As an HR professional, you know how to make employees and the company productive, especially when you bring in new talent. But even though you know the ins and outs of the recruitment process, getting hired yourself is a different matter altogether.
It’s exhausting enough having to assess hundreds of candidates’ job skills all day only to head home and polish off an HR CV, create a covering letter, and prepare another application for yours truly.
We understand that securing a job 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.
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123 Fictional Lane
Albuquerque, NM
+1 123 456 7890
23 January 20XX
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 further education colleges in the U.S. That, combined with your defined vision plans, inspired me to apply because my work would make a tangible difference for students and staff.
I believe that employee relationships are central to HR, which is why I consistently emphasise 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 induction process for seasonal staff, implementing face-to-face check-ins, daily meetings, and enjoyable events to monitor progress, offer encouragement, and build relationships. I also introduced surveys to assess trainee feedback and areas of concern. Our seasonal staff turnover rate decreased by 12%, and employee satisfaction improved by 19%. Furthermore, our summer recruitment increased by 22% based solely on recommendations.
However, I haven’t only worked on large projects; I’ve observed how “small” tasks can make a significant difference in HR. As the HR coordinator at Meow Wolf, my main role was administrative. Even in the more monotonous administrative tasks, I committed myself to ensuring all reports, employee files, and schedules were organised and updated with complete accuracy and compliance. Through my diligence, employee satisfaction in my department increased by 24%, and productivity improved by 16%. I also assisted several employees in securing pay rises after comparing their progress reports to their compensation records.
Overall, I believe there is no challenge 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 colleges in New Mexico, and I look forward to your response regarding my application.
Yours sincerely,
Derek Annais
Enclosures:
CV
Application
Academic Record
Why this covering letter works
- The best way to get the hiring manager to notice you is by keeping your human resources cover letter focused on the company.
- Find a way to connect the company to yourself. Derek achieves this by demonstrating values that both he and the employer share, such as his belief that employee relationships are central to HR.
- Employers don’t just want to know you’re good at your job; they want to know you’re passionate about it.
- You can share a short story, laugh at the witty HR job advert, explain how you discovered the company, or express your enthusiasm for the high-impact role.
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Human Resources Assistant Covering Letter Example
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Copy this text for your Human Resources Assistant cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
+1 123 456 7890
20 November 20XX
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 development 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 utilising Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), which reduced the time taken for the induction of new employees by up to 28%. I also optimised payroll processing using Paychex, which helped reduce 47% of remittance errors.
A previous milestone that I was able to achieve 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 am very enthusiastic about joining JCPenney and contributing 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.
Thank you,
Liam Andersen
Why this covering letter works
- Your opening paragraph is your opportunity to persuade the hiring manager and capture their attention, encouraging them to read your human resources assistant cover letter to the end.
- Regarding the main content, ensure it is easy to digest and read, particularly when highlighting your key skills and achievements, as this helps you communicate your abilities effectively.
Human Resources Generalist Covering Letter Example
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123 Fictional Avenue
San Jose, CA 95101
0123 456 7890
20 November 20XX
Michael Jackson
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
123 Fictional Lane
San Jose, CA 95101″
Dear Mr Jackson,
Recognising Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s unwavering commitment to promoting 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 role.
During my time with Prysm, Inc., I demonstrated my proficiency in using ADP Workforce software to optimise HR operations, achieving a 27% improvement in processing times. Moreover, my dedication to workplace inclusivity also helped implement workplace harassment and diversity training programmes, recording a 48% reduction in reported workplace incidents.
At Zscaler, I led a project that implemented comprehensive background checks and screening, ensuring only the most qualified and suitable candidates joined our team.
I’m genuinely inspired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s commitment to global diversity and promoting an equitable workplace. I am eagerly anticipating how my skills and experience align with the company’s ethos and objectives. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to continuing this conversation.
Yours sincerely,
Leila Ibrahim
Why this covering letter works
- Notice how Leila highlights her skills and past experience repeatedly. Additionally, being able to support this experience with impressive metrics is the focal point of this human resources generalist cover letter.
