Draft a simple cover letter for a job application with DeepSeek

Open the DeepSeek Chat

To begin, open your web browser and go to the DeepSeek website (deepseek.com). If you're not already logged in, you'll see a prompt to do so. Once logged in, you'll land directly on the main chat interface, which usually features a large text box at the bottom of the screen ready for your input and a history of past conversations above. This is where you'll interact with the AI assistant, which is like a smart computer program that can understand and generate human-like text. If it looks different: Look for a "Chat" or "Start a new conversation" button if you're on a different page, or if the layout has changed slightly. You'll know it worked when you see a clear text input box, often labelled "Message DeepSeek...", where you can start typing.

Start with a Clear Request (Prompt)

Now that you're in the chat, type a clear instruction, known as a 'prompt', to tell DeepSeek what you need. Think of a prompt as your direct command to the AI assistant, guiding its response. Be specific and concise. After typing, click the 'Send' button, which often looks like a paper aeroplane icon next to the text box. The AI will then start processing your request, which is its way of thinking about your input. If it looks different: The 'Send' button might be a simple arrow or labelled 'Enter'. Just make sure your text is ready before you hit it.

You'll know it worked when your message appears in the chat history, and DeepSeek starts typing a response below it.

Provide Key Job Details

For the best results, DeepSeek needs to understand the job you're applying for. Copy the entire job advertisement from where you found it (e.g., a job board or company website) and paste it into the chat. Then, add a brief sentence or two identifying the company and the exact role title. This detailed information helps the AI assistant tailor the letter specifically to the job's requirements, keywords, and company culture, making it more relevant. If it looks different: If the job ad is very long, you might need to send it in two parts, but DeepSeek usually handles long inputs well.

You'll know it worked when DeepSeek confirms it has received the job details or asks for more information to proceed.

Add Your Personal Touch

Next, tell DeepSeek about you. Share your relevant skills, experiences, and why you believe you're a strong candidate for this particular role. Focus on how your abilities align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job advertisement. The more specific examples you provide, the better DeepSeek can weave them into the letter, making it more authentic and compelling. This context helps the AI assistant highlight your strengths effectively. If it looks different: Don't worry if DeepSeek doesn't respond immediately; it's simply gathering all your input before generating a draft.

You'll know it worked when DeepSeek acknowledges your input and often indicates it's ready to generate the first draft of your cover letter.

Review and Refine the Draft

DeepSeek will now generate a draft cover letter based on all the information you've provided. Read this draft carefully. It's important to treat this as a starting point, not a final product. Look for areas where you want to add more detail, change the tone, or adjust specific phrasing to better reflect your personality or the company's style. You can then tell DeepSeek what changes you'd like it to make. If it looks different: The draft might appear as plain text without special formatting, which is normal for an AI chat, so don't be concerned if it lacks bold or bullet points.

You'll know it worked when DeepSeek provides a revised version of the cover letter that incorporates your suggestions.

Copy and Finalise

Once you're happy with the refined draft, it's time to transfer it out of DeepSeek. Most chat interfaces allow you to easily copy the text. Simply highlight the entire cover letter draft, right-click (or tap and hold on mobile), and select "Copy." Then, open your preferred word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) and paste the text. This is crucial for a final human review. While DeepSeek does a great job, it cannot know you, so you must add your unique voice and ensure all details are 100% accurate before sending it off. If it looks different: On a mobile device, you might need to tap the text, then select "Select All" and "Copy." You'll know it worked when you have the complete cover letter in your document, ready for your final personal touches, spell-check, and formatting.