Embarking on your job search, you've realized a compelling HR cover letter is a must, yet mastering this pivotal document is no small feat. It’s not about echoing your resume; it's your chance to captivate with a narrative of your proudest professional triumph. Steer clear of the well-trodden clichés and strive for formality with a personal touch, all within the confines of a concise, one-page letter that sets you apart. Let's tackle the art of the cover letter together.
In the next few paragraphs, our hr cover letter writing guide will show you how to:
- Personalize your hr cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your hr cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your hr cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your hr cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your hr resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
If the hr isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- HR resume guide and example
- People Manager cover letter example
- Problem Manager cover letter example
- HR Generalist cover letter example
- Benefits Manager cover letter example
- HR Manager cover letter example
- Training Director cover letter example
- HR Director cover letter example
- District Manager cover letter example
- Diversity And Inclusion Manager cover letter example
- HR Analyst cover letter example
HR cover letter example
Charlotte Jones
Fort Worth, Texas
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
Having shaped human resources practices to great effect in past roles, I have followed with keen interest the trailblazing initiatives at your firm which resonate deeply with my professional philosophy.
At Globex Corporation, I led a diversity and inclusion initiative that not only enriched the company culture but also led to a measurable 40% increase in minority representation within the leadership team. This was a strategic maneuver that enhanced our operations and set a benchmark for our industry, reflecting my intrinsic ability to align HR objectives with overarching business goals.
My ardor for transforming workplace culture through actionable HR strategies impels me to seek a conversation regarding how my expertise can be of service to your team. An opportunity to contribute my skills and continue honing my acumen within your organization would be a professional pinnacle.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Jones
Senior HR Business Partner
What makes this cover letter good:
- Highlighting past achievements: The cover letter mentions a successful diversity and inclusion initiative, providing specific results such as a 40% increase in minority representation in leadership, which demonstrates the candidate's ability to implement effective HR strategies.
- Connecting personal values with company values: Referencing the "trailblazing initiatives" at the company shows that the candidate has done their research and is genuinely interested in the company's work, thereby establishing a value alignment between the candidate and potential employer.
- Aligning HR objectives with business goals: The applicant showcases strategic thinking by demonstrating how HR initiatives have previously enhanced operations and set industry benchmarks, implying a strong understanding of how HR supports broader business objectives.
- Expressing a desire for professional growth: The candidate conveys enthusiasm for contributing to the team and continuing to develop their skills, suggesting a forward-looking and growth-oriented mindset.
Structuring and formatting your hr cover letter
Here's what the structure of your hr cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your hr resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your hr cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your hr cover letter.
The top sections on a hr cover letter
- Header: Include your name, contact information, and the date, as well as the employer's name and address; this provides a professional-looking structure and makes it easy for the recruiter to identify who you are and how to contact you.
- Greeting: Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name if possible; a personalized greeting shows that you've done your research and are serious about the position.
- Opening Paragraph: Start with a strong introduction that captures the recruiter's attention and clearly states the HR position you're applying for; this sets the tone for why you are the right candidate.
- HR-Specific Expertise and Experience: In the body of the cover letter, highlight your relevant HR experience, knowledge of employment laws, and interpersonal skills; this demonstrates your capability to handle HR responsibilities effectively.
- Closing and Call to Action: End your cover letter with a professional closing statement and a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the role and inviting the recruiter to discuss your application further; it's a proactive way to encourage a response.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Deep understanding of employment laws and regulations: Essential for ensuring the company's hiring practices are legally compliant.
- Expertise in talent acquisition and recruitment strategies: Key for attracting and retaining the best candidates in a competitive job market.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Necessary to engage effectively with candidates, employees, and management at all levels.
- Experience with HR software and tools: Proficiency in using applicant tracking systems, HR information systems, and performance management platforms streamlines HR processes and improves efficiency.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information: HR professionals deal with personal employee data and must maintain discretion and integrity.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills: Important for mediating disputes, addressing employee concerns, and fostering a harmonious workplace environment.
Greeting recruiters with your hr cover letter salutation
What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?
Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.
Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.
Address recruiters in the hr greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").
If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,
What to include in those first two sentences, or your hr cover letter introduction
Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the hr cover letter introduction?
There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.
Some professionals start their hr cover letter by:
- congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
- aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.
Intro Paragraph
Immersed in the innovative culture at [Company Name] that champions inclusive excellence and community involvement, I am poised to contribute to your HR team's continued success. My track record in shaping resilient HR frameworks aligns seamlessly with your commitment to fostering a dynamic and empowering workplace.
