3 Dead Giveaways that your Cover Letter is written by ChatGPT
We get it—writing cover letters is the worst. So it’s tempting to plug your job title into ChatGPT and let it churn one out for you.
But here’s the problem: hiring managers can tell.
AI-generated cover letters tend to follow a script—and once you know the signs, they’re hard to miss. The good news? With a few tweaks, you can keep the efficiency of AI without sacrificing your voice.
Let’s break down 3 dead giveaways your cover letter was written by ChatGPT—and what to say instead.
1. It Starts With…
“I am writing to express my interest in…”
This is ChatGPT 101. You’ve probably seen it hundreds of times—and so have hiring managers. It’s formal, generic, and forgettable.
Try this instead:
“As someone who thrives on creative strategy and clear communication, the Marketing Executive role instantly caught my eye.”
This opening is still professional, but it's more personal and specific. It gives a quick insight into who you are and why you're interested—without sounding like a robot.
2. It Sounds Like A Wikipedia Page
AI loves polished corporate buzzwords—but unfortunately, they make you sound like a walking LinkedIn cliché.
If your letter reads like it was lifted from a leadership textbook, it probably was.
Instead of: “I am a highly motivated individual with a proven track record of success.”
Try: “In my last role, I launched a digital campaign that boosted web traffic by 40%—and I haven’t stopped chasing results since.”
Specific examples beat empty claims every time. Real stories help people remember you.
3. Every Sentence Starts The Same Way
“I have…”
“I am…”
“I believe…”
This is a rhythm giveaway. When every sentence follows the same structure, it feels robotic—even if the content is decent.
Mix it up with transitions and story-based language:
“Whether it’s drafting a campaign brief or jumping into brainstorming sessions, I bring clarity and energy to the team.”
Varying sentence structure makes your letter flow more naturally and keeps the reader engaged.
Conclusion
AI can be a great tool for kickstarting ideas—but it shouldn’t be the final draft. Your voice, your personality, and your real-life examples are what make your cover letter stand out.
Because at the end of the day, you’re writing to a person—not a machine.
Need help making your writing sound more like you?
Reach out to us to learn more about our Writing With Confidence course.
