application letter for human resource management position

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 human resources (hr) manager cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Human Resources (HR) Manager cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Human Resources (HR) Manager
• Senior Human Resources (HR) Manager
• Senior Human Resources Advisor
• Senior Human Resources Manager
• HR Business Partner
• Human Resources Generalist
• HR Generalist
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Human Resources (HR) Manager resume examples

Human Resources (HR) Manager Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, reducing employee turnover.

This cover letter highlights a quantifiable achievement that is directly relevant to the HR Manager role. Showcasing your ability to improve employee retention demonstrates your value to the company.

Leadership Training Program

Discussing a specific initiative you've led, such as a leadership training program, showcases your ability to take charge and make a positive impact on employee development.

Program Success Metrics

Using data to support your accomplishments, like the 90% promotion rate of program participants, provides concrete evidence of your skills and the value you can bring to the company.

Demonstrate Impact through Metrics

Take a leaf from this cover letter's book: always try to back up your experiences with specific numbers. Here, the applicant showed exactly how their work at Resume Worded reduced time-to-hire and increased retention rates. Quantifying your achievements makes your claims more credible, and it shows you understand the value of measurable results. Plus, it gives a clear picture of what you could bring to the table.

Show Relevance to Company Values

It's one thing to say you're a good fit for a company, but it's another to prove it with examples that align with the company's values. In this case, the candidate's experience with implementing a learning and development program is a perfect match for Microsoft's commitment to employee development. Always try to draw connections between your past experiences and what the company values most.

Targeted Interest

By specifically mentioning Google's culture of innovation and collaboration, this cover letter shows genuine interest in the company. It's like saying "hey, I know what your company is all about and I appreciate that". It also subtly implies that the candidate has done their research and really understands the company's values.

Demonstrate Impact With Numbers

Saying you spearheaded an initiative is one thing, but showing that it resulted in a 40% increase in team diversity is real evidence of impact. It's like saying "look, I made a real, measurable difference". This makes employers sit up and take notice.

Connecting Your Achievements With Their Goals

It's clear that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're specifically excited about this role at Google. You're saying "I can bring my experience and apply it to your specific goals". This shows that you're not just a good worker, but a good fit for their company.

Aligning Personal and Company Values

By saying you share Google's values of valuing human capital and having a positive global impact, you're aligning yourself with the company. It's like saying "we're on the same page, we have the same goals". This alignment makes you stand out as a good cultural fit, which is incredibly important to employers.

Sealing With Confidence

The closing sentence here is strong and confident, but also respectful and polite. It's like saying "I believe in my abilities and I'm ready for this, but I also respect your decision-making process". This balance of confidence and politeness leaves a strong, positive final impression.

Connect with the company's mission

Showing that you share the company's values makes your application more personal and impactful.

Demonstrate your achievements in HR

Stating specific outcomes from your past work proves that you can bring real results.

Align HR goals with business objectives

Understanding the bigger picture shows you're a strategic thinker.

Advocate for diversity and inclusion

Highlighting this aspect emphasizes your commitment to a modern and ethical workplace.

Show gratitude in your closing

A polite thank you acknowledges the reader's time and consideration, leaving a positive impression.

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Share your excitement for the company's industry

Expressing genuine enthusiasm for what the company does connects your personal interests with your professional aspirations, making you a more engaging candidate.

Demonstrate expertise in key HR areas

Detailing your skills in essential HR functions such as talent acquisition and employee relations provides a clear picture of your comprehensive HR competency.

Describe managing significant organizational changes

Talking about how you've handled major challenges such as a merger demonstrates your resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills, which are invaluable in HR roles.

Express your desire to impact growth and success

When you share your excitement about contributing to the company's objectives, it highlights your ambition and readiness to take on challenges that drive business forward.

Offer to discuss your alignment with the company's needs

Inviting further discussion about how your skills and experiences match the company's requirements shows confidence in your ability to contribute and eagerness to engage in mutual growth.

Connect personal experiences to the company's culture

Starting your cover letter with a personal connection to the company shows you're not just interested in the job but also value the company's impact on your life. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the letter.

Show your HR impact through achievements

Specific examples of your success, like improving employee engagement scores and reducing turnover rates, clearly demonstrate your ability to make a significant impact in HR roles, showcasing your skills and experience effectively.

