Writing a Customized Cover Letter for a Specific Job in Minutes using ChatGPT

Crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial for programmers seeking new opportunities. ChatGPT can give you a great running start. The more you give it to work with in the prompt, the more tailored and accurate the letter will be.

Here is what I prompted: 

Write a cover letter for a resume for a programmer with over 30 years of experience in C, C++ and C#, git, and creating APIs. The programmer has worked in mobile, front end and back end and most recently has been building APIs for a large enterprise code-base using C#, SQL and Dapper, deployed to Azure using Docker. The position he is applying for includes working on back-end systems in C#, though they are advertising it as full-stack.

Make it professional but no more than one page. 

ChatGPT didn't hesitate Here is what it spit out (I've left off the header with name, address, etc.):
 

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the position of a Programmer at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With over 30 years of experience in programming and a strong background in C, C++, and C#, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and help drive the success of your projects.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive knowledge and expertise in a wide range of programming languages and technologies. I have successfully worked in mobile, front-end, and back-end development, adapting to changing industry trends and applying best practices in each domain. Recently, my focus has been on building robust APIs for a large enterprise code-base using C#, SQL, and Dapper. I have also gained expertise in deploying applications to Azure using Docker, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.

One of my key strengths is my ability to create efficient and well-structured code that is maintainable and extensible. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I can contribute to the development of complex back-end systems. I have a solid understanding of software development principles, design patterns, and architectural concepts, allowing me to deliver high-quality solutions that meet business requirements.

Throughout my career, I have been involved in the full software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements and designing solutions to implementation, testing, and maintenance. I am well-versed in version control systems like Git and have experience working in Agile development environments, ensuring timely and iterative delivery of software projects.

I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to its continued success. I believe that my extensive experience in C#, coupled with my skills in building APIs, will enable me to make immediate and meaningful contributions to your back-end systems. Furthermore, my versatility and willingness to learn new technologies make me well-suited for the advertised full-stack position.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, and I look forward to the possibility of an interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Wow! That sounds like a candidate I'd want to talk with. Notice that it added a number of important (and correct) skills that were not in my prompt. It extrapolated what other skills I must have based on what I told it. For example, I didn't mention anything in the third paragraph, yet it provided a very powerful endorsement of these (assumed?) skills.

I'm not sure I'd send this cover letter as-is, but with a little editing, it really would be ready to go.

Just for an ego boost, I then asked ChatGPT if it knew me. My prompt was "Who is Jesse Liberty" and it spits out a pretty good bio:
 

Jesse Liberty is a well-known software developer, author, and educator in the field of computer programming. He has been actively involved in the software industry for many years, specializing in various programming languages and technologies. Jesse has authored numerous books on software development, covering topics such as C#, .NET, ASP.NET, and mobile app development. He has also contributed to online learning platforms and delivered lectures and workshops at conferences and events. Jesse Liberty is recognized for his expertise and contributions to the programming community.

 While that was very gratifying, you must be careful. It doesn't always get things right. I asked, "Is Jesse Liberty a Microsoft MVP?" and it responded.

 As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Jesse Liberty has not been listed as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). However, please note that MVP status can change over time, and it's always best to verify the most up-to-date information from official sources.

By switching to ChatGPT4 I got a more accurate response:

As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, Jesse Liberty, a noted author, speaker, and expert in .NET and mobile development, has been a Microsoft MVP in the past. However, the Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) status is a yearly award, and the list of awardees can change from year to year. It's not possible for me to confirm whether Jesse Liberty is a Microsoft MVP as of 2023 because my training data only goes up until September 2021. For the most up-to-date information, please check Microsoft's official MVP website.

The biggest risk I've seen with ChatGPT is that it is so much fun it can become a real-time sink, so caveat emptor.

Author Bio

Jesse Liberty is a full-time hands-on programmer, specializing in C#, git, and .NET MAUI. He hosts the popular Yet Another Podcast and is the author of more than a dozen best-selling programming books. Liberty is a Certified Xamarin Developer, a Xamarin MVP, and a Microsoft MVP. He was a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft, a Distinguished Software Engineer at AT&T; a Software Architect for PBS, and a Vice President of Information Technology at Citibank, and he was on the teaching staff at Brandeis University. Jesse is a recognized expert and has spoken at conferences worldwide. 

Links - LinkedIn  .NET MAUI for C# Developers