You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for hr manager
Explore additional hr manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior HR Manager
- Highlight industry-specific certifications: Isaac's completion of "Strategic HR Leadership" from Cornell University and "Advanced Employment Law" via CIPD demonstrates commitment to strategic improvements and adherence to legal standards, which is valuable for a senior HR role.
- Emphasise measurable achievements: Mentioning achievements such as a 25% improvement in employee satisfaction and retention or a 30% increase in recruitment efficiency offers concrete evidence of success in previous roles.
- Demonstrate strategic impact: Detailing the development of HR strategies and process improvements that led to budget savings or compliance issue reductions shows a capacity for providing strategic HR guidance.
- Include leadership in skills and experiences: Isaac's role in leading a team of HR professionals and orchestrating onboarding for 200+ employees underscores leadership qualities essential for senior management positions.
Junior HR Manager
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights quantifiable outcomes such as a 30% reduction in turnover, a 40% improvement in employee engagement, and a £50,000 annual saving, demonstrating the applicant's results-driven approach and impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning certifications like the "Advanced Workforce Planning Certification" from CIPD shows a commitment to continuous professional development and specialisation in areas pertinent to the HR role.
- Strong Skill Set: Emphasising critical HR skills such as workforce planning, compliance management, and risk mitigation, aligns well with the responsibilities of an HR Manager role, showcasing expertise and versatility.
- Leadership Experience: Detailing roles that involve strategic planning and leadership development highlights leadership capabilities, a key requirement for senior HR positions.
Assistant HR Manager
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights significant experience in HR roles across renowned global firms such as PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, showcasing credibility and expertise in the field of human resources.
- Showcasing Quantifiable Achievements: It includes specific accomplishments, like improving employee retention by 20% and reducing grievances by 25%, to underline the applicant’s successful impact in previous roles.
- Highlighting Key Skills and Certifications: Skills such as employee relations, HR compliance, and performance management are spotlighted, along with relevant certifications like the 'Advanced Human Resource Management' from CIPD and 'Certification in Employment Law' from the University of Law.
- Demonstrating Passion for Diversity and Inclusion: By listing a passion for fostering inclusive work cultures, the cover letter aligns the applicant’s personal values with modern workplace ideals, appealing to companies prioritising diversity.
By Role
HR Project Manager
- Emphasising Certifications: The cover letter highlights PRINCE2 and Agile certifications, showcasing qualifications that are highly relevant for a HR Project Manager role, where structured project management methodologies are crucial.
- Detailing Key Achievements: The letter includes specific figures, such as a 30% increase in project efficiency and a £200,000 budget surplus, demonstrating the candidate's tangible impact in previous roles, which is compelling for potential employers.
- Focus on Soft Skills: It mentions skills like stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, which are vital for a HR role that requires managing relationships and facilitating effective communication across departments.
- Highlighting Strategic Projects: Projects that involve strategy implementation, such as improving retention by 18% and introducing work-from-home policies, are underscored, aligning the candidate’s experience with the strategic demands of the role.
HR Operations Manager
- Specific Certifications: The cover letter mentions a certification from CIPD in "Leadership in HR Management," which is highly relevant for a role focused on strategic HR efforts and leadership development.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Throughout the experience section, there are clear quantifiable achievements like a 30% improvement in HR service delivery and a 25% increase in efficiency, which powerfully demonstrate the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Skills Highlight: The skills section succinctly lists critical attributes such as "HR Operations" and "HR Systems Optimization," aligning directly with the role of HR Operations Manager, and showcasing the candidate's readiness to fulfill job requirements.
- International Experience: Emphasising global HR strategies and cross-border initiatives, which highlight the candidate's ability to manage HR functions in a diverse and international context, is vital for global roles.
Regional HR Manager
- Specific Industry Experience: Leo Brown's cover letter highlights over 10 years of experience in dynamic HR environments, with roles in reputable logistics companies such as DHL Supply Chain and XPO Logistics. This showcases specialised knowledge particularly relevant to supply chain and logistics sectors.
