Can recruiters detect AI cover letters?

Yes. Many recruiters can spot AI-generated cover letters due to their generic tone, lack of personal details, and formulaic structure. Some companies also use AI detection tools in their screening process.

How do I make my AI cover letter sound human?

Add specific personal anecdotes, reference the company by name with genuine observations, use contractions and conversational tone, and include details only you would know. Or use Humaneer to do it automatically.

AI Humanizer for Cover Letters: Land More Interviews

Q: Is it okay to use AI for cover letters?

Using AI as a starting point is increasingly common and generally acceptable. The key is personalizing the output so it reflects your genuine voice, experience, and enthusiasm for the specific role.

Recruiters read hundreds of cover letters. They can spot AI instantly. 78% of hiring managers say they'd reject an AI-generated cover letter — even if the candidate is qualified. Here's how to use AI without getting caught.

What Recruiters See in AI Cover Letters

“I am writing to express my interest” — the most common AI opening line. Recruiters see it 50+ times a day.
Generic enthusiasm: “I am thrilled,” “I am passionate,” “I am excited” — without any specific reason why.
Perfect structure: AI cover letters follow the exact same format every time. Real humans are messier.
No personality: No humor, no specific stories, no mention of real experiences.

How to Humanize Your AI Cover Letter

1. Start with a Real Story

Replace the generic opening with a specific moment. “When I saw your job posting, I literally said 'this is the one' out loud” beats “I am writing to express my interest.”

2. Add Specific Numbers

“I increased sales by 34% in Q3” is something AI won't generate. Specific, verifiable achievements make your letter feel real.

3. Run Through Humaneer

Paste your AI draft into Humaneer to strip the robotic patterns while keeping your content intact.

4. Show You Researched the Company

Reference a specific project, blog post, or company value. This proves you didn't just paste a job title into ChatGPT.

Before & After

❌ AI Cover Letter

“Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my keen interest in the Marketing Manager position at your esteemed organization. With my extensive experience in digital marketing and proven track record of success, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.”

✓ Humanized Version

“Hi Sarah — I saw your team's campaign for the product launch last month and it genuinely made me rethink how I approach social-first marketing. That's rare. I've spent 4 years building campaigns that actually convert (not just look pretty in a deck), and I'd love to bring that energy to your team.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do employers use AI detectors on cover letters?

Some do. A growing number of companies run applications through AI detection tools. But even without detectors, experienced recruiters can spot AI cover letters by their generic tone and structure.

Is it okay to use AI for cover letters?

Using AI as a starting point is fine — most career coaches recommend it. The key is to heavily personalize the output so it reflects your actual experience and voice.