5 Steps to Write a Targeted Cover Letter with ChatGPT

Step 1: Brief through the entire process with ChatGPT

To maximize the potential of ChatGPT, it’s essential to approach the process systematically. Let’s start with a detailed briefing to set the foundation.

Prompt:

You are an experienced career coach. I need you to guide me in writing a 
targeted cover letter that covers the job description’s requirements and my 
personal experience.

With your expertise, keep in mind what a recruiter would want to see in the 
letter and how it can stand out to them.

Here are the steps we will go through:
1. I send you the job description, and you highlight the most important keywords.
2. I send you my resumé, and you identify which experiences I should highlight 
   in the cover letter to emphasize the keywords the job is looking for.
3. You write the cover letter.
4. After I edit it to match my own tone and voice, you proofread the final 
   version.

Is the process clear to you?

Step 2: Identify the main requirements of the job

Once ChatGPT understands the process, the next step is to dive into the job description and identify the key traits and qualifications the ideal candidate should possess.

Prompt:

Attached is the job description. Can you help me highlight the most important 
keywords about the ideal candidate they are looking for? 

Please specify which requirements are must-have and which are nice-to-have.

Step 3: Choose the experience to emphasize in the cover letter

With the main requirements outlined, we now focus on aligning your experiences to these qualifications, ensuring they stand out effectively in your application.

Prompt:

Based on my resumé and the main requirements you have identified, which 
experiences should I highlight in the cover letter, and how can they help me 
stand out?

‍Step 4: Write the cover letter

Having identified the most relevant experiences, it’s time to let ChatGPT help craft a compelling, tailored cover letter that connects your skills with the job's needs.

Prompt:

Based on all the information you have, please help me write a cover letter that 
can make me a strong candidate for the job.

In the process, you should focus on authenticity and relevancy. You should 
ensure all keywords in the job description are mentioned but avoid keyword 
stuffing.

Show, don’t tell. Illustrate each skill with my relevant experience.

(Optional) Here is my current cover letter template.

Step 5: Ask ChatGPT to proofread the final version

Finally, after refining the initial draft to match your voice and tone, ChatGPT can assist with a critical review to ensure your cover letter is polished and specific.

Prompt:

Here is the version I have edited with my tone and voice, elaborating on the 
specific tasks I have done in my past roles.

As a career coach, please be critical and give me feedback on the strength of 
my cover letter and suggest how I can make it more specific for this role.

By following these five steps, you can use ChatGPT as a helpful partner to create a personalized and thoughtful cover letter. This approach not only helps you tailor your application but also gives you a clearer understanding of how to present your skills and experiences in the best way. I’d love to hear how these steps worked for you! Feel free to share your feedback, tips, or ideas for future guides.

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