Maximizing opportunities: Using AI to write a cover letter

In Malaysia's booming industries, the job market is very competitive. Hence using traditional methods such as sending your resume may not help you get the job you want.

The cover letter holds significant weight in job applications. It can make or break your chances of getting the job. Paying close attention to the details in a cover letter is necessary to get the attention of hiring managers.

But during a job search, you are applying to multiple jobs as a job hunter. Making each cover letter unique may prove to be challenging and time-consuming.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) tools come in handy. You can speed up the process of writing your cover letter and reach new heights in your job search by using smart language models like ChatGPT.

In this article, we will help you with the information and tools you need to stand out in the tough job market.

Here is the list of what we are going to cover:

• How AI is being used in Malaysia
• Pros and cons of using AI for your cover letter
• Getting started: Using ChatGPT for your cover letter
• Other AI tools you may use for cover letter writing
• Tips for optimising AI-generated cover letters
• Conclusion
• FAQs

How AI is being used in Malaysia 

According to The Lead, Malaysia's Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a great year in 2023. The Malaysian government has been pushing for AI to be used in government work. AI is also used to decide sentences by the federal government and state governments.

This field is growing quickly. More businesses are ready to invest and learn more about it, and the government is actively supporting AI projects. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasised the urgency for Malaysians to embrace AI. He cautioned about falling behind in the evolving landscape of technology-driven work.

As AI continues to shape industries, it also has an impact on how job seekers approach applications. One emerging trend is the use of AI technologies in cover letter writing. These too offer you new opportunities to enhance your application strategies.

Pros and cons of using AI for your cover letter 

Crafting the perfect cover letter can be challenging. Navigating the expectations and requirements of job applications can feel overwhelming. As AI technology advances, using its various tools becomes more popular. They have helped streamline the process of crafting a good cover letter.

Although the tools have made the process more efficient and effective, AI often faces criticism regarding personalisation and authenticity.

Pros

Here are some advantages of using AI for your cover letter:

• Time efficiency: AI can generate initial drafts of your cover letter. This can save you significant time. With a few clicks, you can have a draft ready to refine. With your cover letter drafted, you can focus more on other aspects of your job application.
• Guidance and suggestions: Tools like ChatGPT can provide valuable ideas for improving your content. AI tools can enhance the overall quality of your cover letter. From sentence structure to word choice, AI can offer insights to help you polish the letter.
• Customisation based on prompts: By utilising specific prompts, AI can help tailor your cover letter for job applications. This can help you to make sure the letter fits the role you are applying for. This customisation increases the chances of catching the recruiter's attention.
• Language enhancement: AI can help you refine your language, grammar, and overall writing style. Polishing your writing skills can contribute to producing a professional cover letter. This can help you present yourself to potential employers in a positive way.
• Overcoming writer's block: AI cover letter builder can help you create. It may help you overcome writer's block and provide fresh ideas for expressing your skills and achievements. It can also offer alternative perspectives and suggestions. This can keep the writing process flowing smoothly.
• Consistency in tone: AI can help you maintain a consistent tone throughout the cover letter. This ensures a fluent presentation. Fluency reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.

Cons

Here are some limitations of using AI for your cover letter:

• Lack of personalisation: An AI cover letter generator may need help in capturing your individuality. This can result in a generic and less personalised cover letter. Recruiters value authenticity. A generic cover letter may fail to make a lasting impression.
• Inability to address nuances: The generator may need help grasping the nuances of your experiences or industry-specific details, which can lead to a loss of accuracy. Mistakes in your cover letter could hinder your ability to communicate your qualifications and achievements to an employer.
• Limited understanding: AI tools might not understand the context of certain situations. A lack of knowledge could make it challenging to convey your passion or address complex career narratives. This could result in a cover letter that feels disconnected or lacks depth.
• Risk of overreliance: Depending solely on AI may lead to dependency on technology. Depending on AI to write your cover letters could mean overlooking the importance of using your intuition and emotional intelligence. The human touch is essential in conveying sincerity and authenticity.
• Potential ATS compatibility issues: AI-generated content may not always align with applicant tracking systems (ATS) requirements. This can affect the cover letter's effectiveness in an automated screening process. The ATS algorithms could overlook your cover letter and reject you from the application process.
• Missed opportunities for creativity: AI generators may lack the ability to add creativity to your cover letter. This may cause you to miss opportunities in creative or non-traditional industries. A well-written cover letter can make employers remember you. It can also differentiate you from the competition.
• Impersonal tone: Using AI might result in a mechanical or impersonal tone. A flat tone may disconnect the reader from the human aspect of your cover letter. Building a personal connection with the recruiter is essential in making a memorable impression.
• Need for human review: Despite AI assistance, reviewing the cover letter to ensure it makes sense is essential. You need to make sure it effectively captures your strengths. You can also ensure that the cover letter aligns with the job requirements. Human intervention adds authenticity. It provides a cover letter that resonates with the intended audience.