- Another element in creating a memorable piece is concluding with a positive attitude and demonstrating how your skills can contribute to the company’s ethos and objectives.
Human Resources Manager Covering Letter Example
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123 Fictional Lane
Coral Terrace, FL
0123 456 7890
23 January 20XX
Vanessa Sarne, Senior Human Resources Director
PLANTA
850 Commerce Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Dear Ms Sarne,
Your authenticity and commitment to quality align with my lifestyle of taking practical steps towards sustainability. After visiting a PLANTA location last spring, I was impressed by the sustainable practices of the restaurant, your customer service, and your involvement in local environmental programmes. With over 14 years in HR and a deep appreciation for your mission, I’d love to be part of the solution in enhancing induction procedures, managing performance, and assisting with benefits and payroll.
PLANTA is not the first employer I have encountered that seeks innovation with their HR initiatives. As the HR manager at White Wolf Books, I oversaw HR plans and organised updates, including revamping the onboarding process to extend beyond training. I wanted employees to advance in their careers, but we lacked the resources to help them reach their goals. By implementing new programmes and providing more resources, employee satisfaction increased by 53%, productivity grew by 28%, and revenue per employee rose by 16%.
I also have experience in resolving complex employee relations issues. As the HR manager with Cygna Labs, positive mediation was approximately 50% of my role. I investigated complaints, ensured compliance with legal employment requirements, and developed new policies and procedures. By the end of my tenure, 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 aim is to develop creative solutions that lead to happier, more productive employees through innovative methods. I believe I can make a positive impact at 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 fantastic vegan meals).
Yours sincerely,
Aidan Gensell
Enclosures:
CV
Application
3 Reference Letters
Why this covering letter works
- Most human resources manager cover letters suffer from a lack of storytelling; they fail to showcase the candidate’s background. Metrics alone won’t get you a job—you need a spark.
- Don’t be afraid to use a narrative style in your cover letters when it’s appropriate, especially if you’ve had a positive experience with the company.
- Aidan begins his cover letter with a story about how he visited PLANTA and later mentions how he’s looking forward to “enjoying some amazing vegan meals.”
- Conclusions are challenging, but Aidan makes it look easy by discussing his values, what he wants to contribute, and his aspirations for the future.
- Remember what you’ve written in your main paragraphs when writing your conclusion and support your points. Don’t overanalyse it.
Human Resources Director Covering Letter Example
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Copy this text for your HR Director cover letter!
123 Fictional Lane
Deerfield Beach, FL
01234 567890
23 January 20XX
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 role. I loved your honesty and humour, and I was further amazed by your culture of resilient individuals who tackle complex problems with ease. With extensive and varied experience in HR and hospitality, I believe I am an ideal candidate to be your HR director.
My most recent position in the HR and hospitality sectors was as the HR Director at Cedar Garland resort. Some senior staff expressed a desire for more development opportunities, so I worked with management to design and implement 75% more career progression initiatives through ongoing training programmes. 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 in 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 employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) rose by 39%, and the number of payroll errors decreased by 78%.
I aim to enhance the lives of employees by implementing modern practices and offering practical solutions to common issues. As your HR director, I aspire to develop new training programmes, ensure compliance, and boost employee engagement and satisfaction. Thank you for considering me for this role, and I look forward to experiencing your restaurants in person soon.
Yours sincerely,
Julian Annaheim
Enclosures:
CV
Application
Why this covering letter works
- Customising your human resources director cover letter is one of the best ways to demonstrate your knowledge, particularly in your opening and closing.
- In your cover letter, address what the company offers, such as brilliant software or an exceptional hotel experience, and express your desire to experience more of what makes them unique.
- Avoid speaking ill of previous companies, but it’s acceptable to mention why your expertise was required.
- 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 were poorly managing its employees, even if that were the case.
- For example, Julian explains Cedar Garland’s need for updated procedures for experienced employees and how The National Hotel needed modernised programmes for payroll.
Build your human resources CV for a complete application
Before we dive into the specific ways you can write your cover letter, don’t let writing your CV slip through the cracks. We make it simple with professional CV templates just like this one.
