How to write a cover letter with an AI generator to get hired

Career

Let’s be honest: writing a cover letter is one of the most dreaded parts of the job search process.

You’ve already tailored your resume, researched the company, maybe even updated your LinkedIn profile. But now you’re faced with a blank screen and that blinking cursor, asking you to “briefly explain why you’re a good fit.”

Most candidates freeze. Or rush. Or copy-paste the same tired paragraph from their last five applications. The result? A cover letter that’s forgettable at best — and counterproductive at worst.

That’s where AI comes in.

Over the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has quietly (and now not so quietly) transformed how job seekers approach resumes, applications, and cover letters. Among the tools gaining the most traction are AI cover letter generators — smart platforms that help you craft personalized, well-structured, and ATS-friendly letters in a matter of seconds.

But just because you can generate a cover letter with AI doesn’t mean you should use the first tool you find, or trust the first version it spits out.

Like any good assistant, an AI generator is only as helpful as the instructions you give it — and how well you refine its output.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using AI to write better cover letters — and actually get noticed. You’ll learn:

  • What an AI cover letter generator really does (and how it works behind the scenes)
  • The difference between a decent AI-generated draft and one that makes recruiters roll their eyes
  • What to look for in a smart AI tool
  • Common mistakes most job seekers make when relying on AI
  • Real examples and tips to personalize the final result
  • And how to use AI responsibly — without sounding robotic or lazy

Whether you’re applying for your first job, switching industries, or just want to speed up the process, AI can help — but only if you use it right.

Let’s dive in.

What is an AI cover letter generator and how does it work?

At its core, an AI cover letter generator is a tool that helps job seekers create tailored, professional-looking cover letters automatically — using artificial intelligence to understand job requirements, scan your resume, and generate a coherent, relevant draft.

Most of these tools are built on top of advanced language models like ChatGPT, which are trained to understand context, replicate human tone, and generate natural-sounding text. When applied to job applications, that means they can do in seconds what might take a human an hour — or longer.

But how does it actually work?

Here’s a simple breakdown.

1. You provide the inputs

Every AI generator needs a few key things to get started:

  • A job title or job description (ideally copied from the job post)
  • Your resume or a summary of your skills and experience
  • Optional info like company name, values, or achievements you want to highlight
  • Sometimes: tone preferences (formal, friendly, confident), word limits, or formatting style

The more relevant context you give the AI, the better and more targeted the result will be.

2. The AI builds a first draft

Using your inputs, the AI generates a complete cover letter. It typically includes:

  • A professional introduction
  • A few core achievements or skills relevant to the role
  • A personalized message about why you’re a good fit
  • A clean closing paragraph with a call to action (e.g., request for an interview)

This draft can often be ready in under 30 seconds, and depending on the tool, you may get one version or multiple options to choose from.

3. You edit and refine (or regenerate)

Even the best AI-generated letters still benefit from a human touch.

You might want to:

  • Adjust the tone to better reflect your voice
  • Add a specific project or achievement
  • Mention someone you know at the company
  • Fix overly generic phrases or awkward transitions

Some tools let you regenerate specific paragraphs or ask the AI to “make it shorter” or “sound more confident” — making it feel more like a writing assistant than a static generator.

In short, a good AI cover letter generator doesn’t just save you time — it helps you start with a strong draft that’s tailored to the job, relevant to your experience, and optimized for readability.

But not all generators are created equal. In the next section, we’ll explore what separates a decent tool from a great one — and what features to look for before you hit “Generate.”

What to look for in a great AI cover letter generator

Not all AI cover letter tools are created equal. Some generate impressive drafts with real relevance and personalization. Others… give you something that looks like it was copied from a career advice blog in 2012.

If you want your application to stand out — not get filtered out — choosing the right tool matters.

Here are the features that separate decent tools from the ones that actually help you land interviews:

1. Job-Specific Generation

Generic letters don’t get callbacks.

The best AI tools don’t just write “a cover letter” — they write one tailored to the exact job you’re applying to. That means analyzing the job description, aligning it with your resume or profile, and generating content that feels like it was written with intention.

