How to Write a Cover Letter

Find more cover letter tips: go.indeed.com/...
Get started with free cover letter templates: go.indeed.com/...
Not sure how to write a cover letter? In this video, we walk through each part of a cover letter sample, explain how a cover letter boosts your application and review the best cover letter format. Since cover letters are a chance to say why you're a great fit for a role and how a job links to your professional goals or background, they're worth the extra effort. Remember, the smallest moves are sometimes the smartest!
Follow this easy format for a great cover letter:
1. Header: Include the date, your name, address, and other contact information
2. Greeting: Try to address the hiring manager by name. If you can’t, use “Dear Hiring Manager”.
3. First Paragraph: This is your attention getter! Enthusiastically tell the employer why you’re applying for the job. Include why you’re excited and how the role lines up with your career goals. Make your cover letter stand out with these powerful starters: go.indeed.com/...
4. Middle Paragraph: This is where you get to dig into your most relevant experience. Don’t simply repeat the bullet points on your resume; highlight your specific qualifications and skills that make you a perfect fit for the job.
5. Third Paragraph: Thank the employer and take this opportunity to clarify any potential questions like long gaps in employment. Be sure to thank the employer and close with a complimentary, but formal close and signature. See more examples of how to close a cover letter: go.indeed.com/...
5. Make sure to proofread your cover letter. Use this cover letter checklist before hitting submit: go.indeed.com/...
Watch more episodes of Smart & Small: • Top Resume Skills | In...
Search for your next job: www.indeed.com/
Indeed is the world's #1 job site, with over 250 million unique visitors* every month from over 60 different countries. We provide free access to search and apply for jobs, post your resume, research companies, and compare salaries. Every day, we connect millions of people to new opportunities. On our KZbin channel, you’ll find tips and personal stories to help you take the next step in your job search.
*Google Analytics, Unique Visitors, September 2018
**Terms, conditions and quality standards apply.
#coverletter #howtowriteacoverletter #coverletterformat

[@starhill6792]

I still have NO idea what to write, but at least I understand the format. Wish these things were taught in schooling.

[@luandaalima]

Hi Star! I can make a perfect cover letter for you for only $10. Just reply me and I will send you my e-mail. Cheers.

[@danitapia8881]

Thank you! It feels nice to know that I am not alone here. I swear trying to write a cover letter gives me anxiety because I also assume that it is not good enough or that it is wrong altogether.

[@BlueStinger475]

@@danitapia8881 I failed this one assignment because I had no idea what to write. I fully understand the anxiety. Fortunately I can redo it but I still don't know what to write

[@danitapia8881]

@@BlueStinger475 I had to write one for a college course (along with resume and CV) before and it sucked. The teacher had us (the students) grade each others work so I think the girl that did mine went easy on me. ugggh the stress

[@s_ec_r_et5008]

Yeah I’m at highschool… my English teacher is asking us to write this shit… seems like when I get there I’ll know what to do… YAY! If only this wasn’t THE LAST FUCKING DAY OF SCHOOL :v This is just her giving us work bc she wasn’t able to come to school today 😒

[@GarnetStarz]

This is actually a lot better to understand than most videos I've seen. I love using indeed so much.

[@Indeed]

Thanks so much! We are glad you enjoyed it. -CL

[@kuuly3334]

Indeed

[@sohaibalkhalfah1780]

i agree it’s easy to understand in these Videos

[@TRAPEDUNDERVENEZUELA]

rt

[@Sausage_Burgler420]

That’s what I’m saying!

[@xornedge8204]

This is insanely helpful and well explained for such a short video. As Einstein said: "If you can't explain something simply, you just don't know it well enough." and this video nails the simplicity!

[@KindCurls]

This is real quality stop motion animation, good for you for thinking outside of the box! It's so much more interesting.

[@Indeed]

Thank you, Joshua! We are so glad you enjoyed the video. - KT

[@REV_O1]

This was alot more helpful, than any other video I've seen on KZbin about cover letters. Short & easy to understand.

[@Indeed]

Awesome! -CC

[@gabrielakrist11]

as a job seeker who is actively looking a job, watching this video helps me a lot on writing my own cover letters 💗 thank you so much for this cover letter writing tips, Indeed! 💗

[@michaelsherron7815]

These types of formats for teaching are needed now more than ever before in this day and age. Thanks!

