How to Write an HR Manager Cover Letter
HR University’s career guides help you advance toward the potential HR manager profession. Read more for an in-depth overview and tips and tricks to create an outstanding HR manager cover letter, with examples and templates.
What Are HR Manager Cover Letters?
The HR manager cover letter is a concise but essential document highlighting your skills and expertise. It also showcases your experiences, which helps the hiring manager proceed with your application.
An HR manager cover letter complements your resume and job application. Don’t copy-paste the entire content of the resume into the cover letter. It should contain your most prominent achievements that can add value to the organization and the HR manager role.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an HR Manager Cover Letter
Follow the below steps to create a winning HR manager cover letter.
Research – Know About the Company
HR managers have exceptional communication, interpersonal, negotiation, conflict resolution, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Study the company’s core values and mission statement. This will help you align your skillset with the company’s culture.
Customize – Align Your Cover Letter with the Company Requirements
Using a cover letter template is recommended, but review and customize it every time you apply for a new job. Your cover letter must align with the job requirements. Don’t use the same cover letter for multiple jobs without editing it.
Simplify – Keep it Clear and Concise
Select a simple and clear format. Use a white background, black font, and simple words to communicate your message. Highlight the most relevant skills and achievements that add more value to your experience in the HR manager role. Keep your cover letter to one page.
Showcase – Your Skills and Expertise
Use the cover letter to share your most prominent achievements and skills in the HR management domain. Ensure that you add those that align with the job requirements and can attract the hiring manager’s attention.
If you don’t have experience in HR management, you can share your academic achievements in this section.
Finalize – Proofread, Edit and Review
Double-check your cover letter before submitting it. You can use online grammar, punctuation, and spelling correction tools such as Grammarly (free version) to ensure that your cover letter doesn’t have errors.
What is the Purpose of HR Manager Cover Letters?
The HR manager’s cover letter will persuade the employer to proceed with your application to the next stage. Use your cover letter to share the top reasons that make you the most suitable candidate for the HR manager role.
Answer the following questions to create an outstanding HR manager cover letter:
- What makes you a suitable candidate?
- What interests you about the HR manager role?
- Why do you want to work with this company as an HR manager?
Constructing an Outline for HR Manager Cover Letter?
Below is a general outline for creating a cover letter. The HR manager cover letter template is available at the end of this article.
- Add a header – (add your name, address, and contact)
- Add date
- Add hiring manager details – (add a name, job title, company name, and address)
- Greet the hiring manager
- 2-3 lines introduction
- 4-5 lines of body text (include relevant achievements and expertise)
- 2-3 lines conclusion
- Signature
What should you include in your HR manager cover letter?
Choose a Template
White background color, black font color – 12 in size, one-inch (left and right) page margins, single line spacing.
Add a Header
Write your name, contact details, and address. In addition, you can add your social media accounts such as LinkedIn/Twitter or personal websites.
Add Hiring Manager Details
Add the hiring manager’s name, job title, company name, and address.
Greet the Hiring Manager
Address the hiring manager with “Dear Mr/Ms/Sir” or use the name. To get the hiring manager’s name, check the job posting. If you don’t find the name in the job posting, browse the company website or the LinkedIn page.
Create a Compelling Introduction
Create a concise but inspiring introduction that will grab the hiring manager’s attention. At the start, mention the position you are applying for. Then, add your skills that match the HR manager position.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Assess the job posting and identify the most relevant skills and experiences aligned with the job requirements that you can mention in this section.
Share HR Management Experience
Share your most prominent achievements as an HR manager. You can share events, case studies, and testimonials in this section. Add metrics, results, and stats to increase your achievements’ credibility.
Share Your Interest in the Company
Employers observe every candidate’s enthusiasm for the company and the role. This section should cover your excitement and the reasons to apply for the company’s HR manager role.
Conclusion
Keep this section to the point and share your contact details in this section to encourage the hiring manager to contact you.
Sign Off
Include “Best Regards” or “Sincerely Yours.” After this, add your digital signature with your name.
Highlight Key Metrics for Impact
Quantifying achievements in your HR Manager cover letter can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating concrete results. Whenever possible, include metrics that showcase the impact of your work.
For example, you might mention, “Increased employee retention by 20% through the implementation of an enhanced benefits program” or “Reduced hiring time by 35% by streamlining the recruitment process.” These metrics add credibility and demonstrate your strategic value to potential employers, making your experience more compelling and memorable.
Addressing Soft Skills
While technical expertise is essential, HR roles also demand strong interpersonal skills. In your cover letter, emphasize key soft skills such as empathy, adaptability, and conflict resolution. For example, you might write, “I have a proven ability to mediate conflicts effectively and foster a collaborative work environment, ensuring both employee satisfaction and productivity.”
By highlighting these skills, you show your ability to manage complex relationships and create a positive workplace culture—essential traits for an HR Manager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing your cover letter, avoid common pitfalls that can weaken your application. One mistake is being too generic—each cover letter should be tailored to the specific company and role. Avoid focusing solely on your goals; instead, align your experience with the company’s needs.
Additionally, avoid summarizing your resume; instead, use the cover letter to expand on achievements and skills directly relevant to the HR Manager role. By steering clear of these missteps, you will create a more impactful and relevant application.
HR Manager Cover Letter Examples
Below are a few HR manager cover letter examples you can use to create your cover letter.
