How To Write An HR Manager Cover Letter (With A Template)

Updated 23 March 2023

Human resources (HR) managers supervise a company's hiring process, from interviewing and recruiting to onboarding new employees. When applying for an HR manager's role, you can strengthen your application by submitting a cover letter highlighting your skills, achievements, qualifications and experiences. Learning how to write an effective cover letter helps improve your chances of securing a job interview. In this article, we explain what an HR manager cover letter is, outline steps and some tips for writing one and provide a template and an example letter for your guidance.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is An HR Manager Cover Letter?

An HR manager cover letter is a brief document providing an overview of your employment history and key skills, stating your interest in the job. The purpose of your cover letter is to support your resume. While your resume outlines your achievements and qualifications, a cover letter expands on this information and conveys why you are a suitable candidate for an HR manager role. Submitting an effective cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates. Some job responsibilities you may include are:

Controlling the hiring process and recruiting excellent candidates
Managing and maintaining a smooth onboarding process
Conducting wage and performance reviews
Providing information on workplace health and safety compliance
Handling workplace distractions and termination procedures
Training, counselling and coaching employees

Find HR manager jobs

How To Write An HR Manager Cover Letter?

Use these steps to write a cover letter when applying for an HR manager job:

1. Write a professional header

The header of your cover letter can help hiring managers to contact you. Your header includes your full name, phone number, email address and your degree or certification if applicable. When writing your address, mention only your city and state or union territory of residence. To ensure consistency, include the same contact information as your resume. After your personal information, put the date you are writing the cover letter and the name of the company to which you are applying.

2. Start with a salutation

After writing the company's name, greet the recipient. If you know their name, begin the salutation with Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's second name]. If you are unsure about the hiring manager's name, read the job description or search the company's website to find their contact details. Addressing your letter to a specific person shows you have researched the company and are serious about the job. If you cannot find their name, write Dear hiring manager as a salutation.

3. Introduce yourself

Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and show your enthusiasm and interest in the role. State the position you are applying for and the company's name. Outline your reasons for your application, which may include personal growth or the company's work culture and unique mission. Use this paragraph to show why you are a suitable candidate. In one or two sentences, briefly describe your experience working as an HR manager. Make your first paragraph impressive and engaging to encourage hiring managers to continue reading your cover letter.

4. Explain your qualifications and experience

In the second paragraph, give details about your employment and qualifications that make you a suitable candidate. Provide an overview of your work experience related to HR management. In this paragraph, include your specialisation and specific accomplishments that prepared you for a role in HR. Focus on sharing one or two achievements or experiences, explaining how they impacted the company. For instance, you can say that you introduced a new HR management system, increasing workplace productivity by 34% in two months.

5. Discuss your skills

HR managers use soft and technical skills to complete their job duties and manage the HR department. This section focuses on skills hiring managers expect in this role. For example, share how your knowledge of the company's policy helped you hire suitable candidates. Also, say how your knowledge of employment and labour ensured you shared offer letters with selected candidates.

6. Include a call to action

Try ending your cover letter with a call to action. Requesting that the hiring manager contacts you to discuss the opportunity is an example of a call to action. Use this section to show appreciation for their time and interest in your application. Focus on reiterating your core skills and showing your interest and enthusiasm in working for the company. Mention a suitable time to call you and your preferred mode of contact.

7. Close your cover letter

The last section includes a formal closing, allowing you to end the letter professionally. Use a sign-off, such as Sincerely or Best regards. Underneath your formal closing, write your full name. Sign the letter if you submit a physical copy to the hiring manager.

Tips For Writing A Cover Letter For An HR Manager Position

Use these tips for writing your cover letter:

Use HR keywords. Read the job description and highlight terms or keywords specific to the job. Use these keywords throughout your cover letter to attract the reader's attention and help ensure your cover letter passes through the applicant tracking system.
Limit it to one page. Ensure your cover letter is a maximum length of one page, sharing only the relevant facts and information the hiring manager requires.
Include quantifiable data. Support your claims using statistics and numbers to show hiring managers what you can achieve. It gives them a clearer idea of your past accomplishments.
Be specific. Keep all information on your cover letter specific and relevant to an HR manager position. This makes it easier for employers to see your suitability as a candidate.
Show your passion. Hiring managers prefer candidates with a passion for their work. Finding an aspect of the job you enjoy shows employers that you may stay with their business for a long time.

Cover Letter Template For An HR Manager

Here is a template to use when applying for an HR manager's job:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]
[Date]
[Company Name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company.]

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what is in your resume.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you would be a good fit for the company.] [Optional: address employment gap or career transition.]

[Express gratitude.] [Summarise qualification.] [Restate interest in role.] [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method.]

[Complimentary close],

[Signature]

Example Of A Cover Letter For An HR Manager

Use this example for inspiration when writing a cover letter for an HR manager application:

Sumit Singhania +91 87551-25415 | sumit.singhania@email.com | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
22 January, 2023
Acmel Software Solutions

Dear Ramesh Jain,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm and excitement about the position of HR Manager at Acmel Software Solutions. I strongly believe in the company's morals and values. As an experienced HR Manager, I understand the importance of hiring qualified employees and developing clear policies. I have in-depth knowledge of the best HR principles, which I successfully implemented in my previous job. In my nine years of professional HR experience, I actively hired qualified employees and increased the company's performance.

Before entering this field, I completed my master's degree in human resources. As an HR Manager with Infogrede Private Limited, I was a key senior leader in the organisation, responsible for improving employees' efficiency and ensuring the employees followed organisational policies. In my previous job, I instigated an employee wellness strategy comprising the promotion selection process and an internal training programme, increasing the employee retention rate by 45% in six months. I developed excellent strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills, improving the workplace culture and environment.

With a strong commitment to achieving success, my management qualifications and HR experience can make me a valuable employee of your HR department. Thank you for taking the time to read my cover letter. I look forward to speaking with you to learn more about this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Best regards,
Sumit Singhania