Highlight essential HR skills

Mentioning key skills such as active listening, empathy, and creative problem-solving emphasizes your suitability for the HR manager role, indicating that you understand what it takes to succeed in such a position.

Leverage expertise to support company goals

Expressing eagerness to use your HR expertise to contribute to the company's growth and reputation as a top employer shows your alignment with their objectives and your readiness to add value.

Closing with gratitude

A simple thank you in your closing remarks reflects professionalism and respect for the reader's time, leaving a positive final impression.

Senior Human Resources (HR) Manager Cover Letter Example

Highlight alignment with company's commitment.

Diversity and inclusion are core values at IBM, and this candidate smartly highlighted their relevant experience right off the bat. They've shown how they increased minority representation in leadership, which directly aligns with IBM's commitment. This is a strong way to show you're not just qualified, but that you're the right cultural fit for the company.

Address Company's Focus with Relevant Initiatives

When you highlight initiatives that resonate with a company's mission, it can go a long way. Here, the candidate addressed IBM's focus on employee well-being by showcasing their experience with an employee wellness program. This move communicates that the candidate is in tune with the company's priorities and is prepared to contribute in meaningful ways.

Senior Human Resources Advisor Cover Letter Example

Show how past experience will benefit them.

By connecting your previous experience with Amazon's needs, you're making a clear case for your value. You're practically saying "I've done this before, and I can do it for you". This kind of direct relevance is more persuasive than general claims of competence.

Highlighting Teamwork Abilities

By stating that you enjoy collaborating with diverse teams, you're showing you're a team player. It's like saying "I'm adaptable, I can work with anyone". This is a valuable quality in any workplace, but especially in a diverse, global company like Amazon.

Specific Interest in their Initiatives

Mentioning Amazon's specific initiatives shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in their work. It's like saying "I understand your goals and I want to help achieve them". This makes you stand out as a motivated and informed candidate.

Excitement for Company's Approach

By stating that you're drawn to Amazon's innovative approach to HR, you're aligning your professional interests with the company's practices. It is like saying "I am excited about the way you do things". This shows employers that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the way they function as a company.

Enthusiastic Closing

Your closing statement, expressing eagerness to support and enhance Amazon’s HR initiatives, leaves a strong impression. It’s like saying, "I am not just excited about this opportunity, but I am also ready to contribute". This kind of initiative and enthusiasm is a clear plus for any employer.

Senior Human Resources Manager Cover Letter Example

Express genuine enthusiasm.

Starting with excitement demonstrates that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.

Showcase talent management success

Detailing achievements like enhancing engagement and reducing turnover showcases your capability to make significant improvements.

Emphasize relationship-building

Stressing the importance of connections within the company highlights your interpersonal skills and leadership quality.

Focus on employee development

Sharing your belief in the power of investing in employees aligns with modern HR best practices.

End with a polite thank you

Concluding with an appreciative note demonstrates professionalism and respect for the hiring process.

Showing you know and care about the company's goals makes your cover letter more personal and interesting.

Show your human resources impact

Talking about specific achievements with numbers proves your ability to make real changes.

Express excitement for the role

Sharing what excites you about the job shows you're genuinely interested and not just looking for any job.

Highlight relevant skills

Mentioning specific skills that match the job's needs shows you understand what's important and that you're a good fit.

End with a strong closing

A polite thank you and an invitation to discuss further shows professionalism and eagerness for the next step.

Make a personal connection with the company

Sharing a personal story related to the company's service excellence helps establish an immediate emotional connection, demonstrating your long-term interest and admiration for the company's values.

Demonstrate HR achievements clearly

Detailing specific initiatives that led to improved employee engagement and retention rates showcases your ability to execute effective HR strategies, making your application more compelling.

Link HR initiatives to business success

Illustrating how your HR efforts align with and support business objectives emphasizes your strategic mindset and ability to contribute to the company's overall success.

Express alignment with company values

Highlighting your enthusiasm for the company's dedication to its employees and customers showcases your compatibility with its culture and mission, further strengthening your candidacy.

End with a polite thank-you

Concluding your letter with an expression of gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration demonstrates professionalism and courteousness, ending your application on a positive note.

HR Business Partner Cover Letter Example

Connect your passion with the company's mission.

When you share how a company's values inspire you, it shows that your motivation goes beyond just getting the job. It makes you a memorable candidate who is likely to fit well in the company culture.