Example # 1
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Developing HR structures has inspired me, and I am excited to learn about the HR manager job opening at ABC Company. My passion is handling day-to-day HR operations and managing the implementation of policies and procedures. I am confident that my experience can serve as an asset to ABC Company’s human resource structure.
My recent assignment as HR manager entails developing and maintaining adequate internal processes, handling employee-related issues, supporting hiring and retention policies, identifying problems, finding solutions, and nourishing employee satisfaction.
I specialize in overseeing and refining employee compensation and benefits programs. For example, my initiative to transform the annual bonus (75% of the basic salary) into KPIs / achievement-based incentives has saved XYZ Company 20% of the budget and increased employee productivity by 32%.
The compensation and benefits HR module at ABC Company fascinates me. Your last year’s “Family trip to Europe” program for the highest annual sales achievers is popular among the HR industry. As an HR manager with an urge to refine employee compensation and benefits programs, I can bring more value to ABC Company’s HR structure. .
Please find my resume, which details my experiences, academics, and certifications. Please feel free to call me at [contact information]. Thank you for considering my application.
Hoping to hear from you.
[Name]
Example #2
Greetings [Hiring Manager],
As an ambitious and enthusiastic HR manager with 5+ years of experience handling day-to-day HR operations and managing policies and procedures implementation, I am passionate about streamlining human resource structures and procedures.
I have experience developing and maintaining effective internal processes, handling employee-related issues, supporting hiring and retention policies, identifying problems, finding solutions, and nourishing employee satisfaction.
I have experience leveraging maximum benefits from employee compensation and benefits programs. For example, I introduced a life insurance plan for the employees (Investment mode- 50% management / 50% employee), which has increased the employee retention rate from 52% to 79% over the past 2 years.
ABC Company’s 87% consistent employee retention rate for the past 5 years is an inspiration for me. I would love to contribute my skills and expertise to ABC company’s HR success.
Please feel free to contact me at [contact number]. I have enclosed my resume with more details about my experience and eligibility for the role.
Thank you
[Name]
HR Manager Cover Letter Template
[Full Name]
[Contact Number]
[Email]
[LinkedIn, Website URL]
[Address, Date]
[Hiring Person’s Name]
[Hiring Person’s Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am delighted to join [company] as a . I have experience in [list of relevant experiences], and I have [list of skills]. I am confident that I can add more value to the HR manager position.
As the [past/current job] at [previous/current company], my roles are [list main roles/ responsibilities]. During my work tenure as a [previous/current job title], I [elaborate major accomplishments as an HR manager].
Your [talk about any of the company’s recent projects] speech/article/initiative/structure is fascinating. And I wish to join the position because [state why you want to join the company].
I look forward to sharing my skills and expertise in [list relevant skills to the position].
I have enclosed my resume containing more details about my experience, qualifications, and certification.
Please feel free to contact me at [contact information]. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Name]
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about creating an effective HR Manager cover letter.
What should I include in a cover letter for a Human Resources Manager position?
A cover letter for a Human Resources Manager position should highlight your experience in human resources management, specifically your skills in employee relations, recruiting, and employee development. Focus on showcasing your understanding of HR best practices and how you have positively impacted previous organizations by fostering an inclusive and productive work environment. Mention any leadership roles you’ve held and examples where you effectively managed HR projects or initiatives.
How can I demonstrate my experience in employee relations in my cover letter?
In your cover letter, emphasize specific situations where you successfully handled employee relations issues. For example, mention times when you mediated conflicts, developed policies to improve workplace culture, or resolved grievances fairly and constructively. Highlighting these examples demonstrates your ability to maintain a positive workplace environment and shows your dedication to balancing employee satisfaction with organizational goals.
Why is employee development important to mention in a Human Resources Manager cover letter?
Employee development is a crucial aspect of HR that aligns employees’ growth with organizational objectives. In your cover letter, discuss any experience you’ve had in creating or managing employee development programs. Mention how you’ve supported employees’ professional growth through training, performance reviews, or mentorship programs. This will showcase your commitment to fostering a motivated, skilled workforce that can adapt to changing business needs.
What makes a strong Human Resources Manager cover letter stand out?
A strong HR Manager cover letter should not only focus on your HR expertise but also on your leadership abilities. Reference specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and experience in human resources management. Show how your proactive approach has made a measurable impact, whether through improved employee retention, streamlined HR processes, or successful onboarding strategies. This will make your cover letter memorable to hiring managers.
How do I showcase my overall experience in human resources management?
To effectively convey your experience in human resources management, start by summarizing your years in HR and the types of roles you’ve held. Next, provide examples of your achievements across areas such as employee relations, policy implementation, and team leadership. This demonstrates not only your broad HR knowledge but also your hands-on experience and results-driven approach.
Should I address specific HR software or tools in my cover letter?
Yes, if you have experience with relevant HR software, mention it briefly in your cover letter. Highlighting familiarity with tools like applicant tracking systems, payroll software, or performance management tools can help convey your technical skills. This shows you are equipped to handle the technological demands of the HR Manager role.
How important is it to customize my cover letter for each HR Manager position?
Customizing your cover letter for each HR Manager position is essential. Tailor your skills and experiences to match the specific requirements of each role, such as emphasizing employee relations if the company focuses on maintaining a supportive workplace culture. Customization demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and helps you stand out from other applicants.
