The cover letter most people write vs. the one that works
Most cover letters are a rephrased version of the resume with an enthusiastic opener and a closing that says "I look forward to hearing from you." Hiring managers read dozens of these. They're not memorable, they don't add information, and they don't make a case — they just confirm that the applicant can copy their own resume into paragraph form.
The cover letter that actually works does one thing differently: it connects specific experience to specific requirements. Not all of your experience — the relevant parts. That's what this prompt does. It takes your actual bullet points and selects the most relevant ones, connecting them to the role rather than listing everything you've ever done.
How to paste your resume bullet points
You don't need to paste your entire resume. Pick four to six bullet points from your resume that are most relevant to this specific job. If the job emphasizes client communication, pick the bullets that show you communicating with clients. If it emphasizes data analysis, pick those. Relevance beats volume every time.
Format them as a simple list, exactly as they appear on your resume. The AI knows how to read bullet points and will pull out the substance without needing you to reformat anything.
Why "Do not use generic opener phrases" is in the prompt
AI cover letters, without this instruction, almost always begin with "I am writing to express my strong interest in the [role] position at [company]." This sentence communicates nothing and has been read by every hiring manager alive. The instruction forces a stronger opening — usually something that leads with a relevant achievement or a direct statement of what you bring. That's what makes someone keep reading past the first sentence.
What to check before sending
Read the draft out loud. Fix anything that doesn't sound like your voice. Make sure the specific role and company name appear naturally and aren't just plugged in awkwardly. And make sure the letter doesn't exceed one page — if the AI gives you more than 300 words, cut the least specific paragraph. Shorter is almost always better for cover letters.