When writing your human resources (HR) cover letter, focus on how you can help raise staff morale and performance for the organization that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like recruiting, talent development, or conflict resolution.
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
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Human Resources Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
HR Assistant
HR
HR Manager
HR Generalist
HR Director
HR Coordinator
Olivia Jones
Human Resources | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 555 Main St., Cleveland, OH 09876
April 30, 2025
Damon Smith
Hiring Manager
XYZ Corporation
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Smith,
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.
With my two years of experience as a Human Resources Assistant, I have grown and developed my HR knowledge and abilities. I believe the position of Human Resources Generalist at XYZ Corporation will help further my growth in human resources.
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.
Helping revise new-hire orientation to include a warm welcome and provide critical company resources for onboarding employees.
I’d love to speak more with you about my previous successes and how I can make a positive contribution to your company. Please feel free to contact me with a meeting time that works well for you.
Sincerely,
Olivia Jones
Kate Miller
Human Resource Officer | [email protected] | (134) 634-9789 | 234 Job St., Houston, TX 77022
April 30, 2025
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, which aims to improve staff retention. I could thrive in such a dedicated and high-performing environment.
If offered a role at The Big Company, I will help take your team’s success rate to even greater heights. My previous accomplishments within the sector include:
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 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
John Smith
Human Resource Manager | [email protected] | (1654) 739-9183 | 678 Location Rd., San Antonio, TX 78206
April 30, 2025
Julie Jefferson
Senior Hiring Officer
The People Company
(346) 024-7536 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Jefferson,
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. I believe this is a great example of my success and demonstrates that I could be a great asset to The People Company’s team.
With 12 years of experience in Human Resources and a degree in Human Resource Management, I was drawn to The People Company because of the firm’s impressive employee retention rate and reputation for high-performing staff.
If I were to secure a role at The People Company, I assure you I will bring an even greater rate of success to the team. My previous accomplishments include:
Improved employee satisfaction by 28% via an incentive program.
Increased the speed of paperwork processing time by 30% in one year.
Established new application requirements to increase the quality of interviewees.
I would like to set up an interview to discuss further my capabilities, work experience and the benefits I can bring to The People Company team.
I’m writing to apply for the HR generalist position at WestPoint Manufacturing. With over five years of experience across core HR functions, including employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance, I bring a proactive, process-focused mindset that’s helped foster strong internal partnerships and organizational compliance. My background aligns with your company’s focus on efficient, people-centered HR operations.
WestPoint’s reputation for building a high-performing workforce in a manufacturing setting draws me to your team. In my current role at Daltek Solutions, I’ve supported a growing organization by refining HR processes and improving communication between leadership and staff. I can deliver similar results at your company based on the following achievements:
Managed full-cycle recruitment for more than 75 open roles in 12 months, partnering with hiring managers to define job requirements, screen candidates, and reduce time-to-fill by 30%
Led monthly manager roundtables to address employee concerns, improving satisfaction scores on internal surveys by 18% year over year
Implemented a digital compliance tracking system, helping the company prepare for two successful Department of Labor audits without incident
I’d welcome the opportunity to support your HR team and contribute to WestPoint’s continued growth. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Melissa Tran
Anthony Delgado
HR Director | [email protected] | (646) 555-6129 | New York, NY 10017 | LinkedIn
I’m excited to apply for the HR director role with Brookline Biotech. With over 15 years of experience in HR leadership, I’ve guided fast-growing organizations through cultural shifts, workforce expansion, and process redesign. My experience in life sciences and health care environments gives me insight into the importance of cross-functional collaboration, regulatory compliance, and attracting mission-driven talent.
Brookline’s reputation for groundbreaking research and its people-first culture align closely with my professional values. At Genova Health, I led strategic HR operations during intense growth, doubling our headcount while preserving a collaborative culture. I can offer similar support to Brookline based on my previous accomplishments:
Directed HR operations for a 500-employee, multi-site health care organization, overseeing recruitment, benefits, performance management, and labor compliance
Launched a company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative, increasing representation in leadership roles by 25% over 18 months and supporting retention through mentorship programming
Oversaw implementation of an HRIS and digital onboarding system, reducing new hire processing time by 40% and freeing HR staff for strategic initiatives
I’d love the opportunity to help shape Brookline’s people strategy as the company grows. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Anthony Delgado
Jasmine Fields
HR Coordinator | [email protected] | (213) 555-9332 | Los Angeles, CA 90017 | LinkedIn
I’m applying for the HR coordinator role at Summit Entertainment Group. With two years of experience supporting fast-paced HR departments in creative environments, I’ve gained a strong onboarding, compliance, and employee support foundation. I take pride in ensuring team members have the tools, communication, and information they need to succeed from day one.
