Even if writing cover letters can be quite annoying, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in securing your dream job. It serves as your first introduction to potential employers and especially as international talent in Germany, it gives you a great platform to talk about what makes you stand out from the crowd.
As ChatGPT is so accessible now, many might be tempted to fully write your cover letter with this new technology. But does that make sense?
In this blog post, we will guide you through the Do’s and Don’ts of using ChatGPT to craft a compelling cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd.
The Don’ts: What to avoid when writing a Cover Letter with ChatGPT
Let’s start with what you should not be doing when using ChatGPT to write a cover letter.
1. Don’t Rely Solely on AI
While ChatGPT is a valuable tool for content ideas and structure, don’t rely solely on AI for your cover letter. Remember that the best cover letters are fully personalized and reflect your personality. AI can provide a foundation, but you must add your personal touch, experiences, and values to make your cover letter unique.
2. Don’t Use a Generic Template
Make sure to double check if the format provided by ChatGPT actually fits the German format standards. Remember that the cover letter template might vary from country to country but in Germany you need to follow a specific format. Find out more about the cover letter format in Germany here.
3. Don’t Overload with Jargon
While it’s essential to highlight your skills and experiences, avoid overloading your cover letter with industry buzzwords. Your cover letter should be accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including those who may not be familiar with the technicalities of your field, e.g. HR or recruiters.
4. Don’t Neglect Customization
One of the most significant mistakes you can make is sending the same cover letter for every job application. Customize your letter for each position to highlight the specific qualifications and experiences that match the job requirements. Adapt the wording of ChatGPT so it also fits your personal style. Keep in mind: Recruiters also have access to ChatGPT and do know how these cover letters can look like.
5. Don’t Forget to Follow Instructions
Read the job posting carefully and follow any specific instructions provided by the employer. If they request certain information or formats in the cover letter, make sure to adhere to those guidelines instead of solely copying the answer of ChatGPT.
Writing a Cover Letter with ChatGPT can help you save valuable time – if you do it correctly.
The Do’s: How ChatGPT can help with your Cover Letter
With that sorted, let’s take a look at how ChatGPT can make your life easier and safe time when writing a Cover Letter.
1. Do Research
Before you start writing your cover letter, take the time to research the company, its culture, and the specific job you’re applying for. Understanding the organization’s values and the job requirements will allow you to tailor your cover letter accordingly. You can ask ChatGPT to tell you facts about the company – but remember that so far ChatGPT has data only until 2021 and some of this data might be outdated.
2. Do Use ChatGPT for Content Ideas
ChatGPT can provide you with valuable content ideas to put the first words on the paper. Because that is mostly the most difficult part. You can input details such as your work history, skills, and achievements, and ChatGPT can help organize them into well-structured paragraphs. It’s a great starting point to ensure your letter covers the essential aspects.
3. Do Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience
If you have difficulties positioning your skills and experiences in a good way, you can use ChatGPT to articulate them effectively. Provide details about your previous work experiences and ask ChatGPT to emphasize how they align with the job’s requirements. Mention specific achievements and use quantifiable data to demonstrate your qualifications. You can input all this information and even the job ad to ChatGPT.
4. Do Showcase Your Enthusiasm
Your cover letter is the place to convey your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Use ChatGPT to help you express your passion for the role and how you envision contributing to the company’s success. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the job. Don’t forget to write out your passion to ChatGPT if you don’t want too generic answers.
5. Do Keep It Concise
A cover letter in Germany should not be longer than one page. Use ChatGPT to help you condense your content while maintaining its effectiveness. You can tell ChatGPT how many words you want the cover letter to be or the length it should have.
Conclusion: Using ChatGPT to write cover letters
Crafting a cover letter that stands out for a job application is a blend of art and science. AI tools like ChatGPT can be very helpful in generating content ideas and structuring your letter – but it’s also essential to remember that customization and personalization are key to standing out in the competitive job market. It should be a reflection of yourself and your story. And no one knows that better than yourself.
Use ChatGPT as your writing assistant to streamline the process, much like a typing assistant. But keep control of the content. In the end, recruiters will know who wrote the cover letter and will select the ones that fit the job profile perfectly while providing great insights into the candidates strengths.
If you want more inputs like this to help you find your dream job, check out our Job-Seeker Masterclass.
