Quick summary
When you apply for a job, you may be able to add a cover letter and other documents. Some employers need a cover letter, while others make it optional. This article explains when you will get this option and how to add your documents.
Getting started
- Create an account or sign in.
- Find a job that matches your profile and preferences.
- Click or tap Apply now.
Tip: Not sure where to start? Here are some ways to improve your job searches.
When to add a cover letter
During your application
You may get a page with one of these headers:
- Want to include any supporting documents?
- This employer requests a cover letter for this application
You may not get this option
You won't get the cover letter page if:
- The employer hid the cover letter option
- The job doesn't allow attachments
- The cover letter is optional and not needed for your application
- You're using an AI-assisted application, and a draft cover letter is already saved
Adding a cover letter
There are two ways to add supporting documents to your application.
Option 1: Type your cover letter
- Use the cover letter text box.
- If the cover letter is required and the box is empty, you'll get the message Cover letter is required.
- Select Continue to move forward.
Helpful tips
- Your last submitted cover letter may appear automatically. You can edit it.
- Select Clear to remove all text. You'll be asked to confirm.
Option 2: Upload a file
- You can upload up to five documents per job application.
- Supported file types:
- DOCX
- DOC
- TXT
- RTF
- These files may be:
- A cover letter
- Work samples
- Certifications
- Other supporting documents
Important: The upload option may not appear for all jobs or browsers.
Cover letter rules
If a cover letter is required
- You can't skip this step.
- The Apply without cover letter option will not appear.
- You must enter at least one character.
- The limit is 4,000 characters.
If a cover letter is optional
- You can apply with or without one.
- You can usually skip this page.
FAQs
Question: Can I edit a cover letter after I apply?
Answer: No. After you submit an application, you can't edit or replace the cover letter.
Question: Can I get help writing cover letters?
Answer: Yes. Use these FAQs about cover letters to find Career Guide resources about this topic.
Tip: We've answered some common questions about uploading and submitting cover letters.
Contacting us
Step 1
Need more help? Let us know what steps you tried. Include this information so we can investigate the issue:
- A screenshot or screen recording
- Your device type (iPhone, Android, computer)
- Whether you are using the Indeed app
- Your browser name and version (if on a computer)
Step 2
Click or tap Submit a request.