Take LiftmyCV, for example. Its AI Cover Letter Generator per Job creates a completely new letter for each position — not a recycled template. It reads the job post, highlights relevant keywords, and adapts the structure and tone accordingly. Every application feels unique — because it is.

2. Customizable Tone and Structure

A solid generator should let you define how you want to sound. Formal or friendly? Concise or detailed? Do you want bullet points or paragraphs?

Look for tools that give you sliders or prompt options like:

  • “Make it sound more confident”
  • “Shorten the intro paragraph”
  • “Add a closing sentence that includes a CTA”

This makes the AI feel like a writing partner — not a black box.

3. Smart Autofill for Application Fields

Many job applications on LinkedIn and ATS platforms include custom questions, short text boxes, or even mini writing tests. Most AI tools ignore these fields entirely.

The better ones help you complete these too — using the same contextual understanding.

For instance, LiftmyCV’s AI autofill feature can automatically respond to open-ended fields like “Why do you want to work here?” or “Tell us about a recent project” — pulling from your experience and the job’s requirements.

That’s not just automation. That’s intelligent assistance.

4. Easy Editing and Version Control

Good AI tools should let you tweak, regenerate, or save multiple versions of your cover letter — especially if you’re experimenting with style or applying to similar roles across different companies.

Bonus points if the tool includes a version history or allows you to store multiple drafts per job.

In short: a great AI cover letter generator doesn’t just save you time. It gives you control, context, and content that feels intentional — not robotic.

In the next section, we’ll explore common mistakes people make when using AI to write their cover letters — and how to avoid sending something that sounds too good to be human.

The new standard: AI-generated cover letters per job

A big shift is happening in how job seekers write cover letters: generic templates are out — AI-generated, job-specific letters are in.

Today’s most effective candidates don’t send the same letter to every employer. They use AI tools to generate a customized cover letter for each job, aligned with the description, keywords, and role expectations.

But here’s the catch: most AI generators still rely on manual work. You paste a job description into a prompt, copy the result, tweak it in Google Docs, maybe export to PDF… then repeat the whole thing for the next job.

LiftmyCV takes this trend further — and puts it on autopilot.

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Instead of generating drafts you have to manage manually, LiftmyCV automatically:

  • Reads each job listing
  • Generates a unique, tailored cover letter per job
  • Fills it directly into application forms on platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, and Workable
  • Tracks your applications — no copy-paste, no exporting, no switching tabs

It’s true per-job AI generation — with zero friction.

In other words, you don’t just write faster. You apply smarter — and at scale.

Common mistakes to avoid when using AI for cover letters

AI tools can make the cover letter process faster, easier, and far less intimidating — but only if you know how to use them properly. And let’s be real: many candidates don’t.

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Too often, job seekers treat AI like a magic machine that can do all the work for them. The result? A flood of generic, awkward, and obviously AI-generated cover letters that hurt more than they help.

Here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Copy-Pasting Without Reading

This is mistake #1. You click “Generate,” get a decent-looking letter, and… immediately paste it into your application.

The problem? You didn’t even check if:

  • The tone fits your personality
  • The skills listed are actually yours
  • The letter mentions the correct company and role

Even the best AI makes assumptions. You need to verify and adjust the result. Think of the AI as your first draft writer — not your final editor.

2. Not Providing Enough Context

Garbage in, garbage out.

If you only give the tool your name and a vague job title, the output will be equally vague. Great results require good inputs:

  • A real job description
  • Your resume or profile
  • Key achievements or skills you want to highlight
  • Optional: why you’re interested in the role or company

The more you give the AI to work with, the more accurate — and personalized — the letter becomes.

3. Sounding Too Robotic or Overly Formal

Some AI tools default to stiff, old-school corporate language:

“I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the aforementioned position at your esteemed organization.”

Yikes.

If it doesn’t sound like something you would say, rewrite it. Remove outdated phrases. Inject your real voice. The best cover letters feel human — even if they started with a machine.

4. Skipping the Final Polish

Spellcheck matters. Formatting matters. Flow matters.