[@Indeed]

Thanks you so much for watching! Definitely check out the rest of our channel for videos on interview skills, resume tips, and so much more.

[@TakaMitsukai]

As someone who just needed something quick before submitting an application, this is spot on and fun to watch! It absolutely hits the mark!

[@boredfive3001]

A lot of work just to get work

[@dominiqueih]

I know for real

[@boredfive3001]

@@dominiqueih I've submitted so many resumes with a cover letter attached. Not one single job hired me. I guess there's an absorbent amount of people applying for jobs with "better credentials". Good thing I have money, i'm just not trying to lose it. Which is why I am looking for work in the first place. However it just seems like never ending cycle of applying and getting rejected. Only had one interview after submitting my resume and it wasn't even a real interview. It was pre-recorded. No follow up. My best advice is find a trade, a family member that can get you hired at their place of work, or be an entrepreneur. Because there are no jobs available even if the jobs say their hiring. The market is over saturated.

[@NC_BamBam]

it’s 3 paragraphs. That’s like 10 mins of your time.

[@_quixote]

I’ve been putting off a cover letter for a while. It’s time to finally lock in. I didn’t expect indeed’s guide to be that good though

[@Pablo_Martin_aa]

Straight to the point, just how i like my cup of tea

[@carmenpuisis1082]

This is a good video about how to write a great cover letter. Thank you for sharing.

[@Indeed]

You're welcome, Carmen! -CC

[@caneloANDRETTi]

Excellent video, straight to the point with great examples and extremely easy to follow!

[@Sol78651]

Things appear to be more beautiful when it gets simplified. Thank you, Indeed !

[@jala112]

super simple, yet affective !

[@Indeed]

Glad you like it! -CL

[@emmyjay4866]

This is so beautiful and efficient at the same time, thank you

[@user-td9yh5yo3l]

Thanks you so much for not putting a background music during the main conversation!

[@PRATERVXEX]

It’s incredibly silly for an employer to require this when all they have to do is stop being lazy and review your résumé that you already submitted, but I’m very grateful for this explanation.

[@iAmBeautifulAlways]

Cover letters are so important !! Never had a problem finding a job because I do cover letters where I explain why I’m fit for the job. 🎉

[@user-xn8sc2ql6d]

Can u write from me my cover letter as English teacher plz I need it .

[@dirceualejandrogutierrezca7515]

Indeed just taught me more in less than two minutes than the obligatory 6 hours of videos that my college gave me.

[@Indeed]

So happy we could be of help to you! If you want even more tips, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFHFE4fToxnH-3-8i3lvxbxf

[@streiya]

Wow! The easiest 2 minutes of your life understanding how to successfully and meaningfully write a cover letter! Thanks so much for this!

[@_quixote]

I agree. Good luck on your job searching :)

[@streiya]

@@_quixote thanks for the kind words!

[@mariarueda7915]

I'm learning English and this video helped me too much to my Writing. Thanks :3

[@nitishpundir5474]

same here

[@sexytrumpetboi]

I'm writing an english test tomorrow with a cover letter so this video really helps me understanding this

[@eukoyonoh]

Absolutely precise and holistic. Thank you.

[@Indeed]

You're very welcome! If you need additional cover letter help, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFH4FM09PFM6nal8RFuDmS90

[@Tiger_the_Gunner]

Why should I write a paragraph about myself...…..lol...….everything is mentioned in the resume with headline points and that's easy to understand...…we need a job in the workplace, not a creative story-telling position in any media/podcast...…..hihihi 😄

[@Abominatrix650]

This is incredibly helpful. Thanks very much.

[@Indeed]

You're very welcome! Check out our playlist here for more additional help: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFEeNoj2cZbcwzD9yUPAv7ax

[@VishnuMenon]

THat's a very well made video! Love the art direction

[@feelingsintheabyss470]

I loved this! Very informative, creative, and entertaining! Thank you!

[@Indeed]

You are so welcome!

[@Incognito-ru9hk]

Great video and explanation, The character is built kinda funny though and kept throwing me off.

