with the right approach to AI assistance, you’re better equipped than ever to seize it.

Read also: Master Competency-Based Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Your Dream Job

About the Author: This article was researched and written by an experienced career writer who understands both the power and limitations of AI in professional contexts. The insights shared come from extensive research into current hiring practices, expert interviews, and analysis of successful job search strategies in 2025.