Can AI Detectors Identify AI in Cover Letters?

Applying for jobs and submitting resumes and cover letters as part of applications can be a time-consuming process. 

With the rise of AI, there’s more interest in whether AI can be used in the resume and cover letter creation process and, on the flip side, whether AI detectors can identify it. 

Here, we’ll review AI in resumes and cover letters and whether AI detectors can identify AI-generated cover letters.

AI in Resumes and Cover Letters

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new job, you’ve probably read everywhere that you should be experimenting with artificial intelligence or AI writing to ensure you remain competitive in the workforce.

After all, with the help of generative AI, you can quickly whip up a snappy cover letter that suits your expertise and aims to match the employer's expectations.

However, when it comes to actually using it for your application, whether AI is permitted in the resume and cover letter process can vary by company. 

Some companies have clear policies that don’t permit AI in applications. 

So, if you’re unsure whether AI use is permitted, review company policies first.

Can AI Cover Letters Be Detected by AI Content Detectors?

To find out if AI detectors can identify AI-generated content in a cover letter, we put it to the test.

Step 1: We selected a job listing on LinkedIn and prompted the WebPilot plugin in ChatGPT to create a cover letter based on the details in the posting. 

Step 2: With that in mind, we ran the example cover letter through the Originality.ai AI detector to see whether this type of AI content generation could be identified through AI detection.

Here’s the prompt we used:

"I’m interested in applying for this role: [Link to role]. Please can you craft a cover letter for me that shows off my enthusiasm for the role, as well as my personal skillset and selling points, which includes: lives locally, relevant experience, can start quickly.”

And here’s what we got back in response:

In just a couple of clicks, we have a cover letter. Although, it is a little generalistic.

As you can see, the Originality.ai AI Checker identified the AI cover letter with 100% Confidence as Likely AI. 

Should You Use AI in Resumes and Cover Letters?

With all that in mind, one question still remains.

It’s clear to see that generative AI can help speed up the application process, but is it something you should actually do?

Ultimately, it depends entirely on the role you are applying for and the company’s AI policies for applications. Some industries may permit some AI, such as AI editing tools for grammar or spelling, whereas others will have a strict no tolerance policy in place.

So, what are some ways to use AI in the application process if it’s permitted?

If company policies permit AI, use it as an assisting tool rather than writing the entire application. 

That means using it to review your content and provide helpful feedback, brainstorm what you should include in your resume, and learn more about the company in question.

Let’s use that approach with our example from earlier, focusing on using AI as a supporting tool.

Here’s our prompt:

“Can you provide me with some key information about this company that will help me with my application?”

Here’s what we got back in response:

Already, there’s a ton more information to work with when it comes to writing our cover letter. This can be a good starting point to learn more about a company. However, it’s still best to complement this with additional research, such as reading about the company on their website.

Another option could be to add a few notes about key areas of work experience in the prompt to get ChatGPT to highlight ways to incorporate your expertise in the application.

Then, following your research and drafting your application, use the Originality.ai AI detector to review any potential instances of AI-generated content, before submitting it. 

Interested in learning more about AI detection?

• AI Content Detector Accuracy Review
• A Meta-Analysis of AI Detection Accuracy Studies
• Which AI Detection Model Should I Use?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there risks to using AI for job applications?

Some companies screen for AI-written content, which could impact your application. On top of that, relying too heavily on AI to create documents means they’ll be more generic and not customized with your unique work history, expertise, or experience.

Can recruiters detect if a resume or cover letter is AI-generated?

Yes. Many recruiters and hiring platforms now use some form of AI detection to identify any potential use of AI-generated content.