How to Write an HR Generalist Cover Letter
HR University’s HR generalist career guide aims to help you take the first step in pursuing an HR generalist career. This article will share a detailed overview of creating a hard-to-reject HR generalist cover letter, including samples and templates.
What Are HR Generalist Cover Letters?
HR generalist cover letters highlight your relevant skills and expertise in the HR generalist role. In addition, it tells the hiring manager that you are a suitable candidate for the position.
An HR generalist cover letter is a brief document that adds value to your job application. It is important that you keep it short and to the point. Don’t try to replicate the content from your resume in your cover letter. Expand on one or two relevant HR generalist achievements to showcase your potential and the value you can add to the role and the organization.
Steps to Create an Outstanding HR Generalist Cover Letter
Consider the following steps to create an outstanding HR generalist cover letter.
Conduct Research
HR generalists have remarkable management skills in administration, recruitment, organizing, training, and HR fundamentals (conflict, performance, and compliance). Thorough research is important to construct a valuable cover letter that aligns with the company’s vision, mission, values, and culture.
Tailor Your Cover Letter
You can use a cover letter template but tailor it to apply for different jobs. For example, a cover letter for one company won’t be suitable for another, be it the same designation. In addition, an irrelevant cover letter will make you appear to lack interest and attention to detail.
Keep it Simple
Your cover letter should be simple in design, words, and font. It should also include only the most recent and relevant skills and achievements that add more value to your experience in the role. The letter should be one page.
Showcase Your Skills and Expertise
A cover letter is a great way to highlight one or two of the best skills, experiences, or achievements in the role that you want the hiring manager to know.
If you have no previous working experience in the field, feel free to add your academic achievements or internships/training experiences.
Give it a Final Check
Ensure that your cover letter does not have grammatical, structural, or spelling errors to set a perfect first impression on the hiring manager. In addition, you can seek feedback from your colleagues and friends to identify improvements in the cover letter.
What is the Purpose of HR Generalist Cover Letters?
The HR generalist cover letter helps the hiring managers decide if they want to process your application to the next round of the HR generalist hiring process. Therefore, you must ensure your cover letter highlights how you can add value to the role.
To produce a compelling HR generalist cover letter, consider answering the following questions:
- What makes you the best candidate?
- Why are you interested in the HR Generalist role and human resources?
- Why do you want this job position in this company?
How to Construct a Structure for an HR Generalist Cover Letter?
Follow the guidelines below to structure an outstanding cover letter.
- Use a template – (you can find one here in this article below)
- Create a header – (name, contact, address, date)
- Add the hiring manager’s details
- Address the hiring manager
- Create a compelling Introduction
- Add one or two relevant skills and achievements
- Add a conclusion paragraph
- Sign Off
What to Include In Your HR Generalist Cover Letter?
Use Template
- Background color (white)
- Font size (12)
- Font color (black)
- Page margins (one-inch both sides)
- Spacing (single line)
Create a Header
- Write the complete name (top-left corner)
- Add contact details (contact number, social accounts, websites)
- Add address
- Add date
Add Hiring Manager’s Details
- Add name
- Add job title
- Add company name and address
Address the Hiring Manager
- Address the hiring manager with “Dear Mr/Ms/Sir” or use the name.
Create a Compelling Introduction
- Make sure to engage the reader from the start of your cover letter. To do this, start with an energizing hook.
- Discuss the HR generalist position at the start of your cover letter.
Body Text
- Tailor the cover letter for the HR generalist role
- Share your experience in managing HR functions
- Showcase your skills and expertise in managing HR functions. Share one or two achievements in the HR generalist role
- Share your initiatives as an HR generalist. Add results (stats/metrics) of your initiatives to show authority in the HR domain
- Share your appreciation for the HR generalist’s role in the organization you are applying for. Here you can address the company’s HR policies, employee retention, recruitment process, and more
Conclusion
- Share your excitement about the HR generalist’s role in the respective company
- Close with Best Regards or Yours Sincerely.”
Sign Off
- Include an e-signature under “Yours Sincerely.”
- Add your name
HR Generalist Cover Letter Examples
Here are a few examples of an HR generalist cover letter.
Example # 1
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am excited about the HR generalist job opening at XYZ company. I am passionate about streamlining HR procedures and policies and making them efficient. I am confident that my skills in the human resource domain can add value to XYZ company’s HR department.
In my recent role as an HR generalist, I am responsible for documenting, reviewing, and tracking HR policies, recruiting and screening potential candidates, maintaining compliance with federal and labor laws, and managing employee training and development programs. I have streamlined the interviewing and recruitment process, decreasing 4 rounds of interviews to 2, which has reduced the hiring cost by 50%.
The hiring process at XYZ company is fascinating. My HR generalist experience, particularly my talent acquisition, screening, hiring, and training expertise, can serve as an asset to XYZ company.
I would love to share more about my experiences, academics, and credentials. Please feel free to reach out to me at [contact information]. Thank you for considering my application.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
[Name]
Example #2
Greetings [Hiring Manager],
As an expert HR generalist with experience in running day-to-day HR functions and ensuring the implementation of standard HR policies and procedures, I am passionate about creating a motivating work culture for employees.