Getting started: Using ChatGPT for your cover letter 

Leveraging ChatGPT prompts can help you create tailored and impactful cover letters. AI can give your letter the best chance to resonate with potential employers. A well-written letter can increase your chances of securing your desired job position.

Navigating the ChatGPT interface

ChatGPT offers a user-friendly interface for crafting a compelling cover letter. Here s a step-by-step guide to accessing and utilising ChatGPT for cover letter writing:

1. Access ChatGPT: Visit the ChatGPT website or use the available app. Sign in or create an account if necessary.
2. Provide input: Input your name, company name, and other relevant details. Specify the job title or industry so that the cover letter can be tailored appropriately.
3. Generate content: Start typing or use the prompts ChatGPT provides to kickstart the writing process. Use the suggestions and guidance ChatGPT offers to refine your content.
4. Review and edit: Review the generated content and make necessary edits for clarity and relevance. Ensure the cover letter reflects your personality and qualifications.
5. Finalise and save: When you are satisfied, save or download the cover letter for future use or refinement.

ChatGPT prompts to create an effective cover letter

Crafting effective prompts is crucial for guiding an AI-generated cover letter. Well-crafted prompts provide direction and context for AI-generated content. They ensure the cover letter addresses job requirements and showcases relevant skills. You can leverage ChatGPT prompts to enhance your cover letter. Here are some examples:

Marketing manager position

To create a cover letter for a marketing manager position, you could use one of the following prompts:

• "Highlight your experience in developing and executing marketing strategies."
• "Discuss your successful campaigns and their impact on brand awareness."

You can customise prompts based on your unique experiences and the job description. Experiment with different phrasings to elicit varied responses from ChatGPT. Here's an excerpt from a cover letter using AI:

"As a seasoned marketing professional, I have spearheaded numerous successful campaigns to elevate brand awareness and drive consumer engagement. My strategic marketing approach has consistently yielded tangible results, with campaigns garnering significant traction across various digital platforms."

Software developer position

Here are two examples of prompts you could use if you were pursuing a software developer role:

• "Describe your proficiency in programming languages and development tools."
• "Share examples of projects where you demonstrated problem-solving skills."

Here s an excerpt from an AI-generated cover letter for that role:

"My expertise lies in coding languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, coupled with a strong command of development tools like Git and Docker. I have successfully tackled complex coding challenges in previous projects, showcasing my adept problem-solving skills and ability to deliver high-quality solutions within tight deadlines."

Other AI tools you may use for cover letter writing 

Many AI tools offer valuable help. They can write a cover letter that is polished and professional. This can help you make a strong impression on potential employers. It is best to explore each tool's features, benefits, and pricing options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Here are five AI tools to consider:

Gemini

Gemini, formerly known as Bard, gives you direct access to Google AI and is designed for a broad range of tasks. You can make use of Gemini in the following manner:

• Use cases and value propositions: Gemini helps users streamline the cover letter process by providing structured templates and content prompts. It aims to enhance the quality and relevance of cover letters, increasing the likelihood of securing job interviews.

• Pros: User-friendly interface for easy navigation. Customisable templates catered to specific job roles. AI-driven content suggestions for personalised cover letters.

• Cons: There are limited customisation options compared to human-written cover letters. It may not fully capture each person's individuality and nuances.

• Pricing: Gemini offers a subscription-based pricing model with different tiers based on features and usage levels.

ResumA.I.

ResumA.I. leverages AI technology to generate optimised resumes and cover letters. It provides real-time feedback on content quality, formatting, and keyword optimisation.

• Use cases and value propositions: ResumAI aims to help users create tailored cover letters that resonate with hiring managers and ATS. It offers insights into industry-specific keywords and trends to increase resume and cover letter visibility.

• Pros: Automated feedback and suggestions for improving cover letter content. Integration with ATS to ensure compatibility and maximise application success. Access to analytics and performance metrics to track cover letter effectiveness.

• Cons: ResumAI may need manual adjustments to align with individual preferences and job requirements. It has limited customisation options for highly specialised industries or roles.

• Pricing: ResumAI offers free and paid plans with premium features at a monthly or annual subscription fee.

Jasper AI

Jasper AI offers AI-powered writing assistance for creating cover letters, resumes, and other professional documents. It provides suggestions for improving content clarity, coherence, and relevance.

• Use cases and value propositions: Jasper AI helps users overcome writer's block. It enhances the quality of cover letters through AI-driven content generation. It offers real-time collaboration features for team-based cover letter writing and editing.