- Key Skills and Certifications: The inclusion of specialised skills such as "HR strategy development," "employee relations," and the "CIPD Level 5" certification underlines Leo’s capability to handle complex HR tasks that are crucial for a Regional HR Manager role.
- Achievement-Oriented Narratives: The cover letter effectively uses specific achievements, such as a 25% improvement in HR process efficiency and negotiating successful labour agreements. This results-oriented language is impactful, showcasing Leo’s tangible contributions in previous roles.
- Leadership and Development Focus: Emphasising leadership initiatives like "succession planning" and "talent development" projects, along with Leo’s involvement in the "Strategic HR Leadership Certification," highlights his commitment to fostering leadership qualities within HR functions.
HR Training Manager
- Highlighting quantitative achievements, such as the 15% increase in employee retention and the 25% reduction in time-to-hire, showcases a results-oriented approach that is crucial for an HR Director role.
- Including certifications like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Society for Human Resource Management demonstrates a commitment to professional development and expertise in strategic human resource management.
- Emphasising leadership and team management skills, as demonstrated by successfully leading a team of 12 HR professionals with a 95% satisfaction rate, is vital for ensuring effective HR operations.
- Showcasing initiatives such as the wellness programme that boosted employee engagement scores by 18% highlights the candidate's ability to enhance company culture and employee satisfaction.
By Industry
HR Manager in Retail
- Strategic Leadership and Talent Management Focus: The candidate emphasises their expertise in strategic leadership and talent management, critical skills for an HR Business Partner role, providing a strong foundation for impactful HR strategies.
- Achievement-Oriented Narrative: By showcasing specific achievements, such as reducing employee turnover by 20% and boosting engagement scores by 30%, the cover letter effectively demonstrates the candidate’s proven results in enhancing organisational effectiveness.
- Relevant Education and Certifications: Highlighting a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Advanced Employee Relations Certification underscores their commitment to professional development and expertise in handling complex HR issues.
- Data-Driven Approach: The mention of implementing a data-driven approach to increase efficiency by 25% highlights the candidate’s ability to utilise HR analytics for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
HR Manager in Healthcare
- Highlighting operational achievements, such as increasing workforce engagement by 20%, underscores the candidate’s impact on organisational culture and their ability to drive employee satisfaction.
- Emphasising project leadership in significant upgrades, like the HRM system, demonstrates the candidate’s capability to manage complex projects and improve operational efficiency.
- Showcasing experience and success in reducing employee grievances and improving compliance illustrates the candidate’s strength in employee relations and adherence to employment legislation.
- Displaying a clear commitment to healthcare innovation aligns the candidate’s passions with organisational goals, suggesting a dedication to making meaningful contributions to the sector.
HR Manager in Manufacturing
- Highlighting significant achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases tangible achievements, such as reducing new hire attrition by 15% and increasing operational efficiency by 12%, which can build credibility and demonstrate impact to potential employers.
- Specialised expertise paragraph: By clearly stating expertise in HR strategy and talent development, particularly within manufacturing environments, the cover letter communicates specialised skills that align with the demands of the HR Director role.
- Emphasising leadership in diversity initiatives: Explicitly mentioning the successful leadership of a diversity initiative, resulting in a 40% increase in underrepresented groups in leadership roles, appeals to companies prioritising diversity and inclusion.
- Alignment with strategic business objectives: Including courses like "Strategic Human Resources Business Partner" highlights a commitment to aligning HR strategies with business goals, an essential aspect for a strategic HR leadership role.
HR Manager in IT
- Emphasising certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, and Certified Scrum Master which are crucial for programme management roles, showcasing the candidate's expertise and credibility in the field.
- Highlighting key achievements and metrics such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, and project delivery success rates to demonstrate a proven track record of successful project management and leadership.
- Detailing the candidate's experience in managing high-value transformation programmes and handling complex stakeholder engagements, reflecting the ability to lead large-scale initiatives and align them with business goals.
- Including language proficiency, which adds an additional layer of communication skills, especially useful in a multi-national work environment.
HR Manager in Finance
- Specific Experience and Achievements: Emphasises key successes like improving project efficiencies by 20% and leading a cross-departmental cost-saving initiative, demonstrating tangible business impact.
