Crafting a standout HR Generalist cover letter can be a real challenge, especially if you're already deep into the job-hunting process. While your resume lays out the facts, your cover letter is your chance to weave a compelling narrative around your proudest professional achievement. Remember, authenticity triumphs over cliches—strive for a formal tone that still reflects your unique voice. And keep it concise; this powerful introduction to your skills should fit neatly on one page. Ready to learn how? Let's dive in.
- Personalize the greeting to address the recruiter and your introduction that fits the role;
- Follow good examples for individual roles and industries from job-winning cover letters;
- Decide on your most noteworthy achievement to stand out;
- Format, download, and submit your hr generalist cover letter, following the best HR practices.
Use the power of Enhancv's AI: drag and drop your hr generalist resume, which will swiftly be converted into your job-winning cover letter.
If the hr generalist isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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HR generalist cover letter example
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- Emphasizing quantifiable achievements such as the reduction in hiring time from 45 to 28 days effectively showcases the candidate's ability to deliver concrete results, which is crucial for an HR Generalist role.
- Highlighting the implementation of a new performance management system that increased employee engagement by 25% demonstrates the candidate's proficiency in employee relations and ability to create a positive workplace culture, key aspects of the HR Generalist position.
- Expressing alignment with the company's values, such as innovation and efficiency, suggests that the candidate has done their research and is genuinely interested in the company, making them a more attractive candidate.
What are the basics of the design or format of your hr generalist cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your hr generalist cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading hr generalist cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your hr generalist cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your hr generalist cover letter or its body.
End your hr generalist cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
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The top sections on a hr generalist cover letter
- Header: Include your name, contact information, and date to ensure the recruiter knows who you are and how to contact you; also, align the header style with your resume for a professional look.
- Greeting: Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name if possible to personalize the cover letter and show that you’ve done your research on the company.
- Opening Paragraph: Begin with a strong introduction that hooks the reader's interest, explaining why you're excited about the HR Generalist role and why you believe your skills are a perfect fit for the company.
- Professional Experience and Skills: Highlight your relevant HR experience, key accomplishments, and specific skills that pertain to an HR Generalist, demonstrating your knowledge in employee relations, compliance, and talent management.
- Closing Paragraph: End with a proactive closing that reiterates your enthusiasm for the role, invites further discussion, and thanks the reader for considering your application, showing your professionalism and understanding of etiquette.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Strong understanding of employment laws and regulatory compliance: To ensure the organization adheres to all legal requirements and minimizes risk.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: For effective employee relations, conflict resolution, and to facilitate clear and compassionate communication with staff at all levels.
- Experience in benefits administration and payroll processes: To manage employee compensation and benefits efficiently and accurately, which is crucial for employee satisfaction.
- Proven ability in recruiting and staffing initiatives: To attract and retain top talent, which directly influences the company's success and culture.
- Capability in developing and implementing HR policies and programs: To create a structured work environment and culture that align with the company’s goals and ensure consistent application of policies.
- HRIS (Human Resources Information System) proficiency: To streamline HR processes, maintain accurate employee data, and generate reports for strategic decision-making.
How to greet recruiters in your hr generalist cover letter salutation
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your hr generalist cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
- greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
- using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
- writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear [Title] [Last Name],
- Dear Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
Using your hr generalist cover letter intro to show your dedication
We know just how difficult it is to start writing your hr generalist cover letter introduction.
There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?
How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?
Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.
A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated hr generalist professional.
What comes next: your hr generalist cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your hr generalist cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your hr generalist cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action
You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your hr generalist cover letter.
But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?
Most hr generalist professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.
Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).
Choose to close your hr generalist cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your hr generalist cover letter?
Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your hr generalist cover letter.
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
We hope this hr generalist cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:
- Format your hr generalist cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
- Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
- Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
- Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your hr generalist cover letter body;
- Write no more than two sentences in your hr generalist cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.
