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LucyBrain Switzerland ○ AI Daily
Top Prompts to Write a Top-1% Cover Letter with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini (2025)
November 19, 2025
Introduction
Writing a cover letter that actually gets read is harder than most people think. Most cover letters sound robotic, full of corporate jargon, or too generic to stand out. Hiring managers read hundreds of them. They skip the ones that feel like templates.
The good news is that AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can help you write cover letters that sound human, show your value, and match the job perfectly. But only if you use the right prompts.
You can use all the prompts on this page for free. A small reading window applies, but you still get full access to the content. Lucy+ simply unlocks unlimited reading time and more than 30,000 pro prompts.
This guide gives you the top prompts to write cover letters that hiring managers actually want to read.
Why Most AI-Generated Cover Letters Fail
Most people type something like "write me a cover letter for this job" into ChatGPT. The result sounds like every other cover letter. It uses phrases like "I am writing to express my interest" or "I am a results-driven professional." Hiring managers recognize this instantly.
The problem is not the AI. The problem is the prompt. Bad prompts create generic output. Good prompts create personalized, human-sounding cover letters that show real fit.
How to Use These Prompts Correctly
Before you paste any prompt, you need to give the AI context. This means:
Your background and experience
Specific achievements or results
Why you care about this role
What makes you different
Every prompt below includes instructions that force the AI to avoid robotic language, buzzwords, and corporate fluff. The AI will write in a natural, clear tone that sounds like you.
Top Prompts for Cover Letters
Prompt 1: Simple, Human, Value-First Cover Letter
When to use this: When you want a straightforward cover letter that focuses on fit and value.
Prompt 2: Achievement-Focused Cover Letter
When to use this: When you have strong measurable results to showcase.
Prompt 3: Career Changer Cover Letter
When to use this: When you are switching industries or roles.
Prompt 4: Skills-Match Cover Letter
When to use this: When the job post lists specific technical or professional skills.
Prompt 5: Story-Based Cover Letter
When to use this: When you want to show genuine interest and passion.
Prompt 6: Company-Specific Cover Letter
When to use this: When you are genuinely interested in a specific company.
Prompt 7: Short and Direct Cover Letter
When to use this: When you know hiring managers prefer brevity.
Prompt 8: Remote Work Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to remote-first companies.
Prompt 9: Junior Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When you have limited professional experience.
Prompt 10: Leadership Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to management or senior roles.
Prompt 11: Freelancer to Full-Time Cover Letter
When to use this: When transitioning from freelance to employment.
Prompt 12: Problem-Solver Cover Letter
When to use this: When you want to stand out by offering insight.
Prompt 13: Gap in Employment Cover Letter
When to use this: When you have a resume gap to address.
Prompt 14: Passion Project Cover Letter
When to use this: When you have personal or side projects that show your skills.
Prompt 15: Technical Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to developer, engineer, or technical positions.
Prompt 16: Internal Promotion Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying for a promotion within your company.
Prompt 17: Referral-Based Cover Letter
When to use this: When someone inside the company recommended you.
Prompt 18: Recent Graduate Cover Letter
When to use this: When you recently graduated.
Prompt 19: Overqualified Candidate Cover Letter
When to use this: When you have more experience than the job requires.
Prompt 20: Cold Application Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to a company without an open job post.
Prompt 21: Military to Civilian Cover Letter
When to use this: When transitioning from military to civilian roles.
Prompt 22: Part-Time to Full-Time Cover Letter
When to use this: When moving from part-time to full-time employment.
Prompt 23: Industry-Specific Cover Letter (Healthcare)
When to use this: When applying to healthcare positions.
Prompt 24: Industry-Specific Cover Letter (Education)
When to use this: When applying to education roles.
Prompt 25: Nonprofit Sector Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to nonprofit organizations.
Prompt 26: Startup Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to startup companies.
Prompt 27: Corporate Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to large established companies.
Prompt 28: Creative Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to design, marketing, or creative positions.
Prompt 29: Sales Role Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to sales positions.
Prompt 30: Customer Service Cover Letter
When to use this: When applying to customer support roles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using generic openings. Never start with "I am writing to express my interest." It signals a template.