Show your HR impact with numbers

By quantifying your achievements, you make it easy for hiring managers to see the real value you've brought to your previous roles. This approach highlights your ability to drive positive changes in tangible ways.

Position yourself as a strategic business partner

Explaining how you view your role in HR as a strategic partner to the business showcases your understanding of the bigger picture and your ability to contribute to overall company objectives.

Highlight your commitment to employee well-being

Mentioning your alignment with the company's focus on employee happiness emphasizes your modern HR perspective, showing that you value people as the key to business success.

Express gratitude and eagerness to contribute

Thanking the company for considering your application and expressing eagerness to discuss your fit further shows professionalism and a proactive attitude.

Human Resources Generalist Cover Letter Example

Show passion for the company's vision.

Expressing alignment with the company's mission helps create a connection and shows you're a good cultural fit.

Demonstrate versatility in HR functions

Highlighting experience in various HR areas shows you're adaptable and can handle a broad range of tasks.

Share your enthusiasm for the opportunity

Explaining why you're excited about the role demonstrates genuine interest and motivation.

Emphasize your interpersonal skills

Illustrating your ability to work well with others highlights an essential skill for any HR role.

Politely request further discussion

Ending with a courteous thank you and a call to conversation shows you're proactive and ready to engage further.

HR Generalist Cover Letter Example

Connect with company culture.

Talking about a personal experience with the company shows that you know and like the company culture. This helps us see that you will fit in well.

Show your HR impact

Mentioning specific achievements, like improving morale and reducing turnover, helps us understand the real effect you can have in our HR team.

Detail your HR skills

When you talk about how you made HR better at your last job, it makes us think you can do the same here. This is very important for us to know.

Match your skills to the job

Explaining how your skills will help with the challenges we face tells us you understand what the job involves and that you're ready to start making a difference.

Express gratitude and eagerness

A simple thank you can go a long way. It shows you're polite and excited about the chance to work with us.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Human Resources (HR) Manager Roles

• Entry Level Human Resources (HR) Cover Letter Guide
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5 Human Resources (HR) Cover Letter Examples for 2024

• HR Cover Letter
• HR Assistant
• HR Generalist
• HR Director
• Write a HR Cover Letter

As an HR professional, you know how to make employees and the corporation productive, especially when you bring in new talent. But even though you know the ins and outs of the hiring process, getting hired yourself is a different ballgame. 

It’s tiring enough having to assess hundreds of candidates’  job skills  all day only to head home and polish off an  HR resume , create a cover letter , and prepare another application for yours truly. 

We understand that getting hired isn’t easy—even if you’re familiar with the process. Our guide, complete with five HR cover letter examples, will walk you through how to write a cover letter that will land you an interview and, hopefully, your dream job.

Human Resources Cover Letter Example 

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

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Block Format

Copy this text for your Human Resources cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Albuquerque, NM (123) 456-7890

January 23, 2023

Mildred Bellah, Recruitment Manager Central New Mexico Community College 900 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106

Dear Ms. Bellah:

Central New Mexico Community College’s core values of connection, compassion, and inspiration resonate with my values as a human resources professional. Your unique value-based approach has unsurprisingly made CNM one of the top 5 community colleges in the U.S. That, combined with your defined vision plans, inspired me to apply because my work would make a concrete difference for students and staff.

I believe employee relationships are at the heart of HR, which is why I consistently stress collaboration. One of my most successful collaboration initiatives was at the Blue Light Aquarium. As the assistant to the HR Vice President, I revamped the onboarding process for seasonal hires, implementing face-to-face checkpoints, daily meetings, and fun events to monitor progress, offer encouragement, and build relationships. I also implemented surveys to gauge trainee reactions and areas of concern. Our seasonal employee turnover rate dropped by 12%, and employee satisfaction improved by 19%. Moreover, our summer recruitment improved by 22% based solely on recommendations.

However, I haven’t just done big projects; I’ve seen how “small” tasks go a long way in HR. As the HR coordinator at Meow Wolf, my primary role was administrative. Even in more tedious administrative work, I dedicated myself to ensuring all reports, employee files, and schedules were organized and updated with 100% accuracy and compliance. Through my diligence, employee satisfaction in my department grew by 24%, and productivity rose by 16%. I also helped several employees earn raises after comparing their progress reports to their compensation records.

