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Table of contents

HR generalist cover letter example
Cover letter template for a human resources generalist
Formatting tips for an HR generalist cover letter
How to write an HR generalist cover letter
Check your resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help you prepare for your interview

HR generalists are the backbone of effective people management and organizational success.

Now, let’s turn the tables and focus on your career move. Our guide will help you package your HR know-how into a story that catches a hiring manager’s eye.

With our guide, you can:

Check out real-world examples of HR generalist cover letters that worked.
Pick a format that fits current HR trends (you know them, now use them!).
Kick off your letter with your biggest HR wins.
Show off your skills across all things HR — from hiring to employee relations.

Give your job hunt a boost with our Cover Letter Builder. Our tool offers HR-specific content to help you tick all the right boxes.

HR generalist cover letter example

Cover letter for an HR generalist

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Here’s why this cover letter works:

Personalized and professional greeting
The cover letter is addressed to a specific person, Ms. Sharon Collins, showing that Judy Taylor has done her research.
Alignment with company values
Judy expresses her admiration for UGI Corporation’s commitment to innovation in the energy sector. By aligning her values and goals with those of the company, she demonstrates that she has a genuine interest in the mission.
Strong call to action
The conclusion of the cover letter includes a clear call to action, inviting Ms. Collins to contact Judy for an interview. This shows confidence and eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.

Browse other popular samples

Cover letter template for a human resources generalist

Copy and paste this template to use as a starting point for your HR generalist cover letter.

Judy Taylor
Chicago, IL 60601
555-555-5555
example@example.com

May 30, 2025

Sharon Collins, Recruiter
UGI Corporation
817 Prospect Court
Chicago IL, 60601

Dear Ms. Collins,

I am writing to express my interest in the HR generalist position at UGI Corporation. With over eight years of experience in human resources management, specializing in employee relations, recruitment and performance management, I am eager to bring my skills and expertise to your esteemed organization.

At Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., I have successfully managed recruitment processes, reducing time-to-hire by 20% through optimized candidate sourcing and screening techniques. Additionally, I have coordinated employee onboarding and training programs, resulting in a 15% increase in new hire retention rates. My administration of benefits and compensation programs has achieved a 95% employee satisfaction rate in annual surveys. These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to improve HR operations and contribute to a positive work environment.

In my previous role as an HR Assistant at Avaap, I assisted in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, contributing to a 10% reduction in employee turnover. I also facilitated employee performance reviews and feedback sessions, enhancing employee engagement by 25%. My experience in supporting payroll processing and benefits administration ensured 100% accuracy and compliance with regulations.

I am particularly drawn to UGI Corporation because of its commitment to excellence and innovation in the energy sector. I am confident that my proactive approach, combined with my HR expertise, will enable me to contribute effectively to your team. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in recruitment, employee relations and HR administration to UGI Corporation and support your mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills and enthusiasm align with UGI Corporation’s goals. Please contact me at 555-555-5555 or email at example@example.com to schedule an interview.

Warm regards,

Judy Taylor

Formatting tips for an HR generalist cover letter

As an HR pro, you know what makes a great application stand out. Let’s apply that knowledge to your own cover letter:

Length: Stick to one page with clear sections and paragraphs.
Formatting: Left-align your text, use 1-inch margins, and set line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5. You know how important readability is!
Font: Choose a professional font like Arial or Calibri. For readability, 11- or 12-point size works best — just like you’d recommend to job seekers.

Remember, your cover letter isn’t just about listing your HR skills. It’s about showcasing your ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.

Choosing a cover letter design

Create your cover letter

A well-crafted cover letter design is like a reflection of company culture — professional yet uniquely valuable. Consider these tips:

Prioritize a clean, scannable layout — you know recruiters appreciate it.
Strategically use bullet points to showcase key achievements, without overdoing it.
Consistency in formatting is crucial — just as you’d expect in a polished HR report.

For a personal touch, consider adding a splash of color. A hint of navy blue or deep green for your name and headings can infuse personality while maintaining professionalism. As an HR expert, you’re perfectly positioned to strike that ideal balance!

