AI cover letter generator tools have come a long way. What started as basic text spit-outs has evolved into polished drafts that can actually help candidates stand out. Still, AI is not perfect. Even the best generators today make avoidable mistakes that can cost you an interview if you are not careful.
In this post, we will break down the most common mistakes AI cover letter generators still make. We tested all the major options available today, and found that many of them still slip up in key areas. Here is why these mistakes happen, and how you can fix them before sending out your next application.
1. Overusing Generic Phrases
Most AI tools are trained on large datasets full of professional writing. While this helps in building a formal tone, it also means they often lean heavily on tired phrases like "I am a highly motivated individual" or "I am writing to express my interest." Recruiters see these lines hundreds of times a week.
How to fix it: Once you generate a draft, go through it line by line and replace any cliches with more specific language. Instead of saying you are "highly motivated," mention a real accomplishment that shows it.
2. Failing to Tailor Cover Letters to the Company
Good cover letters feel personal. AI generators sometimes mention the company name, but they rarely weave the company's mission, recent news, or values into the narrative. This makes the letter feel shallow. [VERY IMPORTANT]
How to fix it: Add 2-3 sentences manually that prove you know the company. Reference a project they worked on, a value they promote, or a goal they announced. A small amount of real research can make a huge difference.
3. Repeating Information from the Resume
Many AI tools pull too heavily from your resume, rewording bullet points instead of building a fresh story. A good cover letter should complement the resume, not repeat it.
How to fix it: Focus your letter on explaining "why" you are a fit, not just "what" you have done. Use the cover letter to connect your experience to the company’s needs, rather than listing past jobs again.
4. Writing Too Formally or Too Casually
Some AI-generated cover letters sound robotic. Others swing too far and sound overly casual, especially if the tool tries to mimic "modern" language. Either way, it can create a bad first impression.
How to fix it: Aim for a professional but friendly tone. Imagine you are emailing a manager you have met once before. Keep it respectful, direct, and genuine. If the letter sounds like a speech or a text message, it needs adjusting.
5. Missing a Clear "Why You" Argument
A lot of AI-generated letters mention skills and enthusiasm but never clearly state why the candidate is the right fit for the role. Without this, the letter becomes forgettable.
How to fix it: Explicitly answer these two questions in your letter: "Why this role?" and "Why me?" You want the reader to finish your letter thinking, "This person gets it."
6. Making Awkward or Incorrect References
Because AI models predict text based on patterns, they sometimes insert strange or inaccurate statements. For example, claiming you have "deep experience in an industry" you only briefly mentioned. These errors can make you look sloppy or dishonest.
How to fix it: Proofread carefully. Read the letter out loud. Look for claims that sound too strong, too vague, or flat-out wrong. It is better to be modest and accurate than to risk credibility.
7. Ignoring Formatting and Visual Appeal
Many AI generators focus on the text itself and neglect how the cover letter actually looks. Dense blocks of text, no paragraph breaks, and missing contact info make a bad visual impression. We have seen that freshers mainly opt for such templates, and we think it's a bad idea.
How to fix it: Use clear formatting. Keep paragraphs short, about 3-5 lines each. Include your contact details at the top if they are missing. A clean, easy-to-read letter shows attention to detail, which hiring managers appreciate.
AI can save you time and help you get over writer's block. But you should never just copy, paste, and send. Every AI-generated cover letter needs a human review. With a few small tweaks - removing generic phrases, adding company-specific details, tightening the tone, and cleaning up formatting, you can turn an average AI draft into a strong, interview-winning letter.
Want a better start? Try our AI Cover Letter Generator - built to avoid these mistakes and help you sound real
Remember: your cover letter is not just a formality. It is a chance to make a real human connection. AI can get you started, but your voice should finish it. Spend at least 30 minutes refining the draft to make it personal and aligned with the role you want.