Human Resources CV
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Related Covering Letter Examples
Write a Winning Human Resources Covering Letter
Crafting an impressive human resources cover letter is challenging, so let’s break it down into three straightforward elements: research, details, and presentation.
Step 1: Research the organisation and its needs
As an HR professional, you know that reading generic covering letters is exhausting and annoying. They fail to show initiative or explain how the candidate will help you once they are hired.
In your cover letter, demonstrate that you care about the company and can assist them in achieving their objectives. However, you’ll only know what to write once you understand what the business requires.
Start by reading the human resources job description to get a sense of their ethos. Then browse their website to find their mission statement, vision, and objectives.
Reassure the employer that you can achieve the results they seek by addressing their specific concerns and applying your relevant qualifications.
Step 2: Share the details about one or two achievements
As you know, reading unnecessary paperwork is incredibly dull. Therefore, your human resources cover letter mustn’t be a repeat of your CV, or the recruiter will be nodding off before they reach the second paragraph.
Think of your cover letter as a presentation. Choose one or two of your achievements that reflect the job description’s requirements and provide a comprehensive overview of those experiences. You could:
This example remains focused on one goal or talent (photography/videography). Although the candidate could have just concentrated on responsibilities, they focus instead on how their efforts benefited the company.
- Discuss your work and achievements in overhauling the induction process for seasonal staff.
- Share how you listened to employees and made lasting changes through surveys, check-ins, assessments, etc.
- Discuss how you reduced the staff turnover rate
Step 3: Convey the right tone and a clear message
Your cover letter should strike a balance between being unique and professional, personal but not overly sentimental. Easier said than done, isn’t it?
Begin by keeping your cover letter to one page. Then you can start adapting your message. Present a logical argument with sufficient ethos (credibility) and pathos (emotion) to convince anyone of your skills.
Then adjust your tone. Your cover letter can be humorous, heartfelt, or straightforward—but moderation is key. Let the job description guide you in choosing your content, your words, and how you phrase your message. Most importantly, aim for a tone that aligns with the company.
Present a logical argument with enough ethos (credibility) and pathos (emotion) to convince anyone of your skills.
Don’t worry if this is difficult; next up is revision, where you can correct any mistakes and adjust the content. Now is also an ideal time to let someone else read your cover letter to suggest improvements.
Crafting Your Human Resources Covering Letter for Success
Starting any project with a blank slate is daunting, so use this HR cover letter template to get you off to a good start!
How to start a human resources cover letter
Your contact details: Make it easy for employers by providing your contact details straight away. List your name, phone number, email, and postal address right at the top of your cover letter template.
- Formatting: If you’re using a block format, only include your postal 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 provides the hiring manager with a timeline for your application.
Just ensure the date on your covering letter reflects the day you submit it, especially if you rework your covering letters based on previous submissions.
- Formatting: Write out the full date, e.g., 5 January 2026.
Inside address: Your address isn’t the only one that matters; also include the inside address, also known as the employer’s address. It should include the hiring manager or recruiter’s name, their job title, and the company’s physical address. This demonstrates to the employer that you’ve researched their company and know to whom you’re addressing your application.
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).
Example
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 the salutation.
Greeting: A polite greeting is always in style, so start your human resources cover letter with a formal, yet personal, salutation. Use the reliable “dear,” followed by “Ms” or “Mr” and the hiring manager’s surname to avoid causing any upset (some companies don’t appreciate informal introductions).
Locating the person responsible for hiring can be a hassle, but people appreciate being addressed by name, so it’s worth taking the time to make a great first impression. If all else fails, address either the entire HR team (“Dear HR Recruitment 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 covering letter
Body: This is the hardest part to get right, but we’ve got you covered. First, focus on reducing your letter to three to four short paragraphs.
Within those paragraphs, convey your enthusiasm for the role, your qualifications, and your eagerness for further discussion.
