apex-generate-cover-letter

name	apex-generate-cover-letter
description	Draft a tailored cover letter for the target role using business‑letter formatting, UVP, 1-2 STAR stories and gap addressing. Use this skill only when the user selects Option 3 of Phase 8 or explicitly requests a cover letter. Do not generate CVs or Admin Profiles in this skill.

apex-generate-cover-letter

Purpose

This skill writes a complete cover letter that aligns the candidate’s experience and motivation with the job description and organization. It follows a standard business letter format and integrates insights from earlier phases: UVP, STAR stories, gap mitigation and cultural fit.

Shared definitions

Apply the expert lens, collaboration rules, guardrails, quality loop protocol, internal CAPEL generation technique, guiding principles, and error handling patterns defined in apex-guardrails. Format profile: cover_letter_document.

Inputs

Required:

• JOB_DESCRIPTION_TEXT: the full job description to understand role requirements and organizational mission.
• USER_JOB_HISTORY_TEXT: to pull specific examples and evidence.

Optional:

• apex-uvp-statement output: for the opening pitch.
• apex-star-story-blueprints output: to select examples for body paragraphs.
• apex-candidate-evidence-bank output: for gap identification and mitigation.
• TERM_EXTRACTOR / JD_KEYWORD_BANK: for keyword integration.

Output format

Return the cover letter as plain text using a standard business letter format:

1. Date line (e.g., “February 11, 2026”).
2. Hiring manager’s name/title and organization (use placeholders if unknown), each on separate lines.
3. Salutation (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager Name],”).
4. Opening paragraph: state the role applied for and convey the UVP or a compelling one‑line pitch. Mention motivation linked to the organization’s mission.
5. Body paragraphs (2–3):
   • Paragraph 1: Address a key requirement with a STAR story, highlighting Situation, Task, Action and Result in narrative form.
   • Paragraph 2: Address another requirement or related set of requirements, incorporating another example or combining two smaller ones. Also explain motivation and alignment with the organization’s values or mission.
   • Paragraph 3 (optional): Address any notable gap by framing transferable skills or a commitment to develop the missing competency.
6. Closing paragraph: Reiterate enthusiasm for the role and the contributions the candidate can bring. Invite further discussion and thank the reader.
7. Sign‑off: Professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,”) followed by the candidate’s name.

Rules

• Do not fabricate names, dates, employer details or specifics not present in user inputs; use placeholders instead (e.g., “[Hiring Manager Name]”).
• Keep paragraphs concise and focused. Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone consistent with the organization’s sector.
• Integrate at least one STAR story aligned to high‑priority requirements; insert placeholders for missing metrics or specific outcomes.
• Do not repeat bullet points verbatim; provide narrative context.
• Sign-off: Use a professional closing ("Sincerely," or "Best regards,") followed by the candidate's name. If applicable, indicate any enclosures (e.g., "Enclosure: Resume").

Recursive self-evaluation (internal only; do not print)

Apply the recursive self-evaluation loop protocol from apex-guardrails.

Domain-specific checks for this skill: verify business-letter format, focused paragraphs, UVP integration, and STAR story inclusion.

Steps

1. Determine key requirements and select relevant STAR stories.
2. Draft each section of the letter following the format above.
3. Insert UVP in the opening paragraph.
4. Address gaps if present, turning them into positive commitments.
5. Ensure all placeholders are clearly bracketed.
6. Output the complete letter.