I excel in documenting, reviewing, and tracking HR policies, recruiting and screening potential candidates, maintaining compliance with federal and labor laws, and managing employee training and development programs.
I have experience in deriving efficiency from the HR hiring process. For example, I have hired, trained, and onboarded 42 employees for a new project in a short (one-month) period.
XYZ company’s HR policies and processes inspire me. Your training and development procedures have helped several professionals excel in their respective fields. I look forward to contributing my skills and expertise to XYZ company’s HR hiring and training procedure.
Exploring how I can contribute to XYZ company’s success would be exciting. I have enclosed my resume for your review.
Thank you
[Name]
Example #3
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my interest in the HR Generalist role at [Company Name]. With a strong background in fostering positive employee relations and handling complex conflict resolution scenarios, I am confident I can contribute to the collaborative and inclusive culture at [Company Name].
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I designed and implemented employee engagement initiatives and mediation processes, which significantly improved overall team morale and decreased turnover by 20%. I also facilitated workshops on communication and conflict management, creating a platform for employees to voice concerns and build stronger working relationships. This experience taught me a thorough understanding of the interpersonal skills required to maintain a harmonious and productive workplace.
I am particularly impressed with [Company Name]‘s commitment to creating a positive work environment and its investment in employee well-being. I am eager to bring my skills in employee relations, conflict resolution, and engagement strategies to your team to support [Company Name]‘s mission.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #4
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the HR Generalist role at [Company Name], as I am passionate about developing HR strategies that drive organizational success. With a blend of strategic planning and hands-on HR experience, I am confident I can add significant value to your HR department.
In my previous position with [Previous Company], I successfully led HR initiatives that streamlined processes and reduced overhead costs by 15% annually. I played a pivotal role in shaping recruitment strategies to attract high-quality candidates and implementing onboarding programs that fostered retention and quick adaptation.
These strategies helped align the HR function closely with organizational goals, enabling more efficient operations across departments.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its innovative HR approach, which is key to long-term growth and success. I would be thrilled to bring my expertise in strategic HR planning, employee engagement, and process improvement to support [Company Name]‘s vision.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team’s success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
HR Generalist 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 thrilled to join [company] as a . I have experience in [list of relevant experiences] and [list of skills]. I am confident I can add more value to the HR generalist position.
As the [past/current job] at [previous/current company], my roles are [list main roles/ responsibilities]. During my tenure as a [previous/current job title], I [elaborate major accomplishments as a HR generalist].
Your [talk about any of the company’s recent projects] speech/article/initiative/structure is admirable. I wish to join the position because [state why you want to join the company]. I wish to share my expertise in [list relevant skills to the position].
I’ve enclosed my resume for your perusal. It contains more information about my credentials, qualifications, and expertise.
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 crafting an HR Generalist cover letter.
What should be included in an HR Generalist cover letter?
An HR Generalist cover letter should highlight your core human resources expertise, emphasizing your experience in key areas such as employee relations and HR initiatives. Focus on relevant accomplishments demonstrating your support of organizational success through strong communication skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Tailor your cover letter to the company by showcasing your understanding of their unique needs. Include specific HR skills like recruiting, onboarding, or conflict resolution that align with the role’s requirements.
How can I showcase my experience with HR initiatives in a cover letter?
When discussing your experience with HR initiatives, focusing on projects that have contributed to a positive work environment and driven employee engagement is essential. Mention specific initiatives you’ve led or contributed to, such as developing wellness programs, enhancing communication channels, or fostering inclusion efforts. Emphasize how these efforts contributed to employee satisfaction and improved retention rates, positioning you as a proactive candidate who understands the broader impact of HR on organizational culture.
Why is employee relations important for an HR Generalist role?
Employee relations are critical to an HR Generalist role, as they influence workplace harmony and productivity. Highlighting your experience in managing conflicts, providing guidance, and fostering trust can show your ability to build a supportive and positive work environment. Demonstrating your skills in this area is important to show that you can maintain healthy interactions between management and staff, which supports overall organizational success.
What HR skills are essential for an HR Generalist cover letter?
In an HR Generalist cover letter, it’s important to mention a wide range of HR skills, from recruiting and interviewing to performance management and compliance. Showing your ability to navigate these diverse responsibilities demonstrates versatility, a key trait in HR. Emphasize how you’ve used these skills to support HR strategies aligning with the company’s goals and values, strengthening your appeal as a well-rounded HR professional.
How can I demonstrate my contribution to organizational success in my cover letter?
To demonstrate your impact on organizational success, highlight specific achievements that reflect your effectiveness in streamlining processes, reducing turnover, or boosting employee engagement. For example, you could mention how you’ve developed performance management systems or implemented training programs that support employee growth. These examples can convey your proactive approach to supporting a productive and cohesive workforce, positioning you as a candidate who understands the strategic role of human resources in organizational outcomes.
