The hidden pitfalls of using AI to write your Cover Letter
In the age of artificial intelligence, job seekers are increasingly turning to tools like ChatGPT and other AI writing assistants to craft their cover letters. While these tools can seem like a quick fix for the daunting task of job applications, they often do more harm than good.
At tweak, we’ve seen firsthand how AI-generated cover letters can backfire, and we’re here to help you understand why relying solely on AI could be damaging your chances of landing that dream job.
AI Cover Letters lack personalisation
A standout cover letter needs to be tailored to the company, the job role and your own career journey. Most AI-generated letters sound generic and templated. Recruiters can spot this from a mile away.
According to a survey reported by Forbes, 74% of hiring managers say they can spot when AI has been used in a job application, and 80% dislike seeing AI-generated CVs and cover letters.
AI tools rely on data and patterns, not lived experiences. They struggle to replicate the nuances of your voice, achievements and motivations, the very things that make a cover letter impactful.
Quality is often inconsistent or inaccurate
While some AI cover letters may look polished on the surface, they often contain:
Factual inaccuracies about the company or role
Buzzwords that don’t match the job description
Flawed formatting or unnatural phrasing
This inconsistency can come across as careless or unprofessional.
A recent Resume Genius survey found that 58% of hiring managers are concerned about AI-generated applications, believing AI makes it harder to assess whether candidates are authentic.
They miss the human touch
Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for more than just a summary of your qualifications, they want to see your personality, passion and authenticity.
AI-generated cover letters often fail to build an emotional connection or convey enthusiasm. They can sound robotic, detached and flat.
“It felt like reading a Wikipedia page,” one hiring manager commented on an AI-written application in a LinkedIn recruiter forum.
In a competitive market, emotional resonance matters more than ever.
You could be violating company policies
Some employers have explicitly banned the use of AI in application materials, especially in industries where originality and critical thinking are valued.
Using AI without disclosing it might not only hurt your chances, it could also damage your credibility if discovered.
AI can’t replace strategic positioning
A professional CV and cover letter writer doesn’t just “write nice things” about you, they strategically position your experience to match the employer’s needs.
AI lacks this strategic insight. It doesn’t understand how to:
Address employment gaps
Highlight transferable skills for a career pivot
Emphasise your impact using specific, relevant metrics
It writes based on patterns, not positioning.
So, what’s the alternative?
The best approach? Work with a human expert who understands both your goals and the job market.
At tweak, we help job seekers:
Write personalised, keyword-optimised cover letters
Craft messages that sound like you, but better
Strategically showcase your strengths in a way AI can’t replicate
Ready to stand out for the right reasons?