Can employers tell if you used AI to write your cover letter?

We’ve all been there. The job looks perfect, the deadline’s tonight, and your CV is ready. But the cover letter? You’d rather mop the ocean.

So, you turn to AI. Type in a few prompts, click generate, and voilà, instant professionalism.

But hold on a second. Can hiring managers actually tell if you used AI to write that letter?

Let’s break it down.

Why this question matters

AI tools like ChatGPT and copy generators are becoming increasingly popular for job applications. According to a 2023 survey by People First, nearly half of job seekers have used AI to help write their application materials.

But while the tech is clever, employers are catching on. Some are even using AI detectors of their own.

So, should you be worried?

Can AI-generated cover letters be spotted?

In short, yes, often they can.

Here’s how recruiters and software might detect AI-generated content:

• Generic phrasing: AI tends to write in a polished but impersonal tone. Phrases like "I am excited to apply for this opportunity" or "With a strong background in..." are red flags when they’re not backed up with specifics.

• Lack of personal detail: AI doesn’t know your life. A cover letter without anecdotal insight or tailored information feels hollow.

• Over-polished grammar: Ironically, being too perfect can give the game away. Most human writing includes minor quirks or inconsistencies.

• Detector tools: Some recruiters now use software like GPTZero or Originality.AI to flag content that’s likely AI-written.

  
  

But here’s the catch, these tools aren’t foolproof. Human intuition plays a much bigger role.

What employers are really looking for

Most employers aren’t out to punish AI use. What they care about is authenticity and relevance.

Can you:

• Show a clear understanding of the role?

• Highlight how your experience connects to the company’s needs?

• Sound like a real person with motivation and intent?

  
  

If your cover letter sounds like it came from a robot, whether you wrote it or not, it’s a problem. But if it sounds like you, focused, warm, and relevant, that’s what matters most.

How to use AI the smart way

AI can be a brilliant tool, when used correctly. Think of it as a starting point, not a shortcut.

Here’s how to use it without getting caught (or sounding bland):

• Start with AI, end with you: Use AI to generate a draft or outline, but then rewrite in your own voice.

• Add personal stories: Reference a specific project, skill, or moment that shows your suitability.

• Tailor every letter: Mention the company name, team, or values. Specificity shows intent.

• Keep it human: A touch of humour, vulnerability, or insight makes your letter memorable.

  
  

Real-life example: The rewrite that worked

A recent LetterLab client submitted an AI-drafted cover letter for feedback. It was technically solid, but completely impersonal. We worked with them to add a short anecdote about a tricky project they’d led, and suddenly the letter had soul. It wasn’t just a letter anymore. It was them on paper.

They got the interview.

Are AI detectors always accurate?

Not quite. Tools like GPTZero have been criticised for their inconsistency and even false positives. There’s no universal test to determine whether content was written by a human or machine.

That said, some recruiters rely more on feel than formal checks. If your letter sounds like it came from a production line, they’ll move on.

So, should you avoid AI entirely?

Not necessarily. But don’t rely on it blindly. Treat AI as a writing assistant, not the writer.

A thoughtful, well-written letter will always stand out. Whether it was sparked by AI or scribbled on the back of a napkin.

Final thoughts

AI can help you get started, but it can’t replace you. Employers can often tell when a letter lacks heart, personality, or context, and that’s where most AI letters fall flat.

At LetterLab, we know what works. We blend human insight with the clarity of professional writing to give you a cover letter that’s compelling, credible, and uniquely you.

Whether you need a full letter written from scratch or just want your AI-generated draft to sound human, we’ve got you covered.

Need help writing a cover letter that gets noticed (and doesn’t sound like a toaster wrote it)?

Visit www.letterwritingservice.co.uk today and let’s get you that interview.