Overall, I believe there is no hurdle too big or too small when it comes to HR. I hope to ease your HR department’s burdens and bring joy to the students of Central New Mexico Community College by assisting with onboarding, employee relations, and administration. Thank you for making CNM one of the best schools in New Mexico, and I look forward to your response regarding my application.

Derek Annais

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcript

Why this cover letter works

• Find a way to link the company to you. Derek does this by demonstrating values both he and the employer share, like his belief that employee relationships are at the heart of HR.
• You can tell a short story, laugh at the witty  HR job ad , explain how you found the company, or state your enthusiasm for the high-impact position. 

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Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Human Resources Assistant Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Human Resources Assistant cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Dallas, TX 75201 (123) 456-7890

November 20, 2023

Ethan Anderson JCPenney 123 Fictional Lane Dallas, TX 75201

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Knowing JCPenney’s long-standing reputation in the retail industry and corporate culture, I’m profoundly impressed by the company’s dedication to employee growth and creating an inclusive workplace. The values of your company reflect my own professional aspirations which has further driven my interest in joining your team as a human resources assistant.

In my previous role as an HR assistant at Neiman Marcus Group, I actively supported the onboarding process by leveraging Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), which expedited the time taken for the orientation of new employees by up to 28%. I also optimized payroll processing using Paychex which helped cut down 47% of remittance errors.

A previous milestone that I was able to accomplish was to single-handedly integrate a monitoring system that increased EEOC Reporting Compliance. With this system in place, the company achieved the highest compliance rate for two consecutive years. Additionally, the system helped establish the firm’s reputation as a place where DEI initiatives are exercised regularly.

Aside from my technical skills, my ability to foster strong relationships with employees puts me in a unique position to always address their concerns promptly. I believe this interpersonal skill, combined with my technical expertise, can bring substantial value to the legacy of JCPenney.

I’m greatly enthusiastic to join JCPenney and contribute to the HR team’s objectives and vision. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experiences can align with the company’s vision.

Liam Andersen

• As far as the body is concerned, make it digestible and easy to read especially where you express your main skills and accomplishments as it helps you to convey your skills in an impactful manner.

Human Resources Generalist Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Human Resources Generalist cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue San Jose, CA 95101 (123) 456-7890

Michael Jackson Hewlett Packard Enterprise 123 Fictional Lane San Jose, CA 95101

Dear Mr. Jackson:

Recognizing Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s unrelenting pursuit to empower workplace diversity and inclusion, I’m delighted to express my interest in contributing my experience and skills as your next human resources generalist. I have always believed in working with a team that values the principles of a well-supported workforce as deeply as I do and I’m eager to contribute my ideas and experiences in this position.

During my tenure with Prysm, Inc., I demonstrated my proficiency in using ADP Workforce software to optimize HR operations, achieving a 27% improvement in processing times. Moreover, my dedication to workplace inclusivity also helped carry out workplace harassment and diversity training programs, recording a 48% reduction in reported workplace incidents.

At Zscaler, I spearheaded a project that employed thorough background checks and screening, ensuring only the most qualified and suitable candidates joined our ranks. I’m genuinely inspired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s commitment to global diversity and promoting an equitable workplace. Deeply anticipating how my skills and experience echo the company’s ethos and objectives. Thank you for considering my application and I’m excited to take this conversation forward.

Leila Ibrahim

• Another addition to creating an unforgettable piece is signing off with an optimistic attitude and exemplifying how your skills can contribute to the company’s ethos and objectives.

Human Resources Manager Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Human Resources Manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Coral Terrace, FL (123) 456-7890

Vanessa Sarne, Senior Human Resources Director PLANTA 850 Commerce Street Miami Beach, FL 33139

Dear Ms. Sarne,

Your authenticity and commitment to quality resonate with my lifestyle of taking actionable steps for sustainability. After visiting a PLANTA location last spring, I was impressed by the sustainable restaurant practices, your customer service, and your involvement in local environmental programs. With over 14 years in HR and a deep appreciation for your mission, I’d love to be part of the solution of improving onboarding procedures, managing performance, and assisting with benefits and payroll.

