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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@_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

[@caneloANDRETTi]

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

[@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!

[@mariarueda7915]

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

[@nitishpundir5474]

same here

[@diethercordial8141]

Oui je suis coach

[@NopeYeah-k3e]

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

[@jala112]

super simple, yet affective !

[@Indeed]

Glad you like it! -CL

[@atienomarion]

I just had to like and save the video cause i enjoyed watching it so much. Its a fun way of learning.

[@Sol78651]

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

[@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. 🎉

[@beis-c1n]

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

[@emmyjay4866]

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

[@azaizer]

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 :)

[@azaizer]

@@_quixote thanks for the kind words!

[@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

[@sexytrumpetboi]

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

[@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 !

[@nurhairulafiqa3437]

this video is very important to me if doing of cover letter. this is almost helpful, than any video i've seen on youtube

[@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

[@portuga5752]

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

[@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 😄

[@feelingsintheabyss470]

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

[@Indeed]

You are so welcome!

[@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

[@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!!

[@Micha-Hil]

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

[@VishnuMenon]

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

[@Incognito-ru9hk]

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

[@carolinaqueseyo2365]

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

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! -CC

[@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.

[@amaarquadri]

Who else is here cause of COVID?

[@clincpb8903]

You.

[@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

[@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.

[@IkeSan]

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

[@austinb3560]

Thank you I kinda struggle with forming a good cover letter

[@dr.khyriabasheir5064]

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

[@dominiqueih]

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

[@eazysamy2532]

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

[@Mob78]

Bold of you to assume I am skilled at anything

[@4est64]

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

[@Indeed]

Much appreciated! -CC

[@christiangarza7189]

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

[@Celestyal22]

A quick and easy to understand video, thank you.

[@growler1412]

Thank you so much.

[@nickydaley345]

This was helpful, thanks!

[@Indeed]

Glad to hear it, Nicky! -CC

[@victorcamara2155]

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

[@vannawhitesbabbydaddy9390]

God Bless You! Thank You! 🙏✝️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@noobantimonitor1014]

guess shit got real boys

[@HLJOHNO]

Genuinely VERY helpful, thank you Indeed.

[@nerdcouncil]

Pulling out all the stops INDEED! I love it!

[@sohaibalkhalfah1780]

this videos are great to have enough knowledge about Indeed

[@Marsha_Ann]

This was perfect, thank you!

[@foreverone546]

Awesome video. Thank you for making it.

[@muhammadfikriaimanbinariff4945]

Simple and perfect letter.

[@karenpes7280]

This video is so cute!!

[@glorynwabude1095]

Amazing tips Subscribed❤️

[@Indeed]

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

[@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!

[@danielkhorami1524]

This is simple and great.

[@emmanuellesuarez3538]

Thanks!

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! -CC

[@kimojumamil6121]

Thank you so much. Very helpful

[@watermelon490]

This was really helpful

[@danifaillace8062]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@andreassalgadog]

Short but very informative video 👌🏻

[@javovichluqsman5492]

Great, straightforward video 😊

[@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

[@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.

[@Chi_The_Cat_0]

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.

[@ashleyaniton2684]

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

[@dominictatreau4555]

Thank u

[@fiskburk2908]

Thanks for the tip

[@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!!!

[@stephanieortiz5219]

Why she got a fupa?

[@erfanvatanparasti2949]

was great I liked it 👍

[@mebcn5850]

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

[@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

[@Tyboii1999]

Wow this was really helpful

[@Indeed]

Glad it helped! -CC

[@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.

[@BombzOnZombz]

Thank you

[@Anne-cs7mu]

my lecture reccomended this vid..

[@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

[@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

[@thisgirlisoverit]

because Indeed is delusional af😍

[@dazhaninfontillo1200]

Very useful

[@DarkWinterAMV]

I'm using this to study

[@johnrainsman6650]

Please reply soon. I have a question. I'm going to apply to a new job because the hours at my current job are slow and competitive and I can't stand my boss. Both applications (that I found online) ask about my previous workplace and my employer. One says "Company, Phone, Address, Supervisor, Job Title, Starting Salary, Ending Salary" etc. The other mentions employer's name and address. So either company would really contact my boss as a reference? I don't want that; I worry she would make me look bad. I admit, I've made mistakes at my current job that she's witnessed. Not enough to fire me, but still. I mean, sure, I was always a hard worker, and she once thanked me for it (though it sounded fake in tone, like she was JUST saying it). BUT...there were times I seemed irresponsible. I'll spare the time on the details unless someone asks for it. Let's just say she isn't so much the context-understanding type (especially since my learning disability makes me do "dumb" things). She's one of the reasons I want to leave the job: to stop feeling like an idiot and be more competent somewhere else. And that's precisely one reason I do _not_ want her speaking of me for this other job. Meanwhile, for said mistakes, how do I know she won't mention them, thus costing me my potential new job? _IS_ her name and address so they can contact her?

[@gold9994]

IS her name and address so they can contact her? Most likely, they won't even contact her. And no, she won't say bad things about you, if she did get contacted (as long as you tell her before that you're leaving with other reasons). Make sure your cover letter is around 200-400 words. 400 is probably the limit, since the HR will go through hundreds of cover letter, they won't have time to check your 1000 words cover letter (this is a short introduction about yourself, not a research proposal).

[@johnrainsman6650]

@@gold9994Thanks. I'm gonna tell her tomorrow that I'm applying to a coffee shop and will put her down as previous employer. How would you word it, if you were me? You say them contacting her is a total "IF"? You sound so sure she won't say bad things about me. See, one time, she scolded me for getting a plate of food to eat when I was supposed to be working, but it's not as simple as it sounds. In actuality, I was going to take a bite every free moment I had, while continuing on with my work. NOT a sit-and-eat break. Basically multitasking while chewing. Of course, she didn't know or understand this; she told me to throw my food away. That's one mistake I made that I'm worried she would talk about. She COULD make me sound irresponsible or stupid with the new company. She is not a deep thinking, context-seeking person. I'd love to hear the foolish mistakes SHE'S made.

[@AIanimationstorieswithbonny]

More than helpful animation

[@aaravdalmia2362]

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

[@Nattysimms]

Method of loci! Nice! 👊🏾

[@nathanielss9301]

thanks

[@lorenausanlightvlog]

Thanks for the tips u shared

[@GabrielConstantinides]

readable in 10 seconds or less!???

[@Suradinho]

Tremendous Work❤

[@veniccekilos]

this helped alot tysmm