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AI vs human cover letter

AI vs. Human: Who Writes a Better Cover Letter

Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Career Reload Team

Cover letters are a critical component of the job application process. They provide an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, highlight their skills, and explain why they are a good fit for the role. With the rise of AI tools, many job seekers are turning to these technologies to help draft their cover letters. However, the question remains: does AI outperform humans when writing cover letters? In this article, we will explore the strengths and limitations of both AI and human-written cover letters.


What Can AI Do for Your Cover Letter?

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have gained popularity in various fields, including the job application process. AI-based platforms like ChatGPT and specialized tools like Swooped AI resume builder offer services that generate cover letters quickly and efficiently.

Time-Saving and Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of using AI to write a cover letter is the time saved. Instead of spending hours crafting a personalized letter, AI can generate a draft in minutes. The technology analyzes and matches the job description with the candidate’s qualifications to produce a tailored cover letter. This makes the process faster and allows job seekers to focus on applying to more jobs rather than spending excessive time on each application.

Keyword Optimization

AI-generated cover letters can help ensure that the right keywords are included. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes and cover letters based on specific keywords. AI tools are designed to recognize these systems and can automatically incorporate the terms and phrases most likely to get past the ATS. This increases the chances of a cover letter reaching a human recruiter.

Grammar and Structure

Another benefit of using AI is the ability to generate error-free cover letters. AI tools are proficient at checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. They also provide a structured format that follows standard cover letter conventions, ensuring the document looks professional and polished.

The Limitations of AI-Generated Cover Letters

While AI offers many advantages, there are several limitations that job seekers should consider before relying solely on AI to write their cover letters.

Lack of Personalization

One of the biggest criticisms of AI-generated cover letters is the lack of personalization. AI tools work based on patterns and data inputs, but they cannot capture the nuances of a candidate’s personality or unique experiences. This can make AI-generated letters feel generic, which may not stand out in a competitive job market. Personal touches, such as discussing why the company’s mission resonates with you, are hard to replicate using AI.

Repetitive Phrasing

Another limitation is that AI tools can sometimes rely on repetitive phrasing. While AI can optimize for keywords, it might repeat certain words or phrases too often, leading to a cover letter that feels mechanical. Hiring managers can easily spot these repetitive patterns, which may hurt the applicant’s chances.

Ethical Concerns

Some job seekers may face ethical dilemmas when using AI to write their cover letters. Employers often expect applicants to demonstrate their communication skills in their cover letters, and using AI might feel like a form of misrepresentation. In some cases, companies may use AI detection tools to identify if a cover letter was written by a machine, potentially leading to a negative impression of the applicant.

Human-Written Cover Letters: A More Personalized Approach

While AI offers impressive speed and efficiency, human-written cover letters bring unique advantages that technology may not replicate. A well-crafted cover letter written by a human can be much more engaging, reflecting the writer’s personality, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Personal Connection and Emotional Appeal

Human-written cover letters can convey a sense of personal connection and emotional appeal that is often lacking in AI-generated ones. Applicants can tailor their letters to demonstrate not just their skills but also their passion for the role and the company.

For example, they can explain how their values align with the company’s mission or how their previous experience directly relates to the job’s requirements. This emotional connection can resonate with hiring managers, making the candidate stand out from others who may have submitted a more generic, AI-created cover letter.

Customization for Each Application

Humans also excel at customization. While AI can use templates and pull information from job descriptions, it may not be able to customize the tone and approach to match different company cultures. For instance, a cover letter for a creative startup may require a more informal, dynamic tone, while one for a corporate position may need a formal, professional style. Human writers can adjust these subtleties in tone and voice, ensuring that each cover letter is unique and fits the company’s expectations.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Cover letters also demonstrate the applicant’s writing abilities. For jobs that require strong communication skills, such as marketing, PR, or management positions, a well-written cover letter can be the first step in showing an employer what the candidate can do.

While AI tools can create grammatically correct letters, they may not reflect a candidate’s true ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. A cover letter written by a human can potentially leave a more lasting impression in this regard.

Combining AI and Human Efforts: The Best of Both Worlds

Given the strengths and limitations of both AI and human-written cover letters, a hybrid approach might be the most effective strategy for many job seekers. Using AI tools as a starting point and then refining the letter with a human touch can streamline the process while still ensuring that the cover letter is personalized and impactful.

Using AI for Structure and Keywords

AI tools can be particularly useful in generating a solid foundation for the cover letter. By creating a structured draft, identifying keywords, and ensuring the document is free from grammatical errors, AI can do much of the heavy lifting. This gives job seekers more time to focus on customizing the content, such as adding personal anecdotes, adjusting the tone, and highlighting specific experiences that match the job’s requirements.

Adding a Personal Touch

Once the AI has generated a primary draft, job seekers can revise it to add the personal details and emotional appeal that make the cover letter unique. This combination of AI efficiency and human creativity can result in a cover letter that is both polished and engaging.

You can also use a cover letter layout template to style your cover letter. Pair that with a matching resume template for final polishing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to use AI or write a cover letter manually depends on the job seeker’s needs and the type of job they are applying for. AI can provide a quick and efficient solution for applicants who are short on time and are applying for multiple jobs. However, for those applying to positions where personalization and communication skills are essential, investing the time to write a thoughtful, human-crafted cover letter may offer better results.

In the end, the most effective cover letter may combine AI-generated drafts with human revisions, balancing speed and personalization. This approach ensures that job seekers can benefit from technology without sacrificing the personal elements that make a cover letter stand out to employers.