Summit’s creative spirit and commitment to its people excite me most about this opportunity. At StudioLab Media, I worked closely with HR and office managers to help support a workforce of over 150 employees. I can offer value to your organization based on my experience:
Coordinated onboarding and orientation for more than 60 new hires in one year, including processing paperwork, organizing welcome kits, and scheduling cross-department training
Maintained 100% compliance with employee documentation and file audits by implementing a more efficient digital filing process
Acted as a first point of contact for employee policy questions and benefit inquiries, reducing HR response time and improving employee satisfaction on quarterly surveys
I’d love to support Summit’s HR operations and contribute to a seamless employee experience. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Fields
How To Write a Human Resources Cover Letter
An effective HR cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to the organization and its stated hiring needs. The following advice and examples show how you can use this strategy to optimize your letter for each application.
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn or other social accounts if applicable
The date
The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)
Note: Feel free to add a professional title to your contact header, as in the example below. In many cases, you can copy over the title from your resume profile summary. By including a title, you’ll set a clear focus and show hiring managers that you are among the HR applicants they’re looking for.
Example
John Smith
Human Resource Manager | [email protected] | (1654) 739-9183 | 678 Location Rd., San Antonio, TX 78206
February 9, 2024
Julie Jefferson
Senior Hiring Officer
The People Company
(346) 024-7536 [email protected]
2. Salutation
When possible, address your recipient by name – this is the quickest way to show you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the person’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.
For traditional job applications, end your salutation line with a colon. But consider a comma instead if you know your recipient or the employer has a casual work culture (sometimes revealed by the job posting). In rare cases, you may also trade out the standard “Dear” for a more casual “Greetings,” “Hello,” “Hi,” or even “Good morning.” Use your discretion and take any cues from the job posting or company website.
Examples
Dear Ms. Sally Peters,
Dear XYZ Corporation Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by starting your letter 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 increased engagement and talent retention by a high percentage. Choose a highlight you can then connect to your main strengths and overall candidacy for the advertised HR role.
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.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Use the main section of your cover letter to tell why the job or employer interests you and why you feel you’re a good fit. For example, maybe the role focuses on benefits administration, an area in which you excel. Or perhaps the company values staff training and development, and you’re eager to return to that type of work culture. Consider quoting any text from the job posting that resonates with you. With a targeted approach, you can show the hiring manager you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Following this explanation, cite a few more of your skills or achievements, possibly as bullet points.
Example
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, which aims to improve staff retention. I could thrive in such a dedicated and high-performing environment.
If offered a role at The Big Company, I will help take your team’s success rate to even greater heights. My previous accomplishments within the sector include:
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.
5. Call to action
Finally, request an interview for the position. Consider briefly restating your HR skills and eagerness to advance the organization’s short- and long-term goals. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.
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. Keep it concise
Your cover letter should be short and focused. Even more than the resume (which may have recent non-HR work), center your cover letter on whatever details most qualify you for the job opening at hand. Limit the document to one page (or around 250 words) and resist the urge to tell your whole career story. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
2. Network
Whenever you can, start your letter by citing any personal or professional connections you have with the hiring manager. If someone at the organization alerted you to the job, use a line like “I was excited to hear from your colleague [Name] about [Company]’s new [title] position.” Or, if you’ve already met your recipient, mention that with a line like “It was great speaking with you at the job fair last week.”
3. Showcase your relevant strengths
Add a short list of bullet points describing your success in other key HR work areas, like new employee onboarding, cost reduction, or succession planning. Use this section to show your talent for helping an employer balance staff interests and business objectives.
Example
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.
Helping revise new-hire orientation to include a warm welcome and provide critical company resources for onboarding employees.
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.
Is it OK to bold words in a cover letter?-
Yes, but only sparingly. Consider bolding the keywords or brief phrases that start each bullet point as a way to further emphasize your work highlights. But generally avoid having bold text in your body paragraphs, as it’s unnecessary and can distract the hiring manager.
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Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.