The Cover Letter Dilemma: In Using AI Are We Losing Sight of the Human Element and Are Cover Letters Even Relevant?

As a seasoned recruiter, I recently found myself drawn into a lively discussion on LinkedIn regarding the use of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in crafting cover letters. A Recruitment Professional voiced their frustration with the proliferation of AI-generated content, citing a litany of overused buzzwords and a lack of individuality. This prompted me to reflect on my own experiences and share my perspective on this evolving landscape. The post read –

“I am so bored of reading cover letters written by ChatGPT.

Words, like:

- esteemed

- unwavering

- beacon

- landscape

- dynamic

- adhere

- cutting-edge

- furthermore

- pivotal

Blah, blah, blah!

They scream ChatGPT and everything sounds the same!

Be an individual, stand out in the crowd, and write your cover letter, PLEASE!

And if you have to, use AI and delete the words you wouldn't normally use in your day-to-day language so it sounds like you!”

In response to the discussion, I offered the following commentary:

?"To be fair to ChatGPT, the information it uses will be based on any 'Cover Letter' already written and available on the internet. Remember, AI learns what or how to write from what is already written. I wouldn't so much blame AI but instead all of the CV and Cover Letter companies who have been using the same bland formula for many, many years before AI became a tool. ChatGPT and all the myriad of other LLM's have just brought that ability to everyone, not just those who can afford the cost. That said, do we need cover letters? Also, the ability to write a truly impressive cover letter that shows individuality is actually available if you do enough research and learning. The problem is recruitment has become a tick-box exercise, for both employer and candidate and to some extent we in the recruitment industry are to blame for that."

Allow me to elaborate on my perspective and delve deeper into the implications of AI in the realm of cover letters.

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The Current State of Cover Letters

Cover letters have traditionally been seen as a crucial part of the job application process. They provide a way for candidates to explain their motivation for applying, showcase their writing skills, and highlight specific experiences relevant to the job. However, the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and the sheer volume of applications for many roles have led to a more formulaic approach. Many cover letters follow a predictable structure: introduction, explanation of interest in the role, summary of relevant experience, and a closing statement.

This predictability can be advantageous for recruiters who are looking for specific information quickly, but it also means that many cover letters fail to stand out. The introduction of AI tools like ChatGPT has exacerbated this issue, as these tools often draw on the same patterns and structures that have been used for years.

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The Rise of the Generic: A Pre-AI Phenomenon

Long before AI entered the scene, the cover letter was already grappling with a crisis of originality. Templates and writing services churned out cookie-cutter content, rife with buzzwords and devoid of substance. This made it increasingly difficult for recruiters to discern candidates who were genuinely passionate about a role and a good cultural fit for the company. This phenomenon was not solely the fault of candidates; it was a systemic issue perpetuated by the industry itself. Recruiters and hiring managers often relied on standardized templates and generic criteria, inadvertently encouraging applicants to conform to a particular mould.

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The AI Amplifier: Democratisation and Homogenisation

AI has undoubtedly made it easier for anyone to produce a polished-looking cover letter, but at what cost? Have we sacrificed individuality and authenticity in favour of efficiency? Are we simply replacing one set of clichés with another?

The democratisation of access to AI tools is a double-edged sword. While it levels the playing field for candidates from all walks of life, it also risks homogenising applications, making it even harder to identify exceptional talent. The ease with which AI can generate seemingly impressive content may inadvertently discourage candidates from investing the time and effort required to craft truly personalised and compelling narratives.

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Prompt Engineering: A Double-Edged Sword?

AI tools have made it easier for candidates to generate cover letters quickly. Some propose that we can harness AI to enhance the quality of cover letters through prompt engineering – carefully crafting specific prompts to guide AI's output and encourage candidates to go beyond the generic. However, even with tailored prompts, the risk remains that AI-generated content will lack the authenticity and personality we seek as recruiters. Moreover, if this approach becomes widespread, won't we simply end up with a new wave of formulaic applications, albeit with slightly different wording?

