Jessica O'ConnorAI-generated cover letters are becoming increasingly common in recruitment processes, particularly for high-volume job applications, according to Daniel Patel, recruitment director at Eursap.
Patel said recruiters are seeing a sharp rise in candidates using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help produce application materials.
He added: “We are seeing a significant rise in AI-generated cover letters. It is no longer occasional; it is widespread, particularly in high-volume application processes.
“Candidates are under pressure to apply quickly and at scale, and AI tools offer a way to keep up with that pace.”
He said that while AI-written applications can sometimes still be identified, the quality of outputs has improved significantly.
Patel continued: “In some cases, you can still spot them. They tend to be overly polished, quite generic, and often lack specific detail about the company or role. But that is changing quickly.
“The quality has improved to the point where it is not always obvious, especially at first glance.”
According to Patel, the issue is less about whether AI has been used and more about how candidates use it.
He added: “What stands out more is not whether AI was used, but how it was used. A well-edited, personalised cover letter that started with AI can be effective.
“A copy-and-paste version that could apply to any role is much easier to spot.
“The main risk is blending in. If your cover letter reads the same as dozens of others, it does not give a hiring manager a reason to move you forward.”
Patel also noted that AI-generated content can sometimes create inconsistencies between written applications and candidate interviews.
Discussing the role of cover letters in hiring, he said their importance varies depending on the sector and position.
Patel added: “For some roles within SAP and other enterprise technology environments, cover letters can still carry immense weight, particularly where stakeholder communication or client-facing implementation work is involved.”
However, he added that for many technical roles, hiring managers often prioritise project experience and domain knowledge over lengthy written applications.
Patel believes AI will remain firmly embedded in recruitment workflows but said authenticity remains critical.
He concluded: “A cover letter is one of the few places you can show individuality and personality. Hiring decisions are still made by people, and people respond to authenticity.”
“Using AI to support it is fine, but it still needs a human layer to feel credible and relevant.”