RIGHT
What comes next: your hr cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your hr 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 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.
Body Paragraph
At XYZ Corp, I spearheaded a recruitment drive that reduced hiring cycle time by 30% while increasing the quality of candidates, as reflected in a 40% growth in departmental productivity. This was achieved through the implementation of a targeted interview process and the introduction of candidate assessment analytics.
RIGHT
Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your hr cover letter
Closing your hr cover letter, you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.
End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.
Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.
Closing Paragraph
I am eager to discuss how my skills align with the team at [Company Name] and would welcome the opportunity to interview.
RIGHT
What could you write about in your hr cover letter when you have no experience
Candidates with zero professional experience often struggle to write their hr cover letter.
You may lack experience, but your application could still be impressive when you focus on your strengths.
Consider your most relevant talents (and/or one achievement) that align with the role and help you stand out.
Perhaps you spent every summer volunteering at your local dog pound - think of the job-relevant skills this experience taught you.
Sharing your tangible career goals is another good strategy to stand out.
Key takeaways
Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise hr cover letter that:
- Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the hr resume;
- Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
- Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
- Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
- Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.
HR cover letter examples
Explore additional hr cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Human Resources Intern
For a Human Resources Intern application, it's essential to showcase any experience with office administration or organizational roles. Excellent interpersonal and ethical judgment skills are key. It is beneficial to mention any relevant coursework, such as 'Introduction to Human Resources' or 'Organizational Behavior', and include their duration. Detail specific scenarios where your ability to mediate conflicts or manage schedules has led to positive outcomes, using a concise 'situation-action-result' format to illustrate your contributions and potential impact on the HR team.
Entry-Level Human Resources
When crafting a cover letter for an Entry-Level Human Resources position, it's important to showcase any experience in administrative support or people management. Highlight strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as these are essential for managing employee records and assisting with recruitment processes. If you have relevant education like a degree in Human Resources Management or courses in labor law, emphasize this and detail the length of study. Demonstrate your ability with a 'skill-action-result' model to show how you've successfully supported HR functions or improved workplace efficiency in past roles.
Junior Human Resources
When targeting a Junior Human Resources position, showcase any experience you have in administrative support or office management. A command over interpersonal and organizational skills is essential. If you’ve attended workshops like 'HR Fundamentals' or 'Conflict Resolution', be sure to list them to establish a foundational knowledge in HR practices. Illustrate how your abilities have streamlined processes or improved employee relations in past roles with a clear 'skill-action-result' formula, emphasizing the positive impact your contributions have made.
By Role
Human Resources Coordinator
When seeking a Human Resources Coordinator position, emphasize any experience in HR or administrative roles. Highlight your understanding of HR principles and familiarity with employment laws. If you have completed any HR-related coursework such as 'Introduction to Human Resource Management' or have certifications like SHRM-CP, mention these and their duration. Illustrate your interpersonal and organizational skills by detailing instances where you improved recruitment processes or employee relations, utilizing a 'skill-action-result' method in your explanations.
Human Resources Specialist
When seeking a position as a Human Resources Specialist, it’s imperative to showcase any experience with HR functions or people management. Highlight interpersonal and organizational skills, and if you’ve completed courses like 'Human Resources Management' or 'Workplace Ethics', be sure to mention them, including the duration to underline your commitment. Give specific instances where your abilities have contributed to a better work environment or more efficient processes, using a 'skill-action-result' format in your examples.
Chief Human Resources Officer
When targeting a Chief Human Resources Officer position, underscore your experience in strategic HR leadership and organizational development. Showcase pivotal moments when your policies improved employee engagement or retention rates. If you've led large-scale HR initiatives or transformations, detail these accomplishments succinctly. Highlight your expertise in labor law compliance, benefits administration, and talent acquisition. Illustrate how your leadership has directly contributed to fostering a positive work culture and advancing company objectives using a 'challenge-action-impact' structure in your cover letter.
VP HR
When vying for a VP of HR position, underscore your experience in strategic HR planning and your history of successfully managing HR teams. Highlight your expertise in organizational development and your proven track record in employee relations, including managing complex workplace issues. If you’ve spearheaded innovative HR initiatives, detail the long-term impact on employee retention and business growth. Use a 'strategy-implementation-outcome' framework to demonstrate your effectiveness in shaping HR policies that drive company objectives and culture.
