It’s time to face ChatGBT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer).  Whether we find it interesting, a great tool and time saver or just plain scary, it’s here to stay.  For those who have managed to avoid facing this potential-life-changing technology, I wish you good luck.  The future is now.

What is it?  ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot that can produce text that looks and sounds like it was written by a human.  People worry that this technology could be used to make fake news, send phishing emails, and much more to trick people.  There are both ethical and security concerns.

I decided to give it a try, opened an account (free), and asked ChatGPT to write me a cover letter to use to apply for a job writing a newspaper column. This is what appeared in my screen almost instantaneously.

“I am writing to express my interest in the Newspaper Columnist position at your esteemed publication. With my passion for writing and my experience in journalism, I believe that I can bring a unique perspective to your readership and help to enhance the reputation of your publication.

I have always been passionate about writing, and have spent many years honing my skills as a journalist. Throughout my career, I have written for a variety of publications, covering a range of topics from politics to entertainment. I am particularly drawn to the art of column writing, as it allows me to express my opinions and ideas in a way that resonates with readers.

I believe that my ability to connect with readers is one of my greatest strengths as a columnist. I am able to identify topics that are of interest to my audience and approach them in a way that is engaging, informative, and thought-provoking. I have a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that capture the attention of readers and keep them engaged until the very end.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your publication as a columnist, and am confident that my skills and experience make me the ideal candidate for the role. I am passionate about the field of journalism and am committed to producing high-quality content that meets the standards of your publication.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

I advised job hunters about cover letters for years.  I still do.  I would have a lot of suggestions for tightening up this cover letter. 

But, alas, it is NOT awful.