Applications with ChatGPT: what you should look out for

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence based on OpenAI’s GPT-3 technology that is able to generate human-like texts. It can be used for a wide range of text tasks, from answering questions to writing creative texts, including letters of application.

 

Using ChatGPT for cover letters

To use ChatGPT to create a cover letter, you should provide clear information about the desired position, your qualifications and experience. ChatGPT can then create an initial draft that will serve as the basis for your cover letter.

 

It is best to start by adding the company’s job description to the text field:

Then add a specific command, such as this one:

„Create a cover letter for an apprenticeship as an electrician at Johsons Controls based on the job description. Use the job description as a guide for strengths and qualifications.“

 

The more information you give ChatGPT, the better the result will be.

For example, you can also add: „In your cover letter, add that I was able to gain my first work experience in my school internships at company XY and realised that the profession of electrician suits my strengths and interests.“

It often takes several attempts: Of course, you may not be satisfied with the first draft provided by ChatGPT. The generated cover letter can then be further customised and refined by submitting specific change requests or additional information to ChatGPT.

For example: „Create a more personalised introduction that emphasises that I would like to become an electrician because my grandfather already worked in this profession and I have always been impressed by how many practical and technical skills you acquire in this profession.“

Important: ChatGPT only serves to get the ball rolling. Use it as inspiration and a template to create your own personalised cover letter. The point is not to copy and paste, because only you can give your cover letter the personal touch it needs to be convincing.

It’s not about perfection. Of course, your cover letter should be appealing and error-free, but much more important than an AI-generated, more or less standard text are the reasons you give to make your application convincing.

 

  • Why are you interested in this particular apprenticeship?
  • Why exactly this company?
  • Why does this company suit YOU?

You can of course include your answers in the command for ChatGPT, but the AI cannot replace your answers, it can only put them into a text.

 

Proofreading and suggestions for improvement

Is your cover letter ready? ChatGPT can just as easily check your text for completeness, spelling, grammar, accuracy, language and precision. For example, you could use ChatGPT with the command „Check this cover letter for spelling, completeness, accuracy (…), and make direct suggestions for improvement if necessary.“

 

Please note:

  • Clear and precise instructions: Provide accurate information about the desired position, qualifications and special skills.
  • Personalisation: Adapt the generated text to your personal experience and writing style. Only use ChatGPT as a starting point.
  • Checking for relevance: Make sure that the generated content is relevant to the position and the industry and is the right answer to the job advert.
  • Proofreading: Use ChatGPT to check spelling and grammar, but also check thoroughly yourself and, if possible, have a second person proofread your text.

 

To avoid:

  • Over-reliance: Don’t rely solely on ChatGPT. The final application should reflect your own voice and personality.
  • Standard phrases: Avoid adopting generic phrases. Personalise your application to stand out from the crowd.
  • Untested adoption: Don’t blindly adopt all of ChatGPT’s suggestions, but check whether they fit your situation.

 

Summary

If you follow these tips, ChatGPT is a versatile tool that can support the application process by creating, customising and correcting cover letters. With precise input and clear instructions, ChatGPT can be used effectively to create professional and customised application documents.