Project Overview
The Upwork Cover Letter Generator is a Chrome extension designed to help freelancers save time and improve their job application success rate on Upwork. By leveraging AI technology, this extension generates personalized, professional cover letters tailored to specific job postings in seconds. Built with a Go backend API, PostgreSQL database, and containerized with Docker, it demonstrates a full-stack approach to browser extension development with modern cloud infrastructure.
Tech Stack
- Frontend: Chrome Extension (Manifest V3), JavaScript, HTML/CSS
- Backend: Go, RESTful API
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Infrastructure: Docker, Docker Compose
- AI Integration: LLM API for content generation
- Deployment: Railway (Production)
Key Challenges
- Context Extraction: Accurately extracting job requirements and freelancer profile data from Upwork’s dynamic web pages
- AI Prompt Engineering: Crafting prompts that generate relevant, professional cover letters while avoiding generic templates
- Performance Optimization: Ensuring fast response times for AI generation without impacting user experience
- Cross-Origin Restrictions: Handling Chrome’s security policies while communicating between extension and external API
- Scalability: Designing a system that can handle multiple concurrent users with varying API rate limits
Solutions
Smart Content Extraction:
- Implemented content scripts that intelligently parse Upwork job postings
- Extracted key requirements, skills, and project details using DOM manipulation
- Built adaptive selectors to handle Upwork’s UI changes
AI-Powered Generation Engine:
- Developed sophisticated prompt templates that combine job requirements with user profiles
- Implemented context-aware generation that maintains professional tone while being personalized
- Added customization options for tone, length, and focus areas
Robust Backend Architecture:
- Built RESTful API with Go for high-performance request handling
- Implemented PostgreSQL for storing user preferences and generation history
- Used Docker for consistent development and deployment environments
- Created efficient caching mechanisms to reduce API calls
Seamless Extension Integration:
- Utilized Chrome Extension Manifest V3 for modern security standards
- Implemented background service workers for persistent functionality
- Created intuitive popup interface for quick access to features
- Added content injection for seamless integration with Upwork’s interface
Features & Innovation
- One-Click Generation: Generate tailored cover letters directly from job posting pages
- Profile Integration: Automatically incorporates freelancer’s skills and experience
- Customization Options: Adjust tone, length, and emphasis based on job type
- Template Library: Save and reuse successful cover letter templates
- Analytics Dashboard: Track application success rates and optimize templates
- Multi-Language Support: Generate cover letters in multiple languages
Impact & Results
- Reduces cover letter writing time from 15-30 minutes to under 30 seconds
- Helps freelancers apply to more jobs with higher quality proposals
- Improves application-to-interview conversion rates through personalization
- Supports thousands of freelancers in competitive job markets
Technical Implementation Details
- API Design: RESTful endpoints with JWT authentication
- Database Schema: Optimized for user preferences and generation history
- Docker Configuration: Multi-stage builds for production optimization
- Security: Implemented rate limiting and input validation
- Monitoring: Integrated logging and error tracking
Lessons Learned
- Mastered Chrome Extension development with Manifest V3 and its security model
- Gained expertise in Go backend development and RESTful API design
- Learned to integrate AI services effectively while managing costs and performance
- Developed skills in Docker containerization and microservices architecture
- Understood the importance of user feedback in iterative product development
- Learned to balance AI automation with maintaining authenticity in generated content
Attachments
Extension in Action — Job Posting Integration
AI Cover Letter Generation Interface
Customization Options
Generated Cover Letter Preview
Project Repository: Upwork Cover Letter Generator