[@matthewpickard6641]

Quick, easy and to the point. Like it alot!

[@luandaalima]

Hi Mattew! I can make a perfect cover letter for you for only $10.Just reply me and I will send you my e-mail. Cheers.

[@dominiqueih]

This was so easy to understand! Thank you so much for a great video.

[@carolinaqueseyo2365]

Very well explain, it's foolproof, thank you very much!

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! -CC

[@dr.khyriabasheir5064]

Wow, this is the best cover I have ever seen!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Izzy-lc9dg]

Thank you!! I'm using this for a project that I have to do in English (I have to write a resume and cover letter for a fictional character from a book)!! This helps me quite a lot!!

[@christiangarza7189]

Thanks!!! Need to write one tomorrow!!!!!

[@sojorocky]

Would you be willing to make your video closed captioned to be more accessible to all people? I teach a college class on Career Planning and would love to include this great video for my students but because it's not closed captioned, I can't. If there is another way that I am missing, please let me know.

[@finleycamp7971]

It does have closed captions but you have to activate them. In the bottom right there should be a [cc] button right beside the settings button, if you click the [cc] button it should activate the closed captions. Hope this helps!

[@eazysamy2532]

Thank you. This Indeed has helped me greatly. ; )

[@Celestyal22]

A quick and easy to understand video, thank you.

[@amaarquadri]

Who else is here cause of COVID?

[@clincpb8903]

You.

[@portuga5752]

In the middle paragraph what if the person doesn't have experience.

[@nickydaley345]

This was helpful, thanks!

[@Indeed]

Glad to hear it, Nicky! -CC

[@Marsha_Ann]

This was perfect, thank you!

[@HLJOHNO]

Genuinely VERY helpful, thank you Indeed.

[@foreverone546]

Awesome video. Thank you for making it.

[@vannawhitesbabbydaddy9390]

God Bless You! Thank You! 🙏✝️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Mob78]

Bold of you to assume I am skilled at anything

[@RealPaPanda]

she scares me

[@ifeanyipaschal2614]

Then, you aren't ready to get a job yet 😂😂

[@RealPaPanda]

@@ifeanyipaschal2614 ouch

[@veckie]

straight men are often afraid of women, that’s fine

[@clarkialouis8655]

😂😂😂

[@fabiansimpson2022]

But she knows !

[@4est64]

As others have been saying, great video. Concise and short!

[@Indeed]

Much appreciated! -CC

[@nerdcouncil]

Pulling out all the stops INDEED! I love it!

[@danielkhorami1524]

This is simple and great.

[@kimojumamil6121]

Thank you so much. Very helpful

[@IkeSan]

Where I live you only send the CV so it is the 1st time I know about the cover letter. Thanks.

[@sohaibalkhalfah1780]

this videos are great to have enough knowledge about Indeed

[@karenpes7280]

This video is so cute!!

[@muhammadfikriaimanbinariff4945]

Simple and perfect letter.

[@watermelon490]

This was really helpful

[@fiskburk2908]

Thanks for the tip

[@austinb3560]

Thank you I kinda struggle with forming a good cover letter

[@glorynwabude1095]

Amazing tips Subscribed❤️

[@Indeed]

Thanks for subbing! If you need any additional tips, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFH4FM09PFM6nal8RFuDmS90

[@javovichluqsman5492]

Great, straightforward video 😊

[@danifaillace8062]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@victorcamara2155]

Yay I am indeed applying for an engineer position thanks so much XD

[@erfanvatanparasti2949]

was great I liked it 👍

[@azgirl7986]

Thank you for this, it is straight to the point! However, what can I write if I don’t have any achievements? Please help! 🙏🏼 Thank you!

[@Indeed]

Do you mean you don't have much experience? Here is a resource that may help you - indeedhi.re/31L851Z. -CC

[@andreassalgadog]

Short but very informative video 👌🏻

[@emmanuellesuarez3538]

Thanks!

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! -CC

[@dominictatreau4555]

Thank u

[@glennusher4160]

Such a Clear and Simple Video. Great Work!.

[@luandaalima]

Hi Glenn. I can make a perfect cover letter for you for only $10. Just reply me and I will send you my e-mail. Cheers.

