How to Write a Cover Letter with AI
Cover letters are tedious because each one should be unique. You need to research the company, match your experience to the role, and write persuasively — all while keeping it under a page. Most people either skip them entirely or use one generic version for every application, which hiring managers can spot instantly.
Step-by-Step Guide
Read the job description carefully
Before writing anything, highlight 3–5 specific requirements from the posting. Look for repeated keywords, must-have skills, and the problems the role is meant to solve. This is your roadmap — everything in your cover letter should map back to something they explicitly asked for.
Open with a specific hook, not a generic intro
Replace 'I am writing to express my interest in...' with something that shows you've done your homework. Reference the company's recent product launch, a challenge in their industry, or a specific aspect of the role that excites you. The first sentence determines whether they keep reading.
Match your experience to their top 3 requirements
For each key requirement you identified, write 1–2 sentences showing how you've done something similar. Use specific numbers when possible: 'Managed a $2M quarterly budget' beats 'Managed budgets.' Don't restate your resume — add context and outcomes.
Show you understand their business
Dedicate 2–3 sentences to why this company specifically. Mention their product, their market position, or their mission — and connect it to your career goals. Generic flattery ('I admire your innovative culture') doesn't count.
End with a clear, confident close
State what you want to happen next: 'I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience with X can help your team achieve Y.' Don't apologize for taking their time. Don't say 'I hope to hear from you.' Be direct and professional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting with 'I am writing to apply...'
This wastes your most valuable real estate — the first sentence. Hiring managers scan the opening line to decide whether to keep reading. Lead with something specific to the role or company.
Rehashing your resume bullet by bullet
If the cover letter just restates your resume, it adds no value. Use it to tell the story behind the bullets — the context, the challenge, and the result that a resume can't convey.
Using the same letter for every application
Hiring managers can tell. If your cover letter could apply to any company in the same industry, it's too generic. Each letter should reference at least one specific thing about that company or role.