Use AI to write a cover letter that still sounds like you
AI can save you hours. It can also make you sound like everyone else. The fix is simple: control the inputs, set tight guardrails, and edit for voice.
If you write for a living, your tone is your edge. Keep it. Let the model handle structure and speed. You handle the signal.
Ground rules
- Short, clear sentences. No fluff. No clichés.
- Lead with outcomes, then skills. Show proof.
- Write like you talk on your best day.
- Keep it to 180-250 words unless the posting asks otherwise.
Create a quick voice file (10-15 minutes)
Collect a few samples that sound like you-emails, portfolio blurbs, social posts, short essays. Paste them into your model and ask it to extract a voice guide.
Prompt:
"Analyze the writing samples below and create a brief voice guide. Include: tone, sentence length, common phrases, preferred verbs, and words to avoid. Confirm you understand, then wait for my job info."
Feed facts the model can't guess
- Role and company (with the exact job title).
- 3 achievements with numbers. Example: "Cut revision cycles by 32% with a new editorial checklist."
- One short story that shows leadership or ownership.
- Why this company (1-2 sentences, specific to their product or audience).
Structure that works
- Hook: One line that proves fit. Skip the fluff.
- Body: 2-3 tight bullets using problem → action → result. Keep verbs strong.
- Close: Ask for next steps. Mention attached samples or portfolio.
Cover letter mini-template
[Hook that ties your experience to their goal.]
* [Problem you've solved] → [What you did] → [Result with a number].
* [Second proof].
* [Third proof or brief story that shows leadership/ownership.]
[Why this company in one sentence.]
[Close: "Can we schedule 15 minutes next week?" Link to portfolio.]
Two prompts you can copy
Draft prompt:
"You are a cover-letter coach. Use the voice guide below. Write 200-230 words, first person, plain language. Three short paragraphs or one paragraph plus 2 bullets. Avoid clichés, buzzwords, and filler. Do not repeat the job description. Company: [X]. Role: [Y]. Achievements: [list]. Story: [brief story]. Why them: [one sentence]. Voice guide: [paste]."
Refine prompt:
"Edit this letter to match the voice guide. Shorten sentences. Replace abstract nouns with verbs. Add numbers where missing. Cut any sentence that doesn't earn its keep. Output only the letter."
Make it sound human (fast checks)
- Read it out loud. If you wouldn't say it, rewrite it.
- Delete filler: "passionate," "synergy," "results-driven," "thrilled."
- Swap vague claims for proof. "Strong communicator" → "Ran editor standups that cut blockers by 40%."
- One specific line about their product, audience, or writing voice.
- Aim for 5th-8th grade readability. Plain words win. See the guidelines at PlainLanguage.gov.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Opening with "I'm excited to apply…" Everybody does that.
- Dumping every skill. Pick the three that move their needle.
- Copying phrases from the job post. It reads like a mirror.
- Writing a bio. This is about their goals, not your origin story.
- Forgetting the ask. End with a clear next step.
Quick before/after
Before: "I'm a passionate, results-driven writer with strong communication skills."
After: "I build content systems that cut revisions and ship faster. Last quarter, my style guide reduced edit time by 32% across a 6-writer team."
Proof points writers can use
- Turnaround time reduced by X%.
- Organic traffic or CTR lifts from a content series.
- Newsletter growth or retention metrics.
- Process improvements: briefs, checklists, templates.
- Leadership: mentoring juniors, running standups, owning campaigns.
Simple editing pass
- Cut the first sentence. Start with the second.
- Change weak verbs: "helped with" → "led," "built," "shipped."
- Replace adjectives with numbers or outcomes.
- Trim prepositional stacks: "in order to" → "to," "due to the fact that" → "because."
Optional: sharpen your prompt skills
Want more prompt patterns and tool picks for writers? Start here: Prompt engineering ideas and AI tools for copywriting.
Final checklist
- Voice guide created and used.
- Three proof points with numbers.
- One short story that shows leadership.
- Specific line about the company.
- 180-250 words. Clean close with a direct ask.
- Portfolio link included. File named "Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter.pdf".
AI can draft the frame. Your voice closes the gap. Keep it honest, specific, and easy to read-your writing will do the rest.
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