AI for Motivation Letters. A Big No-No?

Friend or foe?

As technology advances at a rapid pace, its impact is being felt across all industries, including recruitment. One key component of the recruitment process is the motivation letter. At Action Appointments, we have observed that an increasing number of candidates are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to draft their motivation letters. We know this because the same type of language is being used in these letters – the same phrases, words and ideas keep coming up.

AI refers to a set of technologies that enable computers to perform tasks that mimic human intelligence. To better understand the extent of AI usage in job applications, we conducted a LinkedIn poll to gather insights from candidates. The poll received 346 votes, with over 60% of respondents indicating that they use AI tools to draft their motivation letters.

While AI-generated letters can seem beneficial—saving time and offering structural guidance—there are significant drawbacks to submitting these letters. With over 30 years of experience in recruitment, we have noticed that AI-drafted motivation letters often appear generic, lack a unique personal voice, and are sometimes written in the third person. These elements can make an application feel impersonal and disconnected from the role. Reading the same letter repeatedly is not engaging.

We believe that AI should complement, not replace, human judgment and creativity in crafting motivation letters. A well-written motivation letter should align with the specific job, showcase your unique attributes, and convincingly demonstrate why you are the right candidate. Employers seek authenticity, and a personalized letter will always stand out more than an automatic AI-generated one.

While AI tools can be useful for checking your grammar, spelling and overall structure, it is crucial not to rely on them entirely. Your letter should reflect your voice, highlight your real experiences, and be something you can confidently discuss in an interview.