PLANTA is not the first employer I have known to pursue innovation with their HR initiatives. As the HR manager at White Wolf Books, I monitored HR plans and planned updates, including transforming the onboarding process to extend beyond training. I wanted employees to progress in their careers, but we lacked the resources to help them achieve their goals. Through implementing new programs and adding more resources, employee satisfaction increased by 53%, productivity grew by 28%, and revenue-per-employee rose by 16%.

I also have experience solving complex employee relations issues. As the HR manager with Cygna Labs, positive mediation was roughly 50% of my role. I investigated complaints, ensured compliance with legal employment requirements, and developed new policies and procedures. By the end of my position, our retention rate had increased by 45%, our human capital return on investment had improved by 23%, and the number of promoter-level NPS scores had increased by 42%.

My goal is to develop creative solutions that result in happier, more productive employees through innovative methods. I believe I can positively impact PLANTA by coaching others, leading projects/initiatives, and updating operations. Thank you for providing this opportunity, and I look forward to discussing PLANTA’s future together (and enjoying some amazing vegan meals).

Respectfully,

Aidan Gensell

Enclosures: Resume Application 3 Reference Letters

• Don’t be afraid to use a narrative style in your cover letters when it’s applicable, especially if you’ve had a good experience with the company.
• Aidan starts his cover letter with a story about how he visited PLANTA and later states how he’s looking forward to “enjoying some amazing vegan meals.”
• Remember what you’ve written in your body paragraphs when writing your conclusion and support your points. Don’t overthink it.

Human Resources Director Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Human Resources Director cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Deerfield Beach, FL (123) 456-7890

Min Ju Ha, Director of Talent Acquisition 50 Eggs Hospitality Group 7350 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

Dear Ms. Ju Ha:

After reading about the witty origins of your company’s name, I knew I wanted to apply for the HR director position. I loved your honesty and humor, and I was further amazed by your culture of unshakable people who tackle complex problems with ease. With lengthy and diverse experience in HR and hospitality, I believe I am an ideal candidate to be your HR director.

My latest role in the HR and hospitality industries was as the HR Director at Cedar Garland resort. Some senior employees expressed a desire for more growth, so I collaborated with management to design and implement 75% more career progression initiatives through continual training programs. After one year, our retention rate soared to 94%, our profit-per-employee rates increased by 34%, and our customer satisfaction scores rose by 47%.

My longest role was as the Director of Human Resources at The National Hotel at Miami Beach. Although their staff was large, their retention rates were low due to outdated payroll and benefits practices. I reviewed current procedures, researched modern options, and initiated the switch to Paychex for payroll management. After strictly monitoring compliance with payroll practices and the new benefits system, our eNPS rose by 39%, and the number of payroll errors decreased by 78%.

I strive to improve the lives of employees by implementing modern practices and offering practical solutions to common problems. As your HR director, I desire to develop new training programs, ensure compliance, and increase employee engagement/satisfaction. Thank you for considering me for this position, and I hope to experience your restaurants first-hand soon.

Julian Annaheim

Enclosures: Resume Application

• In your cover letter, address what the company offers, such as amazing software or a killer hotel experience, and express your wish to experience more of what makes them unique.
• If you decide to implement this technique, pay attention to tone and word choice. You never want to make it sound as if the company was poorly managing its employees, even if that was the case. 
• For example, Julian explains Cedar Garland’s need for updated procedures for experienced employees and how The National Hotel needed modernized programs for payroll. 

Build your human resources resume for a complete application

Before we dive into the specific ways you can write your cover letter, don’t let  writing your resume  slip through the cracks. We make it simple with  professional resume templates  just like this one.

Human Resources Resume

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Write a Winning Human Resources Cover Letter

Writing a stunning human resources cover letter is difficult, so let’s break it down into three simple factors: research, details, and presentation.

Step 1: Research the organization and its needs

As an HR professional, you know that reading generic cover letters is exhausting and annoying. They fail to show initiative or explain how the candidate will help you once they get hired. 

So, in your cover letter, show you care about the company and can help them reach its goals.  But you’ll only know what to write once you know what the business wants.

Start by reading the  human resources job description  to get a feel for their personality. Then scan their website to find their mission statement, vision, and goals. 

Assure the employer that you can deliver the results they desire by addressing their unique concerns and applying your relevant qualifications.

Step 2: Share the details about one or two accomplishments

As you know, reading redundant paperwork is a complete snooze-fest. So, your human resources cover letter can’t be a repeat of your resume, or the recruiter will be snoring before they hit the second paragraph.