• Pros: Advanced language processing capabilities for generating personalised content. Collaboration features for team-based editing and feedback. Integration with popular document editing tools for workflow management.

• Cons: Jasper AI may struggle with understanding highly technical or specialised language. It has limited support for non-English languages and regional variations.

• Pricing: Jasper AI offers subscription-based pricing plans with different tiers based on features and usage limits.

Writesonic

Writesonic utilises AI to generate persuasive and engaging content. It can generate cover letters, marketing copy, and social media posts. It offers customisable templates and content prompts to suit various writing needs.

• Use cases and value propositions: Writesonic helps users create compelling cover letters that effectively highlight their skills, experiences, and qualifications. It offers a range of writing styles and tones to cater to different industries and audiences.

• Pros: Versatile AI-powered content generation for various writing purposes. Access to a library of pre-written content templates for easy customisation. Integration with popular productivity tools for workflow integration.

• Cons: Writesonic may require users to manually review and edit their documents to ensure accuracy and coherence. It has limited customisation options for highly specialised or niche industries.

• Pricing: Writesonic offers subscription-based pricing plans with different tiers based on features and usage levels.

Resume.io

Resume.io provides AI-driven resume and cover letter templates for job seekers. It offers customisation options for formatting, styling, and content to suit your preferences.

• Use cases and value propositions: Resume.io aims to simplify cover letter writing with user-friendly templates and intuitive editing tools. It offers insights and tips on generating effective cover letters that resonate with recruiters and hiring managers.

• Pros: It offers a wide selection of professional cover letter templates for various industries and job roles. Its editing interface is easy to use, with a drag-and-drop function for customising content. It can also integrate with LinkedIn and other social media platforms for profile synchronisation.

• Cons: There are limited customisation options compared to fully custom-written cover letters. It may not capture the individuality and uniqueness of the user's background and experiences.

• Pricing: Resume.io offers subscription-based pricing plans with different tiers based on features and usage limits.

Tips for optimising AI-generated cover letters 

You can optimise your AI-generated cover letters. Use the AI draft to showcase your qualifications, personality, and enthusiasm for the job. Remember to balance automation and personalisation to create a compelling, authentic cover letter. This can resonate with potential employers. Here are two essential tips to always apply.

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch can make the difference between a generic and an effective cover letter. Here is how you can add a personal touch to your cover letters:

• Include personal anecdotes or achievements: Share personal stories or achievements demonstrating your qualifications and suitability for the job. Highlight unique experiences or skills that set you apart from other people.

• Emphasise authenticity: Avoid generic language or clichés by expressing passion and enthusiasm in your cover letter. Use language that reflects your personality and showcases your interest in the position.

• Provide examples of personalised elements: Incorporate details of the company or role that align with your career goals and aspirations. Customise the opening paragraph to mention how you discovered the job opportunity and why it fits with your career objectives.

Edit and refine your cover letter

Generating a cover letter is not enough. It is essential to edit and refine it to differentiate it from a generic cover letter.

Here is how you can do it:

• Use a collaborative approach: Combine AI-generated content with human editing to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or industry professionals to refine and improve your cover letter.

• Refine for specific job applications: Tailor your cover letter to each job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Customise the content to address the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

• Reflect on your voice and aspirations: Review the AI-generated content to ensure it reflects your unique voice, values, and career aspirations. Adjust the cover letter to fit your personal branding and professional goals.

Conclusion 

There are many perks to using AI to write your cover letter, such as saving time and giving you useful advice and options. Finding the right mix between automation and customisation will help you write cover letters that show off your skills and interest in open positions.

With the information and advice given in this article, it should now be easy to find your way around the world of AI-driven cover letters. By following these tips, you can improve how you apply for jobs and improve your chances of getting desirable jobs in Malaysia's fast-paced job market.

FAQs 

1. Can I use ChatGPT for a cover letter?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT to generate content for a cover letter. ChatGPT can provide suggestions, help structure your thoughts, and refine language. Reviewing and customising the generated content is essential. It ensures your cover letter aligns with your specific qualifications and the job's requirements.
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2. Can companies detect AI cover letters?

Companies may not detect an AI-generated cover letter. Ensuring that the content is authentic and tailored to the job application is essential. ATS software may reject a generic or impersonal cover letter, which can impact your chances of landing the job.
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3. What is the best AI cover letter writer?

There are several AI tools available for generating customised cover letters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular options include ChatGPT, Gemini, ResumA.I., Jasper AI, and Writesonic. The best AI cover letter writer for you depends on your preferences, budget, and specific needs. You should explore different tools and choose the one that aligns best with your requirements.