Opening paragraph: Can you recall the last time you read a book that began with, “I am writing to inform you of my purpose, which is to write a really good book?” No, neither can we. Yet, many people start their cover letters with similar statements that are polite but dull, like this:
Poor
I read your job advert on LinkedIn, and I am keen to apply. This HR director role sounds like a perfect match for my experience, and I am confident I can help your department achieve its objectives. My years of experience in HR and management make me an ideal candidate.
This information might not be incorrect, but it’s vague and generalised—much like 95% of other cover letters in the pile of applications. A good opening is unique and engaging while still being formal. It should address the company and convey personality straight away, like this opener:
Good
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 further education colleges in the U.S. That, combined with your defined vision plans, inspired me to apply because my work would make a tangible difference for students and staff.
From the outset, this candidate explains what they value about the company and how they align with its values and objectives.
Paragraphs 2-3: These paragraphs should provide evidence of your qualifications and delve into your achievements; it’s time to outline your role in the project and how you transformed it into a success.
However tempting, don’t try to cover an entire career’s worth of success. Your letter will just sound cluttered and unfocused. Instead, concentrate on one achievement at a time, and provide plenty of details about that experience.
Example
I also have experience in resolving complex employee relations issues. As the HR manager with Cygna Labs, positive mediation was approximately 50% of my role. I investigated complaints, ensured compliance with legal employment requirements, and developed new policies and procedures. By the end of my tenure, 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%.
Although 50% of their role focused on other tasks, this candidate only mentioned mediation/resolution and their successes in this area.
Closing paragraph: Don’t stop while you’re ahead—finish strongly with a closing paragraph that summarises your values, qualifications, and enthusiasm for an interview. This may sound like a lot, but rest assured, it can be done.
Begin with a brief summary of what you value based on the work experience you’ve outlined and how that aligns with the company’s values. Then, explain what you aim to achieve in the role. Finally, thank the employer and confirm your willingness to discuss further.
Just remember: you are an ideal candidate, but you shouldn’t sound like this:
Poor
As you can see, I have fulfilled all your requirements (and more) in my previous roles, which makes me the ideal candidate for this position. I am confident in managing all employee relations responsibilities and ensuring full compliance, as I have done in every HR role to date. Please feel free to call or email me at your earliest convenience; I look forward to impressing you at my interview.
Even if all this were true, it’s self-centred 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.
Good
I aim to enhance the lives of employees by implementing modern practices and offering practical solutions to common issues. As your HR director, I aspire to develop new training programmes, ensure compliance, and boost employee engagement and satisfaction. Thank you for considering me for this role, and I look forward to experiencing your restaurants in person soon.
This candidate explains their competence and their goals without sounding overconfident. It’s a delicate balance, but we know you can achieve 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 closing along with your name.
Example
Yours sincerely,
Derek Annais
- Formatting: If you’re presenting any hard copies of your human resources cover letter, leave a quadruple space at the bottom to allow room to sign your name.
Enclosure(s): Many people are unaware of this section, but it’s important. It lists the other documents you’re submitting, reminding employers there’s more to follow. It also helps them keep track of what you’ve included.
HR positions usually require a job application and a CV, but some also require a supplementary questionnaire or references. Carefully review the job description and application to ensure you provide everything requested.
Example
Enclosures:
CV
Application
- 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 each time.
Is Your HR CV 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 CV and polish it to shine.
You have a great persuasive argument, otherwise known as your cover letter, but you still need a document that quantifies your work experience, otherwise known as your CV. When combined, they paint a glowing picture of your career.
Want to know how to make your HR CV just as impressive as your cover letter? A look at our CV examples will give you the boost you need, and you can even edit this HR CV directly.
Human Resources Director CV
Need a CV to accompany your human resources director cover letter?
If you’ve already started, try out our CV checker to get AI-powered advice to make your CV the best it can be.
Now go land 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 senior company leader. If you can’t find any information, you can just start with “Dear [Company Name] recruitment team” 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.
A one-page cover letter is ideal for HR positions. You may have been part of recruitment processes before and understand how quickly these decisions can be made. Keeping your cover letter concise is crucial to help hiring managers identify your key skills in areas such as employee relations and advising. This way, they can easily see that you’re the right choice for the role.
