Economy

Berlin – A career expert is issuing a stark warning to job applicants about a popular method for crafting cover letters: relying on artificial intelligence. Silke Koppitz, a career advisor and former recruiter, cautioned against the uncritical use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek, stating that cover letters generated without personalization can ultimately hinder an applicant’s chances.

“KI is a super helpful tool that we should definitely use. Simply due to the fact that it makes us faster, but also because We see a competence that will be important in the future,” Koppitz told the Frankfurter Rundschau, as reported by Ippen.Media. However, she stressed that a generic, AI-produced letter “defeats its purpose.”

Koppitz explained that a cover letter should showcase an applicant’s individual profile and clearly communicate their value proposition. Recruiters often view the cover letter as a first impression of a candidate’s work ethic and personality. “If the documents appear interchangeable, you don’t stand out from the mass of applications,” she said.

The expert noted that recruiters are increasingly adept at identifying AI-generated text, often recognizing typical phrasing, keywords, and sentence structures that sense translated from English, such as the use of the word “mächtig” (powerful). “You understand what is meant, but you wouldn’t phrase it that way. Recruiters also recognize such formulations,” Koppitz stated. She even warned on LinkedIn that “ChatGPT ruins your application.”

Despite the risks, Koppitz acknowledged that AI can be a valuable tool when used strategically. She suggested using chatbots for brainstorming exercises, such as identifying relevant job titles or clarifying career goals. “If I demand a new job or want to reorient myself professionally, I can brainstorm with the chatbot. For example: ‘Suggest exercises to help me gain clarity’,” she advised.

AI can also assist with practice tasks, allowing applicants to simulate real-world scenarios. “You can assign the AI a specific role, depending on the context: ‘You are a project manager with 30 years of experience and an IQ of 180. Review my assumptions and notify me what I haven’t considered!’” Koppitz proposed. However, she emphasized that critical thinking should not be outsourced. “You must not give up thinking.”

Koppitz also called on employers to re-evaluate their reliance on traditional cover letters, questioning whether they are the most effective way to gather information from applicants. “Perhaps a concrete question is much more helpful,” she suggested.

Sophia Sichtermann is an online editor at IPPEN.MEDIA, according to her LinkedIn profile. She has also worked as a journalist for BuzzFeed News Germany, focusing on topics such as work, equality, relationships, and digital developments. Sichtermann’s article in the Frankfurter Rundschau sparked the discussion about the pitfalls of AI-generated cover letters.