Contracts Manager
When applying for a Contracts Manager position, underscore any experience in contract negotiation, drafting, or management. It's essential to show familiarity with legal terms and compliance regulations. If you've completed courses like 'Contract Law' or 'Risk Management', include these with duration. Describe how you used attention to detail or problem-solving skills to manage complex contract portfolios or mitigate risks. Follow a 'skill-action-result' formula, emphasizing how your expertise delivered tangible benefits, such as increased efficiency or reduced liabilities, to your previous employers.
Diversity And Inclusion Manager
When applying for a Diversity and Inclusion Manager position, highlight your experience in creating or managing programs that foster inclusivity. It's important to showcase your knowledge of equal employment opportunity laws, and your ability to interpret and utilize data to drive diversity initiatives. Feature any diversity certifications, workshops, or relevant training with their duration. Use concrete examples that illustrate your ability to influence company culture, employing a 'situation-strategy-impact' framework to underscore how your efforts have led to measurable improvements in workplace diversity.
HR Analyst
For an HR Analyst position, focus on showcasing your analytical skills and experience with HR data and systems. If you have a background in HR metrics, workforce planning, or employee relations, highlight it. Any education in human resources management, labor law, or certifications like SHRM or PHR are worth mentioning. Demonstrate how you've used HR information systems (e.g., SAP, PeopleSoft) by describing specific projects or improvements you made. Use a 'problem-analysis-solution' structure to show your problem-solving abilities and their positive impact on HR decisions.
HR Assistant
When seeking an HR Assistant position, highlight any administrative or human resources experience you've had. Emphasize skills in organization, multitasking, and discretion. If you've completed coursework such as 'Human Resources Management' or 'Organizational Behavior', mention these along with their duration. Showcase instances where your attention to detail or interpersonal skills have improved HR processes or workplace environment, using a 'skill-action-result' format to outline your contributions and their positive outcomes for past employers.
HR Business Partner
When applying for an HR Business Partner position, highlight any HR management or related experience. Emphasize your understanding of employment law, employee relations, and organizational development. Showcasing a certification like 'Professional in Human Resources' (PHR) can be beneficial. Use clear examples of how your strategies improved HR functions, using a 'situation-task-action-result' format to demonstrate your impact on employee satisfaction or retention. Mention any specific HR projects you've led and the positive outcomes they had for the company.
HR Director
When targeting a role as an HR Director, it's pivotal to showcase your extensive experience in human resources management and your familiarity with labor laws. Key attributes to underline include a track record of effective team leadership, conflict resolution abilities, and strategic planning skills. Detailing specific HR programs you've developed or policies you've revamped, along with their positive outcomes, can demonstrate your expertise. Speaking to the scale of teams you've managed and the impact of your employee engagement strategies offers a tangible measure of your capabilities.
HR Generalist
When applying for an HR Generalist position, highlight your understanding of HR policies and labor laws. Showcase any experience with employee relations, benefits administration, or recruitment. Demonstrate your interpersonal skills and aptitude for resolving workplace issues. If you have completed HR certifications, like SHRM-CP or PHR, mention these to establish your commitment to the field. Cite specific instances where your efforts led to improved HR processes or positive outcomes in previous roles, using a clear 'situation-task-action-result' format.
HR Manager
For an HR Manager application, stress your prior HR or management experience. Detail your familiarity with employment laws and ethical standards. Point out any HR certifications such as 'Professional in Human Resources' (PHR) or 'Senior Professional in Human Resources' (SPHR), with the time taken to achieve these to demonstrate dedication. Show how workforce planning, benefits administration, or conflict resolution prowess has led to measurable improvements in HR metrics or employee satisfaction in your past roles using concise 'situation-action-outcome' examples.
Human Resources Consultant
When seeking a Human Resources Consultant role, highlight any experience with HR policies, employee relations, or recruiting. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills are key. If you've completed courses like 'Organizational Behavior' or 'Conflict Resolution', show these along with their length to demonstrate your commitment. Showcase how your expertise has positively shaped workplace culture or streamlined HR processes, using a 'skill-action-result' framework to illustrate the tangible benefits you've brought to past roles.
Human Resources Benefits Specialist
When seeking a position as a Human Resources Benefits Specialist, it’s imperative to spotlight experience with benefits administration and knowledge of employment law. Key competencies include strong organizational skills and attention to detail. If you've completed courses like 'Employee Benefits Law' or 'Compensation and Benefits Design', make these stand out in your application. Demonstrate how you've successfully managed benefit programs, using a 'challenge-strategy-impact' format to draw a clear connection between your skills and the positive outcomes you've brought to past roles.