Writing long paragraphs. Hiring managers skim. Keep paragraphs 2-3 sentences max.
Overusing buzzwords. Words like "synergy," "results-driven," and "team player" sound robotic.
Talking only about yourself. Show how you help the company, not just what you want.
Not editing the AI output. Always review and personalize before sending.
Copying the resume. Your cover letter should add new information, not repeat your resume.
Forgetting to proofread. One typo can cost you the interview.
Making it too long. Keep it under 400 words. Hiring managers do not have time for essays.
How to Make These Prompts Work Even Better
Add specific numbers. If you increased sales by 30%, say that. Numbers stand out.
Name the company. Generic cover letters get ignored. Use the company name naturally.
Match the job description language. If they say "collaborative," use that word when relevant.
Keep it short. Aim for 250-350 words. Hiring managers do not read long cover letters.
Test different prompts. Try 2-3 versions and see which feels most authentic.
Include the hiring manager's name. If you can find it, use it. It shows effort.
Research the company. Mention something specific about their work or culture.
Quantify your achievements. Always include numbers when possible.
Show enthusiasm without going overboard. Be genuine, not fake-excited.
End with confidence. Close strong with a call to action.
What Makes a Cover Letter Stand Out
The best cover letters do three things well. They show specific fit for the role. They prove value with examples. They sound human and genuine.
Hiring managers can spot templates instantly. They look for personalization. They want to see that you understand the company and the role. They need to believe you actually want this job.
Your cover letter should answer three questions. Why this company? Why this role? Why you?
If your cover letter could work for any company, it will not work for any company. Specificity matters more than length.
How to Edit AI Output for Better Results
AI gives you a strong draft. But you need to make it yours. Here is how:
Read it out loud. If it sounds weird, rewrite that part.
Cut unnecessary words. AI sometimes adds fluff. Remove it.
Add personal details. Include something only you would know or say.
Check for repetition. AI sometimes repeats ideas. Delete duplicates.
Verify facts. Make sure all details about your background are accurate.
Adjust the tone. If it sounds too formal or too casual, fix it.
Remove obvious AI phrases. Words like "leverage" or "utilize" can be simplified.
Final Tips to Increase Your Interview Rate
Lead with your strongest fit. Put your best skill or achievement first.
Show, do not tell. Instead of "I am a great communicator," say "I led weekly client presentations that improved retention by 20%."
End with action. Close with something like "I would love to discuss how I can contribute" instead of a passive sentence.
Proofread everything. One typo can cost you the interview.
Send it fast. Apply within 24-48 hours of the job posting.
Follow up. If you do not hear back in a week, send a polite follow-up email.
Customize every cover letter. Never send the same letter to multiple companies.
Keep a swipe file. Save good phrases from past cover letters to reuse strategically.
Test subject lines. If emailing directly, your subject line matters.
Format cleanly. Use standard fonts, clear spacing, and professional layout.
FAQ
1. Can I use these prompts for free?
Yes. You can use every prompt on this page for free. The reading window applies, but the content is fully accessible.
2. Do these prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?
Yes. These prompts work with all major AI tools.
3. Are these cover letters safe for professional use?
Yes. The prompts are designed to create professional, clear, and appropriate cover letters.
4. Should I edit the AI's output?
Always. Review the cover letter, add personal touches, and make sure it sounds like you.
5. Why do these prompts work better than generic prompts?
These prompts include tone instructions, context requirements, and anti-jargon rules. This forces the AI to write naturally instead of robotically.
6. How many prompts are available on the platform?
The library includes thousands of free prompts across all categories.
7. What is the difference between free prompts and Lucy+ prompts?
Lucy+ unlocks unlimited reading time and access to more than 30,000 professional prompts. The free library already includes powerful, usable prompts.
8. Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?
No. Each cover letter should be customized for the specific job and company.
9. How long should my cover letter be?
Aim for 250-350 words. Most hiring managers prefer shorter, focused cover letters.
10. What if the AI output sounds too formal?
Add instructions to "write in a more casual, conversational tone" to your prompt.
If you want to explore more, Lucy+ gives access to more than 30,000 professional prompts for 10 USD per month. No pressure. Most of the powerful prompts are already free in the library.