- Relevant Skills and Tools: Highlights pertinent skills such as Finance Business Partnering, Budgeting and Forecasting, and familiarity with tools like Excel and PowerPoint, ensuring alignment with the job requirements.
- Education and Continuous Learning: Mentions advanced education credentials from reputable institutions and supplementary courses like Advanced Financial Modelling, showcasing dedication to professional development.
- Leadership Capabilities: Describes leadership experiences, including coaching and mentoring team members, to illustrate strong people management abilities in a financial context.
HR Manager in Construction
- Skills and Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights specific HR skills such as Employee Development, Labour Law Compliance, and Succession Planning, which are crucial for an HR Manager role. Providing quantifiable achievements, such as a 15% reduction in hiring time and a 20% increase in employee engagement, demonstrates the candidate's impact effectively.
- Relevant Experience: Presenting a chronological progression of roles showcases a clear career path in human resources, indicating a strong foundation and expertise, particularly at Aggregate Industries and Hanson UK, which increases credibility for the specific role being applied for.
- Professional Development: Highlighting certifications such as the Strategic HR Management Certification from Cornell University and Advanced Employee Relations underscores a commitment to continuous professional development and specialised knowledge, which is advantageous for a managerial HR position.
- Language Skills: Mentioning proficiency in English and moderate skills in French can be advantageous, especially for organisations operating in multi-lingual environments or looking to expand internationally, highlighting cultural awareness and communication skills.
HR Manager in Education
- Highlighting a specific increase in school engagement (30%) showcases tangible success and the direct impact on educational programmes, essential for demonstrating effectiveness in an Education Partnership Manager role.
- Emphasising collaboration with over 50 industry partners is crucial for a role built on developing strong educational partnerships, as it demonstrates the ability to connect educational institutions with industry for mutual benefit.
- The strategic planning experience illustrated by developing and implementing a partnership strategy that led to a 15% rise in student transitions to degree-level courses highlights an essential skill for managing educational projects and aligning them with career paths.
- Indicating active involvement in community engagement and sustainable agriculture aligns personal passions with professional objectives, presenting a candidate who is committed and well-suited to roles focusing on educational and societal improvement.
HR Manager in Hospitality
- Effectively highlighting specific achievements with quantifiable outcomes, such as improving employee engagement scores by 15% as a Senior HR Business Partner, can showcase real impact in strategic roles.
- Detailing the development and implementation of HR policies and talent management strategies, which led to measurable improvements like a 25% increase in internal promotions, demonstrates capability in driving organisational change.
- Highlighting professional development and continuous learning, such as the course on Advanced Strategies in Workforce Planning by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, underlines commitment to strategic workforce alignment.
- Showcasing a balance of strategic initiatives, process improvements, and leadership development skills provides a comprehensive view of capabilities essential for an HR Manager with a focus on change management.
HR Manager in Non-Profit
- Highlighting the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, which is relevant for the role of HR Manager as it demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in Human Resource Management.
- Emphasising achievements in talent retention and volunteer management efficiency, showcasing proven track record and capability to lead successful initiatives.
- Mentioning experience in policy development and compliance improvement, aligning with the responsibilities of ensuring adherence to legal standards and enhancing organisational protocols.
- Detailing skills in both strategic planning and training facilitation, signifying the ability to align HR functions with organisational goals and effectively enhance team performance.
HR Manager in Logistics
- Utilisation of Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable achievements, such as a 20% cost reduction and a 15% increase in shipping efficiency, to demonstrate competence and measurable impact in logistics operations and management.
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Grace's experience in managing teams and operations at renowned companies like DHL Supply Chain and Amazon UK is underscored, enhancing credibility for the logistics operations manager role.
- Emphasis on Key Skills and Certifications: Essential skills such as Operational Management, Team Leadership, and Supply Chain Negotiation are important for the role. Additionally, courses like Advanced Supply Chain Management provide specialised accreditation.
- Education and Continuous Learning: An MBA in Supply Chain Management from a reputable institution establishes foundational expertise, while ongoing professional development courses underscore commitment to staying current in the field.
HR Manager in Energy
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Samuel effectively outlines his experience in increasing employee retention by 20% and improving satisfaction scores, essential for an HR Manager role.
