How to Write a Cover Letter with AI in 2026

TL;DR: Cover letters still matter, and AI can help with an initial draft. Use AI to organize ideas and structure, then personalize with your voice and achievements. Avoid generic phrases and tailor the cover letter to the company’s mission. Strong prompts and customization are key. Hiring managers can spot AI-written letters, so treat AI as a brainstorming partner not the writer.

By Sandra Knauer

Do cover letters still matter? According to a 2024 survey by Resume Genius, 60% of companies still ask for a cover letter and 83% of the hiring managers actually read them. LinkedIn Editor at Large for Jobs and Career Development Andrew Seaman enjoys reading cover letters when he’s hiring and said: “This is your moment to tell that story and provide a more rounded picture of yourself than what's found on a resume.”

But writing a unique cover letter for each job application is tiring, so is it OK to write with AI? Yes, it is, but keep in mind: “Companies are increasingly using tools to identify AI-generated applications. Instead, use the AI content as a starting point and rely on your authentic voice,” Seaman said.

1. Why AI Works for Cover Letters

AI works best as a starting point. It’ll assist with structure, organizing thoughts and even help with the keywords from the job description. It also saves time. 

Forbes tested several cover letter generators and found most of them helpful. Forbes contributor and career coach Caroline Castrillon wrote: “By combining the capabilities of these tools with thoughtful customization, you'll craft compelling cover letters that open doors.” 

Blend your unique voice and career accomplishments with the efficiency of AI to generate a solid cover letter. You’ve probably heard that AI "hallucinates" sometimes, so even though it has all this information, the output can be made up. That’s why it is so important to review and never just copy and paste.

2. What is a Good Cover Letter?

Before you get started with the AI cover letter, it helps to know what makes any cover letter good.

“What you need today is something called a disruptive cover letter,” said Career Coach J.T. O'Donnell in her LinkedIn Learning course. 

Don’t just write about skills, that’s what your LinkedIn profile and resume is for. 

O’Donnell said candidates should go deeper: “You have to be able to answer two questions.” 

First, what excites you about the company? O'Donnelly recommends saying what you find different or special about the company. That could be their audience or business structure, for instance.

Second, what in your life taught you that what they do is special? 

Find a way to share a personal story, highlight your passion and connect it to the mission of the organization in mind.

3. How to Write Prompts for an AI Cover Letter

What is a prompt? A prompt is any input such as a question, text, image, or a combination of all of these, given to an AI tool to produce a desired result. A good cover letter should include as much information as possible, starting with the job description and the CV.

LinkedIn Learning Instructor Dave Birss teaches prompts in his LinkedIn course. He also offers practical tips on writing cover letters: do your research, keep it succinct, avoid rehashing past experiences and emphasize your values.

Find some additional cover letter tips on LinkedIn with sample prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT. For example, AI can also address job gaps with prompts like this: What’s a good way to explain a gap in your job experience in a cover letter?

4. Personalize your AI Cover Letter

Don’t use phrases like “I’m writing to express my interest”. According to O’Donnell most recruiters will stop reading right there. Add personal details to it, then supplement with your successes and wins. Rachel Parnes, therapist and career coach, wrote on LinkedIn: “A cover letter is like a great pop song: it needs a killer hook.” And your killer hook needs to start with the first sentence. If it says, "To whom it may concern," nobody will continue reading. 

“Always try and address it to the hiring manager or the recruiter that either posted the job or is the direct contact for the role,” said career coach Jenny Foss in a LinkedIn Learning course. 

Foss suggests starting by checking if the job description mentions who the role reports to. Use LinkedIn or Google to find the name of the hiring manager. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find a name, a safe option is: Dear Hiring Team.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Cover Letters

• Do cover letters still matter in 2026? Yes. Most employers still request them and hiring managers often read them. A strong cover letter can set you apart by showing enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Can I use AI to write my cover letter? You can use AI for a draft or structure but always customize it. Add your achievements and personal details to make it unique and relevant.
• How do I make an AI-generated cover letter stand out? Start with a compelling opening, avoid generic phrases and connect your experience to the company’s mission. Personalization is key to avoid sounding automated.