JOB SEEKERS

How to Write a Cover Letter with AI

Most AI-generated cover letters are obvious and generic — because most people use bad prompts. Here's the right way to start, with 1 prompt that actually works. The full Job Seeker Pack has 30.

The key insight: Generic prompt = generic cover letter. Give the AI your actual experience, the actual job ad, and specific constraints — and the output is dramatically better.

Set the context first

Before asking for the letter, paste your background and the job ad. This primes the AI with real information instead of making things up.

Here is my background: [PASTE YOUR RESUME OR A SUMMARY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE]. Here is the job ad I'm applying for: [PASTE THE FULL JOB AD]. Keep both in context for my next request.

Career change cover letter

Switching industries is daunting to write about — but it can actually be a strength. This prompt frames your transferable skills as an asset and explains the career change with confidence, not apology.

Write a cover letter for someone making a career change. My current/previous industry: [INDUSTRY YOU'RE LEAVING]. Role I'm applying for: [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY NAME]. My most relevant transferable skills: [LIST 3–4 SKILLS OR EXPERIENCES THAT APPLY]. Why I'm making this change: [BRIEF, GENUINE REASON — e.g. "I've always been drawn to tech and completed a UX design course last year"]. One achievement from my previous career that shows I can add value here: [SPECIFIC ACHIEVEMENT WITH A RESULT IF POSSIBLE]. Tone: confident, forward-looking, and honest — not defensive about the career change. Length: 3–4 short paragraphs. Do not start with "I am writing to apply for."

Cover letter with no direct experience

When you're entry-level or returning to work, the cover letter has to work harder. This prompt leads with enthusiasm and potential rather than apologising for what you don't yet have.

Write a cover letter for an entry-level or junior role where I have no direct work experience in this field. Role: [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY NAME]. What I do have: [E.G. relevant study, volunteer work, personal projects, internships, transferable skills from other jobs]. Why I want this specific role/company: [GENUINE REASON — be specific about the company or role]. One thing that shows I'm a fast learner or self-starter: [BRIEF EXAMPLE]. Tone: enthusiastic and professional, not desperate or over-apologetic. Highlight potential and attitude over experience. Length: 3 short paragraphs. Do not start with "I am writing to apply for."

The full pack has 30 job seeker prompts

The Job Seeker Pack covers everything above plus:

See Job Seeker Packs →

$21 AUD · AU, US & UK versions · Instant PDF download

Frequently asked questions

Can AI write a cover letter for me?

Yes. Give ChatGPT or Claude your job details, key skills and a few lines from the job ad, and it produces a tailored, professional cover letter in seconds. The prompts on this page structure that input for you.

How do I use an AI prompt to write a cover letter?

Copy any prompt from this page, fill in the bracketed details about the role, company and your experience, then paste the completed prompt into ChatGPT or Claude. Edit the output to match your voice.

What makes a good AI cover letter?

Specificity — the more detail you give the AI about the role requirements and your relevant experience, the better the output. Generic cover letters from AI sound generic; detailed prompts produce targeted letters.

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