Read your letter out loud. Does it sound natural? Does it match the job description? Is there any redundancy or awkward phrasing?

If something feels off — fix it. Even if you’re using a strong AI generator, it’s worth reviewing what goes out under your name. You can tweak individual sections, tighten the tone, or simply make sure the letter sounds like you.

Think of it this way: AI can take you 80% of the way — but that last 20% is where most people give up. If you finish strong, you’ll already be ahead of 90% of applicants.

AI-generated cover letter example (and how to improve it)

Let’s walk through a real example of what an AI-generated cover letter might look like — and how a few thoughtful edits can take it from “okay” to “interview-worthy.”

Raw AI Output

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Specialist position at XYZ Company. With a strong background in digital marketing and content creation, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.

In my previous role, I was responsible for managing social media campaigns and analyzing performance metrics. I am passionate about marketing and always strive to stay updated with industry trends.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
John Smith

This version isn’t terrible — but it’s also forgettable. It’s vague, impersonal, and could be sent to any company.

Let’s see how we can improve it.

Edited Version (with Human Touch)

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Specialist role at XYZ Company — especially after seeing your team’s recent work on the [mention recent campaign, product, or company milestone].

At my last role with [Previous Company], I led a cross-channel campaign that increased lead generation by 42% in under 3 months. I love finding creative ways to connect with audiences, and I’ve consistently used data to fine-tune messaging across email, social, and paid.

I admire XYZ Company’s approach to storytelling and your emphasis on brand authenticity. I’d love to bring my energy, creativity, and data-driven mindset to your growing team.

Thanks for considering my application — I’m looking forward to learning more about the role and how I can contribute.

Best regards,
John Smith

What Changed?

  • Specificity: Now it includes a real result (“42% in 3 months”), not just “passion for marketing.”
  • Personalization: It references something unique about the company (campaign, culture, product).
  • Tone: It sounds confident but conversational — not like a formal memo from 1998.
  • Energy: There’s enthusiasm, not just compliance.

This is the sweet spot: let AI give you a great starting point, then layer in your personality, details, and intent.

Tools like LiftmyCV can help here — they generate unique letters per job, and allow you to tweak any paragraph individually using AI suggestions (so you don’t have to rewrite the whole thing manually).

Next, we’ll wrap up the guide with practical tips for choosing the right tool, plus a quick checklist to automate your job search the right way.

Use AI to apply better, not just faster

AI is changing how people apply for jobs — but just like with resumes or interviews, how you use it matters more than whether you use it.

You don’t need to be a tech expert or a full-time job hunter to benefit from AI. But you do need a strategy. Because what’s at stake here isn’t just time — it’s visibility, relevance, and momentum in your job search.

Quick Checklist Before You Hit “Generate”:

  • Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date — it’s the first place most recruiters will check
  • Always copy and paste the actual job description into your AI tool
  • Avoid sending the same exact letter to every company
  • Read your letter out loud before sending — if it sounds robotic, it probably reads that way too
  • Don’t be afraid to regenerate or rephrase specific sections

Think of AI as your first draft assistant, not your final voice.

Using the right tool makes all the difference

When you’re applying to multiple roles per week — especially across platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, or Workable — the ability to generate custom cover letters quickly is a real advantage. But only if those letters are tailored, clean, and human-sounding.

Some AI platforms allow you to:

  • Generate a unique cover letter for each job
  • Autofill application forms, including open-ended fields
  • Edit specific sections without rewriting the entire letter
  • Track where you’ve applied and what version you sent

These features save hours, reduce mental fatigue, and help you focus on preparing for actual interviews.

If you’re looking for a platform that supports all of that, LiftmyCV is one of the tools worth exploring. It’s built specifically for job seekers who want speed and quality — without cutting corners.

You can try it for free, no credit card required.

Final advice for job seekers

  • Focus on quality over volume
  • Use AI to amplify your intent, not replace it
  • Don’t skip personalization — it’s what turns automation into opportunity
  • Show up consistently and apply with care

In a world where most applicants are blasting out generic resumes, you win by applying thoughtfully — and at scale.

And with the right tools, that’s finally possible.