- Specific Achievements: Including tangible achievements such as implementing a new recruitment strategy and leading benefits reformations provides evidence of capability and success.
- Educational Background: Emphasising a specialised education in HR Management, complemented by courses and certifications like Strategic HR Leadership, demonstrates commitment to the HR field.
- Skills and Passion: Listing varied skills like organisational skills and data analysis, along with passions for sustainable energy and continuous learning, portrays a well-rounded candidate.
HR Manager in Agriculture
- Clearly highlighting over 10 years of HR experience effectively establishes credibility and expertise for the HR Manager role.
- Emphasising specific accomplishments, such as increasing employee engagement and retention, directly addresses key objectives for someone in HR leadership.
- Mentioning proficiency in TUPE processes and successful workforce transitions shows capability in managing complex organisational changes.
- Showcasing advanced education, like a Master of Science in HR Leadership, underlines a strong foundation in human resource management theory and practice.
HR Manager in Media
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises long-term experience in HR management, specifically over 10 years, which immediately positions the candidate as a seasoned professional suitable for the role.
- Detailing Key Achievements: By outlining specific successes, such as a 25% reduction in time-to-hire and a 30% increase in efficiency through HR IT systems, the letter quantifies the candidate's impact, providing tangible evidence of capability and results.
- Emphasising Education and Certifications: Mentioning advanced education, such as a Master’s in Human Resource Management and CIPD qualification, is vital for roles that require strategic oversight and expert HR knowledge.
- Highlighting Strategic Skills: Skills related to strategic HR management, compliance, and performance management are underscored, conveying the candidate's readiness to handle complex HR challenges and contribute to business growth.
HR Manager cover letter example
Alfie Edwards
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+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
Having closely followed your company's advancements in workforce optimization and employee engagement, I am drawn to the unique opportunity to contribute my extensive experience in strategic HR leadership and talent management.
During my tenure at Reed Specialist Recruitment, I led my team in crafting a talent acquisition strategy that not only increased the workforce's quality by 25% but also resonated with our company's commitment to excellence. This success illustrates my capability in strategic HR planning, emphasizing a blend of innovation and effective management that aligns with your company's ethos.
I am eager to discuss how my background and skillset can contribute to your team's objectives. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of an interview to explore this exciting opportunity further.
Sincerely,
Alfie Edwards, Senior HR Professional
Why this cover letter makes an impact:
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasizes the candidate's experience in strategic HR leadership and talent management, showcasing their ability to align with the company's objectives.
- Quantifying Achievements: By mentioning a 25% increase in workforce quality, the candidate provides a concrete example of their impact, which strengthens their credibility and appeal.
- Company-Specific Engagement: The candidate demonstrates knowledge and genuine interest in the company's advancements, which suggests a proactive and well-researched approach to the application.
- Alignment with Company Values: Expressing a commitment to excellence and innovation mirrors the company's ethos, indicating a good cultural fit and readiness to contribute to their success.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a hr manager cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your hr manager cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your hr manager cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
With a deep respect for your company's dedication to fostering inclusive workplace cultures, I am keen to apply for the HR Manager position at your esteemed firm. I am drawn particularly to your firm’s innovative approach to employee development and engagement, aligning perfectly with the values and skills I bring to the role.
RIGHT
How to write your hr manager cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the Senior Human Resources Officer at ABC Corporation, I spearheaded a comprehensive employee engagement initiative that significantly transformed the organisational culture. By meticulously analysing feedback from employee surveys and conducting a series of focus group discussions, I implemented strategic changes that boosted employee engagement scores by 35% within the first year. This initiative not only enhanced open communication and collaboration across departments but also resulted in a 20% reduction in annual staff turnover. The project leveraged my analytical skills and ability to foster meaningful relationships across all levels of the organisation, ensuring the sustained success of the engagement programme. My commitment to fostering an inclusive and productive workplace is something I am eager to bring to your esteemed company.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the HR Manager position. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed organisation and am confident that my skills and experiences align perfectly with the requirements of the role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can support your team and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me to schedule a meeting. I appreciate your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
