Why Using ChatGPT to Write an Executive Cover Letter is a Mistake.

With AI allegedly influencing and due to impact every morsel of our lives, it is tempting to use ChatGPT or similar platforms to draft an executive cover letter when applying for a new role. It’s easy, with the correct prompts it can do all the thinking for you, but while AI can generate content quickly, relying on it as a critical ‘career document’ can be a strategic misstep.

1. Lack of Personalisation and Authenticity

An executive cover letter is more than a generic introduction - it’s a personal narrative showcasing leadership, motivation, strategy and impact. ChatGPT may provide a well-structured letter, but it often lacks the emotional intelligence and depth required to convey your unique career story in a relatable way. Executives need to demonstrate vision and strategic acumen, which AI-generated content often fails to capture.

2. Generic Language Fails to Stand Out

Recruiters and hiring managers at the executive level are seasoned professionals who can instantly recognise a templated or AI-generated response. A compelling cover letter requires a distinct voice, industry-specific nuances and a tailored approach to the opportunity. ChatGPT however, tends to produce polished but predictable text that can blend into the crowd. At Morton Philips we regularly receive cover letters with the opening line including ‘My career journey to date has…’, American grammar and spelling of particular words including ‘organization’ and text which is left in the traditional ChatGPT font of ‘Times New Roman’.

3. Lack of Strategic Alignment

A powerful executive cover letter aligns individual achievements with the company’s goals. AI-generated content struggles to incorporate intricate knowledge of a company’s culture, pain points and industry challenges. Without a nuanced, strategic approach, the cover letter may fail to resonate with decision-makers.

4. Missed Opportunity to Demonstrate Leadership

Executives are expected to be thought leaders, exceptional communicators and strategic influencers. Writing a compelling cover letter demonstrates these abilities. Handing this task to AI risks portraying alack of effort or initiative - qualities no company seeks in a leader.

‍

While ChatGPT can serve as a brainstorming tool, executives should invest the time to craft a personalised, strategic and compelling cover letter. Authenticity, alignment and differentiation are crucial at this level - elements AI simply cannot replicate, yet.

‍

We also recommend that cover letters should only be one page, clean black and white format give us a call to discuss further.