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Tips for Creating Unique Cover Letters Using AI Prompts

Despite these challenges, AI can be a powerful tool for creating unique and compelling cover letters—if used correctly. Here are some ways to leverage LLM prompts to craft individual cover letters:

1. Personalized Introductions

?? - Use AI prompts to generate multiple introductions and choose the one that best reflects your personality and enthusiasm for the role.

?? - Example prompt: "Create an introduction for a cover letter for a marketing manager position that highlights my passion for digital marketing and my innovative approach to campaigns."

2. Highlight Specific Achievements

?? - Tailor the AI prompts to focus on specific achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

?? - Example prompt: "Write a paragraph that explains my successful project in increasing social media engagement by 50% in six months."

3. Company Research

?? - Incorporate details about the company’s values and culture to show that you’ve done your homework.

?? - Example prompt: "Generate a section for my cover letter that explains how my values align with the company's mission of sustainability and innovation."

4. Future Goals

?? - Use AI prompts to articulate how the role aligns with your long-term career aspirations.

?? - Example prompt: "Describe how the position at [Company Name] fits into my five-year career plan in project management."

5. Personal Stories

?? - Share a personal story or anecdote that relates to the job or industry.

?? - Example prompt: "Create a paragraph for my cover letter that tells a story about my first experience leading a team project in university."

6. Unique Selling Points

?? - Highlight what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

?? - Example prompt: "Write a section for my cover letter that emphasizes my unique skills in data analysis and creative problem-solving."

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The Demise of the Cover Letter: An Impending Reality?

It's difficult to ignore the growing sentiment that the cover letter is becoming obsolete. In a world where AI can generate passable content in seconds, candidates may be tempted to bypass the effort of crafting something truly personal. Furthermore, with the sheer volume of applications recruiters face, how many of us can honestly say we dedicate ample time to scrutinising every cover letter?

Perhaps it's time to acknowledge that the cover letter, in its current form, might be a relic of the past. We may need to explore alternative methods of assessing candidates, such as skills-based assessments, video interviews, or even social media presence. These methods could offer a more comprehensive and authentic view of a candidate's capabilities and potential fit within an organisation.

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The Tick-Box Challenge: A Call for Introspection

The rise of AI serves as a stark reminder that the recruitment industry needs to evolve. We must move beyond the tick-box mentality and focus on fostering genuine connections with candidates. This means encouraging authenticity, prioritising personal narratives, and investing the time and effort to truly understand each individual's unique value proposition.

We must also acknowledge our own role in perpetuating the tick-box culture. By relying on standardised templates and generic criteria, we inadvertently incentivize candidates to conform rather than express their individuality. It's time to break free from this cycle and embrace a more nuanced and personalised approach to talent acquisition.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Candidate Assessment

As we navigate this new era of AI-driven recruitment, we must remain adaptable and open to change. The traditional cover letter may not disappear entirely, but its role may shift. We may see a greater emphasis on other forms of assessment, such as portfolios, work samples, or interactive assessments. Additionally, AI could be leveraged to analyse these alternative assessments, identifying patterns and insights that may not be immediately apparent to human recruiters.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of recruitment, it’s clear that both AI and human touch have roles to play in creating a more personalized and effective hiring process. Let’s embrace the potential of AI to enhance cover letters while also encouraging authenticity and individuality in every application.

Ultimately, our goal as recruiters remains the same: to identify the best talent for our clients.? The tools we use to achieve this goal may evolve, but the fundamental principles of valuing individuality, authenticity, and human connection should remain steadfast.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

I encourage you to share your thoughts on the future of cover letters and the role of AI in recruitment. Have you encountered any innovative approaches to candidate assessment that circumvent the traditional cover letter? Let's continue this dialogue and explore how we can collectively shape the future of talent acquisition.

#recruitment #coverletters #AI #ChatGPT #jobsearch #careeradvice #futureofwork