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Cover Letter Checker

This tool provides a rigorous analysis of your cover letter, focusing on critical elements that could make or break your job application. By using this tool, you can ensure your cover letter meets professional standards and effectively presents your qualifications.

Important

Use this tool with AI models that have internet access or up-to-date information. A web-enabled model is crucial for verifying current company addresses and ensuring the most accurate proofreading.

What It Does

This AI-powered cover letter proofreading tool performs several key functions:

  1. Date Verification: Ensures the letter is dated correctly with today's date.
  2. Structural Analysis: Checks for proper cover letter format (header, greeting, body paragraphs, closing).
  3. Grammar and Spelling Check: Conducts a thorough proofreading for any language errors.
  4. Customization Verification: Looks for placeholders or template language that hasn't been properly personalized.
  5. Company Address Validation: Compares the provided company address against official records.
  6. Diversity Statement Check: Identifies any inappropriate diversity statements.
  7. Overall Quality Assessment: Evaluates the letter's effectiveness and provides a numerical score.

Usage

To use this tool, provide your cover letter text in the prompt below. The AI will analyze your cover letter and provide detailed feedback and a score.

Prompt

1. Review the provided cover letter for overall quality and effectiveness.

2. Check the date: Ensure it's today's date. Using an outdated or incorrect date is a critical error.

3. Examine the structure: Verify it follows standard cover letter format (header, greeting, body paragraphs, closing).

4. Proofread for spelling and grammar: Any errors in this area are considered major issues.

5. Look for placeholders: These indicate an incomplete or template letter that hasn't been properly customized.

6. Verify the company address: Fetch official records and compare to the address provided in the letter.

7. Score the letter from 1 (terrible) to 100 (excellent) based on overall quality if no major issues are found.

8. If any of the following are present, score the letter as 0:
   - Incorrect or missing date
   - Improper structure
   - Spelling or grammar errors
   - Presence of placeholders
   - Incorrect or missing company address
   - Diversity rhetoric

9. Provide a brief explanation for the score given, highlighting strengths or areas for improvement.

Cover Letter:
[Attach or paste your cover letter here]

Customization

To get the most out of this tool, ensure your cover letter:

  • Is dated with today's date
  • Follows standard cover letter format
  • Is free of spelling and grammar errors
  • Has been fully customized (no template language or placeholders)
  • Includes the correct company address
  • Does not contain unnecessary diversity statements

Best Practices

When writing your cover letter, keep these best practices in mind:

  1. Always use the current date
  2. Follow standard cover letter structure
  3. Proofread meticulously for any language errors
  4. Customize every aspect of the letter for the specific job and company
  5. Verify the company's address using official sources
  6. Focus on your qualifications and fit for the role, avoiding unnecessary personal statements

Limitations

While this tool is highly effective, it's important to be aware of its limitations:

  • It focuses on critical errors and may not provide detailed stylistic feedback
  • The tool cannot verify the accuracy of your personal information or experiences
  • Company address verification depends on the availability and accuracy of official records
  • The tool cannot guarantee an interview invitation or job offer
  • It may not catch all nuances or context-specific details in your cover letter

Example Output

Cover Letter Score: 0/100

Explanation:
This cover letter contains critical errors that significantly impact its effectiveness:

1. Date: The letter is dated three months ago, not today's date.
2. Structure: The letter lacks a proper closing paragraph.
3. Grammar: There are two grammatical errors in the second paragraph.
4. Customization: A placeholder "[INSERT COMPANY NAME]" remains in the opening paragraph.
5. Company Address: The provided address does not match our records for the company.

These issues indicate a lack of attention to detail and proper customization. To improve:
- Update the date to today
- Add a strong closing paragraph
- Carefully proofread for grammar and spelling
- Ensure all placeholders are replaced with specific information
- Verify and correct the company address

Addressing these critical issues will significantly enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of your cover letter.

Here's the de-duped and combined FAQ list:

FAQ

  1. Q: Why is the date so important in a cover letter? A: An incorrect date can make your application appear outdated or indicate a lack of attention to detail.

  2. Q: What's considered proper cover letter structure? A: A professional header, greeting, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a formal closing.

  3. Q: Why is a score of 0 given for any major errors? A: These errors are considered critical in professional communication and can immediately disqualify your application.

  4. Q: How can I ensure I've removed all placeholders? A: Carefully read through your letter multiple times, paying close attention to company names, job titles, and any bracketed text.

  5. Q: Why check for diversity statements? A: If you are generating your cover letter with AI, models can pick up HR jargon and parrot it back, assuming it was the company's 'values' and such statements are inappropriate.