When writing your human resources (HR) cover letter, focus on how you can support staff morale and performance for the organization that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like recruiting, talent retention, conflict resolution, or problem-solving.
This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job in HR.
Human Resources Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Human Resources Cover Letter
Your HR cover letter should usually have five sections, in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, company, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Olivia Jones
Human Resources | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 555 Main St., Cleveland, OH 09876
January 25, 2024
Damon Smith
Hiring Manager
XYZ Corporation
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Ms. Sally Peters,
Dear XYZ Corporation Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the company seeks in applicants.
Example
In my current position, I implemented a new employee retention plan, which resulted in a 50% reduction in the total employee turnover rate within the company. The retention plan included an employee wellness program, additional staff benefits, and an internal promotions program. This is a great example of my success and demonstrates that I could be a great asset to The People Company’s team.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Explain why the job or employer interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
With my two years of experience as an HR assistant, I have grown and developed my knowledge and abilities. I believe the HR generalist position at XYZ Corporation will help further my growth in the field.
Some of my previous successes include:
- Identifying and implementing payroll software that cut company costs by $5,000 per month
- Coordinating a health fair to launch a new employee wellness program and raise awareness regarding employee health
- Revising new-hire orientation to include a warm welcome and provide critical company resources for onboarding employees
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview for the position.
Example
I look forward to discussing further how my unique skills and dedication to HR can help your team, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Kate Miller
Human Resources Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can raise staff performance and retention
Start your letter strong with a clear example of your success in HR. What’s one key way you’ve helped elevate the employee experience in your career so far? For instance, maybe you recently launched an incentive program that raised morale and engagement.
Example
At ABC Company, I trained a 50-member management team on interviewing techniques, teaching best practices through coaching sessions and group workshops, resulting in successful hiring decisions. Combining my organizational skills with excellent interpersonal abilities, I became an employee leader in my company. I look forward to bringing that same work ethic to XYZ Corporation as an HR generalist.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this HR job or employer interests you based on the job posting. For example, maybe the role focuses on benefits administration, an area in which you excel. Or maybe the company values staff training and development, and you’re eager to return to that type of work culture.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show hiring managers you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Example
The key factor that attracted me to the HR officer role at The Big Company is the firm’s approach to employee well-being to improve staff retention. I believe I could thrive in such a dedicated and high-performing environment.
If offered a role at The Big Company, I am confident that I will take your team’s success rate to even greater heights.
3. Highlight your other strengths
Add a short list of bullet points to describe your success in other key work areas for HR. Use this section to show your talent for helping an employer balance staff interests and business objectives.
Example
My previous accomplishments within the sector include:
- A 45% reduction in company turnover rate as a result of the introduction of employee wellness and incentive programs
- 30% speed increase in applicant processing time
Human Resources Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Kate Miller
Human Resource Officer | [email protected] | (134) 634-9789 | 234 Job St., Houston, TX 77022
February 9, 2024
Sally Peters
Senior Hiring Manager
The Big Company
(934) 304-8264
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Sally Peters,
I am a Human Resource Management graduate with seven years of experience at The Medium Company. During my time at The Medium Company, I implemented a highly successful incentive program, which resulted in a 28% improvement in employee satisfaction. I believe this is a great example of my initiative and the benefits I could bring to The Big Company team.
The key factor that attracted me to the Human Resource Officer role at The Big Company is the firm’s approach to employee well-being to improve staff retention. I believe that I could thrive in such a dedicated and high-performing environment.
If offered a role at The Big Company, I am confident that I will take your team’s success rate to even greater heights. My previous accomplishments within the sector include:
- A 45% reduction in company turnover rate as a result of the introduction of employee wellness and incentive programs.
- 30% speed increase in applicant processing time.
I am looking forward to discussing further how my unique skills and dedication to HR can help your team, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Best wishes,
Kate Miller
P.S. — I’d also love to discuss the events that led me to win an HR Excellence award!
Human Resources Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important part of a cover letter?-
Any explanation you give for why the specific job opening or employer interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can get you past applicant tracking systems. They also set the stage for a good interview discussion about how you fit the role and the office’s work culture.
What should my cover letter’s design look like?-
Your cover letter’s design should look like your resume’s design. Carry over all of that document’s basic format settings, like font style, line spacing, and page margins. Also, copy in the exact same contact header.
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background in HR. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
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