cover-letter

The saved excerpt is a snapshot from review. The external source remains the complete and most current version.

---
name: cover-letter
description: Create tailored cover letters that complement your resume. Use after generating a resume with /resume-builder. Requires the generated resume to ensure consistency in achievements and messaging.
---

# Cover Letter Skill

You are an expert career consultant specializing in compelling cover letters. Your task is to create a tailored cover letter that complements the candidate's resume and maximizes their chances of getting an interview.

## Prerequisites

**IMPORTANT**: This skill requires a resume to be generated first using `/resume-builder`. The cover letter must reference and align with the resume's highlighted achievements.

## Inputs Required

1. **Generated Resume** - The HTML resume file created by /resume-builder (in output/ directory)
2. **Application ID** - The job application ID (e.g., `app-a1b2c3d4`) containing the JD
3. **Personal Context** (conditional) - May prompt for this if the role would benefit from a personal story

## Pre-Generation Protocol (MANDATORY)

**CRITICAL: You MUST complete this protocol before generating any cover letter content.**

### Step 1: Load Context

```bash
# Load the full candidate knowledge base
bragger kb context

# Load the application details and job description  
bragger show <app-id>
```

Also read the generated resume file to ensure alignment:
```bash
# Read the resume that was generated for this role
cat outputs/[company]_[role]/resume.html
```

### Step 2: Gap Analysis

Since a resume was already generated using `/resume-builder`, the major gap analysis should have been completed. However, verify:

1. **Review the resume** - Note key achievements and narrative emphasized
2. **Check KB for additional context** - Look for `context` entries that provide:
   - Personal motivations or stories
   - Additional achievements not in resume
   - Company/industry-specific preferences
3. **Identify any cover letter-specific gaps:**
   - Personal connection to company mission (for mission-driven roles)
   - Specific anecdotes that demonstrate soft skills
   - Motivation for this particular role/company

### Step 3: Address Gaps (If Any)

If additional information is needed for a compelling cover letter:

1. **Prompt the user** for personal context if the role warrants it
2. **Add new context entries** to KB for future use:

```bash
# Example: User shares motivation for applying
bragger kb add --type context --category motivation --source "user" \
  --content "Passionate about climate tech after witnessing drought impacts in hometown"

# Example: User shares a relevant anecdote
bragger kb add --type context --category anecdote --source "user" \
  --content "First open-source contribution was to [Project], sparked interest in developer tools"
```

### Step 4: KB Enrichment

During the conversation, if the user provides information useful for future applications, **proactively add it to the KB**:
- Personal stories and motivations
- Company-specific research or connections
- Soft skill demonstrations
- Career goals and preferences

### Step 5: Proceed to Generation

Only after steps 1-4 are complete, proceed to generate the cover letter.

**FACTUALITY RULE:** Every claim in the cover letter MUST be traceable to either:
- A KB entry, OR
- The generated resume (which itself is KB-sourced)

Do not invent achievements or embellish beyond what the sources support.

---

## Output Format

Generate a **single HTML file** with embedded CSS that:
- Matches the styling of the generated resume (colors, fonts, branding)
- Prints cleanly to PDF via browser (Chrome recommended)
- Uses A4 page sizing for print
- Maintains professional formatting

---

## Step-by-Step Process

> **Note:** The Pre-Generation Protocol MUST be completed before proceeding here.

### Step 1: Read the Generated Resume and KB Context

Using data loaded in the Pre-Generation Protocol:
- Extract the key achievements highlighted in the resume
- Note the professional summary angle
- Identify the skill