Documentation
Everything you need to know about creating ATS-optimized cover letters
Welcome to WhatIsACoverLetter.com documentation. Learn how to generate professional, ATS-optimized cover letters that get past automated screening and land interviews.
What is WhatIsACoverLetter.com?
An AI-powered cover letter generator that helps you:
- ✅ Analyze job descriptions and extract ATS keywords automatically
- ✅ Generate optimized letters in 7 minutes with strategic keyword placement
- ✅ Get ATS scores (0-100) predicting your chances of passing screening
- ✅ Pass automated systems used by 67% of employers
- ✅ Impress human reviewers with compelling, authentic writing
Start free - 3 cover letter generations every month, no credit card required.
Quick Navigation
Quick Start Guide
Generate your first ATS-optimized cover letter in just 7 minutes. Step-by-step walkthrough.
How Credits Work
Understand our simple credit system. 1 credit = 1 letter. Credits never expire.
ATS Score Explained
Learn what your 0-100 score means and how to improve it for better results.
FAQ
Common questions about the generator, credits, ATS optimization, and more.
How It Works
Analyze the Job
Paste any job description and our AI instantly extracts keywords, categorized by priority (high/medium/low).
What you get:
- 🔴 High-priority keywords (must include)
- 🟡 Medium-priority keywords (should include)
- 🟢 Low-priority keywords (nice to have)
This step is always free - no credit used.
Enter Your Details
Provide your background, achievements, and why you want the job.
Pro tip: Be specific! Include metrics and concrete examples:
- ❌ "Managed projects successfully"
- ✅ "Led 12 product launches, delivering $2.3M in revenue"
Generate Your Letter
Click generate and our AI writes a complete cover letter optimized for:
- ✅ ATS software - Strategic keyword placement
- ✅ Human readers - Compelling narrative and authentic voice
Generation time: 30-60 seconds
Cost: 1 credit (free tier: 3/month)
Review Your Score
Get instant feedback:
- ATS Score (0-100) - Likelihood of passing automated screening
- Keyword analysis - Which keywords matched and where
- Improvement suggestions - How to boost low scores
Target: 75+ for strong confidence
Download & Apply
Download in your preferred format:
- PDF - Ready to submit (recommended)
- DOCX - Editable in Word/Google Docs
Storage: Letters saved for 7 days in your library
Key Features
Free Tools (No Account Required)
All tools are completely free with unlimited usage:
- ATS Score Checker → - Check any cover letter's ATS compatibility
- Keyword Analyzer → - Extract keywords from job descriptions
- Length Checker → - Verify optimal word count
- Resume Keyword Extractor → - Pull keywords from your resume
- Compare Letters → - Side-by-side comparison
Pricing
Simple credit system with no subscriptions:
| Plan | Price | Credits | Per Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | $0 | 3/month | - |
| Starter Pack | $7.99 | 10 credits | $0.80 |
| Pro Pack | $19.99 | 30 credits | $0.67 |
| Bulk Pack | $49.99 | 100 credits | $0.50 |
Credits never expire once purchased. Use them whenever you need them—no pressure, no deadlines.
Why ATS Optimization Matters
67% of job applications are screened by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before humans see them. Most rejections happen in 6 seconds by software scanning for keywords.
The Problem
Without ATS optimization:
- ❌ Your cover letter never reaches hiring managers
- ❌ Missing keywords = automatic rejection
- ❌ Poor formatting = parsing errors
- ❌ Qualified candidates get filtered out
The Solution
With ATS-optimized letters:
- ✅ Pass automated screening
- ✅ Strategic keyword placement
- ✅ Proper formatting for all major ATS platforms
- ✅ 3x higher interview rates (score 75+ vs below 60)
Learn more: Read our comprehensive ATS Score guide →
What Makes Us Different
1. ATS-First Approach
We optimize for both ATS software (keyword matching, formatting) and human appeal (compelling writing, authentic voice).
Balance: 70% structure and optimization, 30% authentic voice
2. Transparent Scoring
You see exactly why your letter scored the way it did:
- Which keywords matched
- Where they appeared
- What's missing
- How to improve
3. Credits Never Expire
Unlike subscriptions that pressure you to use them monthly:
- ✅ Buy credits once, keep them forever
- ✅ Use at your own pace
- ✅ Perfect for intermittent job searching
- ✅ No recurring charges
4. Free Tools
Even without an account, you can:
- Analyze job descriptions
- Check ATS scores
- Extract keywords
- Use all optimization tools
Common Questions
How long does it take?
7 minutes total from job description to finished letter:
- 2 min: Analyze job description
- 2 min: Enter your details
- 1 min: AI generation
- 2 min: Review and download
Do I need to be a good writer?
No! Our AI handles all the writing. You just provide:
- The job description
- Your background and achievements
- Why you want the role
The AI does the rest—structure, tone, keyword optimization, everything.
Can I edit the generated letter?
Yes! Download as DOCX and edit freely in Word or Google Docs. After editing, re-check your ATS score with our free checker to ensure you haven't removed important keywords.
What if I don't like it?
Regenerate! Each generation uses 1 credit, but you can try different approaches by adjusting your input details. Most users find success within 1-2 generations.
Get Started
Ready to Generate Your First Cover Letter?
Free to start. No credit card required. Get 3 cover letters every month.
Additional Resources
Documentation
- Quick Start Guide → - Your first cover letter in 7 minutes
- Credits System → - How credits work and pricing
- ATS Scoring → - Understanding your 0-100 score
- FAQ → - Answers to common questions
Tools & Resources
- Free Tools → - ATS checker, keyword analyzer, and more
- Examples → - Browse cover letters by industry
- Templates → - Download free templates
- Blog → - Tips, strategies, and best practices
Support
- Contact Us → - Get help from our support team
- Privacy Policy → - How we protect your data
- Terms of Service → - Usage terms and conditions
Need help? Our support team typically responds within 24 hours. Contact us →