Human Resources Data Analyst
When applying for a Human Resources Data Analyst position, highlight your experience with HR systems and data management tools. Showcase your analytical skills by mentioning specific software you've mastered, such as Excel or SQL. If you have experience with data visualization or reporting, be sure to detail the impact of your work, using the 'data-insight-action' framework. Include any relevant coursework or certifications, like 'Human Resources Analytics' or 'Data Science for HR', and describe how your analytical abilities have led to informed decision-making or improved HR processes.
Human Resources Representative
When targeting a Human Resources Representative position, demonstrate your understanding of HR principles and any experience in conflict resolution or talent management. Emphasize proficiency in HR software and data management systems. Mention your ability to navigate labor laws and show examples where you've applied these effectively. If you've completed workshops such as 'Effective Hiring Practices' or ongoing HR training, showcase these programs to exhibit a commitment to the field. Highlight your ‘empathy-implementation-impact’ cycle, illustrating how your interpersonal skills have positively influenced workplace dynamics.
HR Program Manager
When pursuing an HR Program Manager position, showcase your experience in human resources strategies and your ability to lead and implement HR programs successfully. Detail your project management skills, emphasizing timeframes of programs managed and their outcomes. Illustrate your proficiency in analytics and reporting, describing how data-driven decisions have improved HR operations. Include any HR certifications like 'SHRM-CP' or 'PHR', demonstrating a commitment to the field. Apply a 'challenge-action-result' model to reflect the impact of your initiatives on organizational culture and employee satisfaction.
HR Project Manager
For the HR Project Manager role, stress your experience in talent management and organizational strategies. Showcase your understanding of HR programs, highlighting any hands-on experience with implementing new systems or leading change initiatives. Mention any certifications like 'SHRM-CP' or 'Project Management Professional (PMP)', indicating when you earned these to show dedication to the field. Use a 'problem-action-outcome' format to exemplify how your leadership in past projects has tangibly improved HR operations or employee satisfaction.
People Manager
When applying for a People Manager position, showcase your leadership and team-building successes. Highlight your experience with managing diverse teams, conflict resolution, and employee development. Demonstrate your ability to set clear goals and motivate staff to achieve them. If you've completed any leadership workshops or management courses, be sure to mention these, noting the length of the program. Use specific examples of how your leadership has driven team performance, increased morale, or improved efficiency. Follow a 'leadership-action-outcome' framework in your descriptions.
Problem Manager
For a Problem Manager role, spotlight analytical and troubleshooting expertise. Emphasize your systematic approach to identifying, documenting, and resolving issues. If you're certified in ITIL or have a background in IT Service Management, make that clear. Detail how you've led initiatives that reduced recurring errors and discuss improvements you implemented that enhanced system reliability. Employ a 'problem-action-outcome' format to showcase the tangible benefits your problem-solving efforts have delivered, like improved system uptime or reduced support ticket volume.
Resource Manager
When eyeing a Resource Manager position, underline any expertise in resource allocation, project management, or human resources. Key attributes include organizational and strategic planning skills. Showcase any certifications or courses related to resource management or HR practices, stating their length to reflect your dedication. Use clear instances where your resource planning has directly improved project efficiency or cost savings, using a 'skill-action-result' framework to demonstrate tangible achievements. Highlight proficiency in software tools commonly used for resource scheduling and tracking.
Talent Acquisition Manager
When seeking a Talent Acquisition Manager position, it's essential to focus on your track record in hiring and human resources. Highlight any experience with recruiting platforms, headhunting, and developing hiring strategies. Show your familiarity with employment law and diversity initiatives by mentioning specific programs you've implemented or improved. Your ability to leverage data in making recruitment decisions should be underscored, detailing any analytics tools you've used. Include any impressive metrics, such as reduced hiring times or improved employee retention rates, demonstrating your results-driven approach.
Talent Manager
When seeking a Talent Manager position, showcase your experience in recruitment, personnel management, or related human resources roles. Highlight your interpersonal and relationship-building skills, crucial for talent acquisition and retention. Mention any HR certifications, such as 'Professional in Human Resources' (PHR), and describe the length of your study to demonstrate commitment. Give specific examples of successful hires or talent development initiatives that you've led, using a 'skill-action-result' format to show how your capabilities have positively impacted your previous employers.
Training Manager
When vying for a Training Manager position, emphasize your experience in creating and implementing successful training programs. Highlight your proficiency in instructional design and familiarity with learning management systems. Mention any certifications like 'Certified Professional in Learning and Performance' (CPLP) and how long you've held them. Detail your ability to assess training needs and tailor content accordingly. Use a 'challenge-method-outcome' framework to show how your strategies have improved employee performance and contributed to company goals.