Think of your cover letter as a presentation. Pick one to two of your accomplishments that echo the job description’s requirements and give the full scope of those experiences. You could:

This example stays focused on one goal or talent (photography/videography). Although the candidate could have just focused on responsibilities, they focus instead on  how  their efforts helped the company.

• Address your work and successes in revamping the onboarding process for seasonal hires
• Share how you listened to employees and made lasting changes via surveys, check-ins, evaluations, etc. 
• Talk about how you decreased the employee turnover rate

Step 3: Convey the right tone and a clear message

Your cover letter should strike a balance between unique and professional, personal but not sentimental. Easier said than done, right?

Start by limiting your cover letter to one page .  Then you can start modifying your message. Present a logical argument with enough ethos (credibility) and pathos (emotion) to sell anyone on your skills. 

Then adjust your tone. Your cover letter can be funny, heartfelt, or candid—but moderation is key. Let the job description help you choose your content, your words, and how you phrase your message. Most of all, shoot for a tone that matches the company. 

Present a logical argument with enough ethos (credibility) and pathos (emotion) to sell anyone on your skills. 

Don’t despair if this is difficult; next up is revision, where you can fix any errors and tweak the content. Now is also a perfect time to let someone else read your cover letter to recommend improvements. 

Outlining Your Human Resources Cover Letter for Success

Starting any project with a blank slate is intimidating, so use this HR cover letter outline to get you started on the right foot!

How to start a human resources cover letter

Your contact info:  Give employers a helping hand and provide your contact information right from the get-go. List your name, number, email, and physical address right at the top of your cover letter template. 

• Formatting : If you’re using a block format, only include your physical address, and save your name for the signature.

Date:  Even in a virtual letter, you should include a date. It makes your cover letter look more professional, and it gives the hiring manager a timeline for your application.

Just make sure the date on your cover letter reflects the day you submit it, especially if you re-work your cover letters based on previous submissions.

• Formatting : Write out the full date, e.g., January 5, 2023.

Inside address:  Your address isn’t the only one that matters; also include the inside address, aka the employer’s address. It should have the hiring manager or recruiter’s name, their title, and the company’s physical address. This shows the employer you’ve researched their company and know to whom you’re speaking. 

If the company doesn’t list its address or has multiple locations, check sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the company’s website (you can also check Google Maps).

Min Ju Ha, Director of Talent Acquisition 50 Eggs Hospitality Group 7350 Biscayne Blvd  Miami, FL 33138

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double space between the inside address and greeting. 

Greeting:  A polite greeting is always in vogue, so start your human resources cover letter with a formal, yet personal, salutation. Use the tried-and-true “dear,” followed by “Ms.” or “Mr.” and the hiring manager’s last name to avoid ruffling feathers (some businesses don’t appreciate casual introductions).

Finding the person in charge of hiring can be a pain, but people love to be addressed by name, so it’s worth it to spend the time to make a great first impression. Worst case scenario, address either the whole HR team (“Dear HR Hiring Team”) or the department head (“Dear HR Manager”). 

• Formatting : After your greeting, you’ll need either a comma or a colon; a colon is the preferred business option, but if the business is more casual, you can get away with a comma. Let the job description guide you.

How to write your human resources cover letter

Body:  This is the hardest part to get right, but we have you covered. First, focus on cutting your letter down to three to four short paragraphs.

Within those paragraphs, express your enthusiasm for the job, your qualifications, and your desire for future discussion. 

Opening paragraph:  Remember the last time you read a book that started like, “I am writing to inform you of my purpose, which is to write a really good book?” Yeah, us neither. Yet, most people begin their cover letters with similar statements that are polite but boing, like this: 

I read your job post on LinkedIn, and I am eager to apply. This human resources director position sounds like a perfect fit for my experience, and I know I can help your department reach its goals. My years of experience in human resources and management makes me an ideal candidate.

This information might not be  wrong , but it’s vague and generalized—and like 95% of other cover letters in the stack of applications. A good opening is unique and exciting while still being formal. It should address the company and express personality immediately, like this opener: 

From the start, this candidate explains what they appreciate about the company and how they align with its beliefs and goals. 

