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 administration, recruitment, organizing, training, and HR fundamentals (conflict, performance, and compliance) management skills. It is important to conduct thorough research 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 company, 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

Use simple design, words, and font for your cover letter. Stick to adding the most recent and relevant skills and achievements that add more value to your experience in the role. Make sure to keep the cover letter to one page. 

Showcase Your Skills and Expertise

A cover letter is a great way to highlight one or two best skills, experiences, or achievements in the role that you want the hiring manager to know. 

Feel free to add your academic achievements or internships/training experiences if you don’t have any previous working experience in the field. 

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 HR Generalist Cover Letter?

Follow the below guidelines to structure an outstanding cover letter. 

1. Use template – (you can find one here in this article below) 
2. Create a header – (name, contact, address, date)
3. Add the hiring manager’s details 
4. Address the hiring manager
5. Create a compelling Introduction 
6. Add one or two relevant skills and achievements 
7. Add a conclusion paragraph 
8. 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
• Make sure to 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. Streamlining HR procedures and policies and making them efficient is my passion. And 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 training and development programs for employees. 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. And my HR generalist experience, in particular, my talent acquisition, screening, hiring, and training expertise, can serve as an asset for 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 into the HR hiring process. For example, I have done the hiring, training, and onboarding of 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. 

It would be exciting to explore how I can contribute to XYZ company’s success. Please find my resume enclosed for your review.

Thank you 

[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 I have [list of skills]. I am confident that 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].

Please find my resume enclosed herewith, containing more information about my credentials, qualifications, and expertise for your kind perusal. 

Please feel free to contact me at [contact information]. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

[Name]

Josh Fechter

Josh Fechter is the founder of HR.University. He's a certified HR professional and has managed global teams across 5 different continents including their benefits and payroll. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.