If you’re looking for a new job, you know how daunting it can be to write a cover letter or a message to a potential employer. You want to stand out from the crowd, but you also don’t want to sound too desperate or generic. Well, LinkedIn has a solution for you a new AI-powered feature called Cover Letter Assistant that will generate personalized messages for you.
How does it work?
Cover Letter Assistant, is available for LinkedIn Premium members who use the Easy Apply option to apply for jobs. According to company exec, Ora Levit in a blog post. When you click on the Easy Apply button, you’ll see a prompt that asks if you want to add a message to the hiring manager. If you choose yes, you’ll see a pop-up window with a pre-written message that you can edit or send as is.
The message is tailored to the job description and your profile, highlighting your skills and experience that match the role. It also includes a friendly introduction and a call to action, such as asking for an interview or a phone call. You can tweak the message to suit your style and tone, or use it as inspiration to write your own.
Why is it useful?
According to LinkedIn, Cover Letter Assistant can help you save time and effort when applying for jobs. It can also help you overcome writer’s block and anxiety, especially if you’re not confident in your writing skills. Plus, it can help you make a good impression on hiring managers, who may receive hundreds of applications for each job.
LinkedIn says that its AI is based on data from millions of successful job applications and feedback from recruiters and hiring managers. It also claims that its AI is unbiased and inclusive, and that it respects your privacy and data security.
What are the limitations?
Cover Letter Assistant is not a magic bullet that will guarantee you a job. It’s still up to you to do your research on the company and the role, and to customize your message accordingly. You should also proofread your message before sending it, as there may be errors or inaccuracies in the AI-generated text.
Moreover, Cover Letter Assistant is not available for all jobs or all users. It only works for jobs that have the Easy Apply option, which means that you can apply with your LinkedIn profile without uploading a resume or filling out a form. It also only works for LinkedIn Premium members, who pay a monthly fee for extra features and benefits.
What are the alternatives?
If you don’t have LinkedIn Premium or don’t want to use Cover Letter Assistant, there are other ways to write effective messages to hiring managers. Here are some tips:
- Start with a catchy subject line that summarizes your main value proposition.
- Address the hiring manager by name if possible, or use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager”.
- Introduce yourself briefly and explain why you’re interested in the job and the company.
- Highlight your relevant skills and achievements that match the job requirements.
- Provide specific examples of how you’ve used those skills and achieved those results in previous roles.
- End with a clear call to action, such as asking for an interview or a phone call.
- Keep your message short and concise, no more than three paragraphs.
- Use a professional and polite tone, but avoid sounding too formal or robotic.
- Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes, typos, jargon, slang, or emojis.
LinkedIn’s new AI feature can help you write messages to hiring managers faster and easier. However, it’s not a substitute for your own research and customization. You should always review and edit your message before sending it, and make sure it reflects your personality and value proposition. Remember, your message is your first impression on the hiring manager, so make it count!