Paragraphs 2-3:  These paragraphs should provide evidence for your qualifications and dig deep into your achievements; it’s time to define your part of the project and how you turned it into a success. 

However tempting, don’t try to tackle a job’s worth of success. Your letter will just sound cluttered and unfocused. Instead, focus on one accomplishment at a time, and provide plenty of details about that experience. 

Although 50% of their role focused on other tasks, this candidate only mentioned mediation/resolution and their successes with such.

Closing paragraph:  Don’t quit while you’re ahead—finish strong with a closing paragraph that summarizes your values, qualifications, and eagerness for an interview. This can sound like a lot, but rest assured, it can be done.

Start with a sentence summary of what you value based on the work experience you’ve described and how that adheres to the company’s values. Next, describe what you hope to accomplish in the position. Lastly, thank the employer and reassure them of your willingness to talk further. 

Just remember: you are an ideal candidate, but you shouldn’t sound like this:

As you can see, I have done everything you require (and more) at my previous jobs, which makes me the perfect candidate for this position. I know I can handle all employee relations responsibilities and ensure complete compliance as I have done at every HR job so far. Please give me a call or email at your earliest convenience; I look forward to making your day at my interview. 

Even if all this was true, it’s self-centered and doesn’t address the company at all. Instead, remind the employer of what they stand to gain when they hire you. Further establish how your goals align with theirs and what you’ll do for their HR department. 

This candidate explains their competency and their goals without sounding brash. It’s a delicate balance, but we know you can find it!

• Formatting : Single space in your letter but double space between paragraphs. 

Signature:  All that’s left is to sign off and say “thank you” if you didn’t in the closing paragraph. Use a professional closer along with your name. 

• Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your human resources cover letter, quadruple space at the bottom to leave room to sign your name. 

Enclosure(s):  Many people don’t know about this section, but it’s important. It lists the other documents you’re submitting, reminding employers there’s more to come. It also helps them keep track of what you’ve included. 

HR positions usually require a job application and a resume, but some also require a supplemental questionnaire or references. Carefully scan the job description and application to make sure you provide everything requested.

• Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on how many documents you’re enclosing. Most of the time, it will be plural, but you should check it every time.

Is Your HR Resume on Par with Your Cover Letter?

Now that you’ve written your human resources cover letter, you’ll likely want to hit “submit” immediately. But don’t forget you still need to  outline your resume  and polish it to shine.  

You have a great persuasive argument, aka your cover letter, but you still need a document that quantifies your work experience, aka your resume. When combined, they paint a glowing picture of your career.

Want to know how to make your HR resume just as impressive as your cover letter? A look at our  resume examples  will give you the boost you need, and you can even edit this HR resume directly. 

Human Resources Director Resume

Need a resume to pair with your human resources director cover letter?

If you’ve already started, try out our  resume checker  to get AI-powered advice to make your resume the best it can be. 

Now go snag the dream job you’ve always wanted!

Usually, you would address cover letters to the HR hiring manager, but that role may be vacant if you’re applying for it! Other times, the information may simply not be in the job description. Try searching LinkedIn or the company website for the name of an HR manager or higher-up company leader. If you can’t find any information, you can just lead off by saving “Dear [Company Name] hiring staff” or something similar.

HR is a bit more formal than other positions, with greater needs for cultural awareness and professional communication. However, with cultural awareness in mind, you ideally want to match your tone to the HR job description to show how you’ll fit in with the company’s culture. For example, if the tone comes across as innovative and creative, you could use a similar style when describing your HR abilities. Plus, you may want to emphasize innovative HR practices, like managing employee needs through workplace flexibility.

One page is the ideal length for HR cover letters. You may have been involved in hiring processes before and understand how fast-paced these decisions can be. Keeping your cover letter concise is essential to help hiring managers identify your top skills in aspects like employee relations and advising. That way, they can easily connect the dots that you’re the right pick for the role.

Human Resources (HR) Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples
• How To Write a Human Resources (HR) Cover Letter

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

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Human Resources Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

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]

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.

Best regards,

Olivia Jones

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, 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.

Kate Miller

John Smith Human Resource Manager |  [email protected]  | (1654) 739-9183 | 678 Location Rd., San Antonio, TX 78206

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.

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.

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 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.

John Smith Human Resource Manager | [email protected] | (1654) 739-9183 | 678 Location Rd., San Antonio, TX 78206

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

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.

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