[@lorenausanlightvlog]

Thanks for the tips u shared

[@growthfellas]

Apart from this precious information, Can you tell how such animations are made please?

[@luandaalima]

Hi Aymar. I can make a perfect cover letter for you for only $10. Just reply me and I will send you my e-mail. Cheers.

[@IrREZistible]

Thank you

[@gordon9177]

hell ya, this is very effective info.

[@diethercordial8141]

Oui je suis coach

[@veniccekilos]

this helped alot tysmm

[@Suradinho]

Tremendous Work❤

[@Nattysimms]

Method of loci! Nice! 👊🏾

[@bonnyreports]

More than helpful animation

[@nathanielss9301]

thanks

[@Anne-cs7mu]

my lecture reccomended this vid..

[@jeanniesonnentag4946]

Good tips

[@DarkWinterAMV]

I'm using this to study

[@gildenscale7951]

So do we just put, "Cover Letter" on the top?

[@Indeed]

No, your name and contact information should lead at the top, just like your resume. The video was just labeling what the document was. -CC

[@gildenscale7951]

@@Indeed thanks so much!

[@Salty3439]

Thank you Lady

[@habtamusium8646]

lovely !

[@RealRainOnly]

I agree with the comments; actual care went into this and now with a little help from ChatGPT, I have an amazing cover letter! Just make sure it fits on one page. I had some spilling over.

[@nicorepetto5781]

How tf is an employer expected to read a 250-400 word cover letter in 10 seconds? You cannot write a good cover letter than can be read in 10 seconds

[@Spoot401]

*Each paragraph should be able to be read in ~10 seconds

[@christineheredero1477]

Super cute animation!!!! I love this! it's also very informative. Btw I'd like to recommend a tool to anyone who wants to put all their accomplishments in one dashboard with no limit of upload unlike a regular resume. It allows anyone to send a custom job pitch like video presentations to employers other than a cover letter. It's the digital portfolio platform of Sizigi. It def helped me land interviews!!!

[@sedgi404wizard]

This is very helpful

[@Indeed]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!

[@popshot5021]

7,000th like apparently 😃 Hopefully this information can help me snag an IT job.

[@luandaalima]

Hi Pop. I can make a perfect cover letter for you for only $10. Just reply to me and I will send you my e-mail. Cheers.

[@aaravdalmia2362]

"It shows your personality with three different paragraphs" *uses books as stairs*

[@maindepth8830]

How do i do one for a graduate where i have 0 experience other than uni projects. Other than that this video was very helpful

[@Micha-Hil]

Great video, but 0:21 why did she just leave the microwave? That's a bit reckless

[@hossainaktar5737]

Excellent

[@mebcn5850]

But even if you have all your details in the CV, still have to write them in the cover letter?

[@ashleyaniton2684]

I'm confused, the introduction is informal however the examples on indeed's website are the opposite.

[@robtula1983]

awesome

[@christiangreen2324]

this is so annoying, why do we have to pander to employers, they need us so their business can continue, without us "the working class" the entirety of society falls, we should all pull our weight more and force our demands on big business.

[@krishnamaggarwal9167]

Becoz if you won't somebody else will. If you are the person with those best qualifications, employers will be bidding for you.

[@tegathemenace]

Yeah writing some formal letter is done by everyone. Business owners included. What you on about😂

[@note4note858]

They get alot of applicants. They need some way to find the needle in the haystack.

[@tynce563]

I’ve been applying fiercely to beginner level, no experience required, minimum wage jobs that I’m extremely overqualified for, in my shitty small town, with a supposed “bulletproof job market,” for the last 2 months. I cannot tell you how many listings I’ve come across that are offering 15 hours a week/$10 bucks an hour, that require applicants submit a cover letter. What in gods green earth is happening to our job market?

[@Immadeus]

Real

[@nusratjahan7775]

Cover letter is mail body or we should add it as a attached file?? Thanks

[@Indeed]

Hi Nusrat, if you are referring to sending your cover letter in an email, then it should be an attached file. -CC

[@LisaFrankie143]

love this! but no ones giving their address anymore lmao lets stop forcing that

[@theyoutubeguy1]

Lol, you should sign off the letter with 'faithfully' as you don't know the person you are writing too, even I know that...