How to write an HR generalist cover letter

Let’s craft a cover letter that showcases your HR expertise and makes hiring managers take notice.

Step 1

Decode the job post

As an HR professional, you’re an expert at creating job descriptions. Now, it’s time to apply that knowledge to your own job search.

Analyze the posting as if you were screening candidates. Identify keywords like “experience with HRIS systems,” “knowledge of employment law” or “familiar with performance management techniques.” These highlight the employer’s priorities.

Incorporate these terms naturally into your letter. Your insider knowledge of ATS software will help you balance keyword optimization with readability.

Your objective is to present yourself not just as an HR generalist, but as a strategic partner who can elevate the entire HR function.

Pro tip

Research the company’s recent HR initiatives or cultural shifts. Demonstrate how your experience aligns with their current focus. This shows you understand the broader business context, a crucial skill for HR professionals.

Step 2

Add a professional header

Your cover letter header should include:

Your full name and relevant certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
Location (or willingness to relocate if applicable).
Phone number and professional email.
LinkedIn profile URL.

Pro tip

Keep the format clean and professional. As you often advise candidates, avoid graphics or elaborate designs in your application materials. Most employers, including HR departments, prefer a straightforward, text-based format.

Step 3

Identify the decision-maker

HR professionals understand the importance of addressing an application to the right person. Use your networking skills and LinkedIn savviness to identify the hiring manager or head of HR. If you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Team” are solid alternatives.

Pro tip

We all know “To Whom It May Concern” is a relic of the past. Avoid it to demonstrate your understanding of modern hiring practices.

Step 4

Write an engaging opener

Your opening paragraph should capture attention and clearly convey your intent. Here are some tailored approaches:

For HR newcomers:

I’m applying for the HR generalist position at [company name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in human resources management, I’m excited to apply my fresh knowledge of current HR trends and best practices to contribute to your team’s success.

For seasoned HR professionals:

With [number] years of experience across various HR functions, I’m eager to bring my expertise to the HR generalist role at [company name]. My track record in [specific achievements, e.g., “implementing successful employee engagement programs” or “streamlining recruitment processes”] has prepared me to make immediate contributions to your HR initiatives.

For career pivoters:

I’m enthusiastic about the HR generalist opportunity at [company name]. While my background is in [previous field], I’ve recently [e.g., “obtained my SHRM-CP certification” or “completed an intensive HR management course”]. I believe my unique perspective, combined with my newly acquired HR knowledge, will bring valuable insights to your team.

Pro tip

Demonstrate your company research skills. Reference a specific company initiative, like a recent diversity program or a workplace culture award. This showcases your ability to align HR strategies with company goals — a key skill for any HR professional.

Step 5

Showcase your HR expertise

The core of your cover letter should highlight how your HR skills and experience align perfectly with the job requirements.

Focus on these key areas:

HR-specific skills: Highlight your expertise in areas the job posting emphasizes, such as employee relations, talent acquisition, or compensation and benefits.
Strategic problem-solving: Provide examples of how you’ve addressed HR challenges and improved organizational effectiveness.
Measurable HR achievements: Describe specific results you’ve achieved, using data to quantify your impact.

Here’s an example:

In my current role at [Company Name], I spearheaded a comprehensive employee engagement initiative. This project leveraged my HR skills in survey design, data analysis and change management.

I collaborated closely with department heads to ensure the program addressed companywide concerns. As a result, we increased our employee engagement scores by 25% and reduced turnover by 15% within a year.

This experience reinforced my passion for creating positive workplace cultures. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring this approach to [Company Name] and contribute to your reputation as an employer of choice.

Pro tip

Include a brief anecdote about a time you resolved a complex HR issue. For instance: “When faced with a surge in employee grievances, I implemented a new conflict resolution program that reduced formal complaints by 40% and improved interdepartmental collaboration.”

Step 6

Conclude with a call to action

In your final paragraph, succinctly reinforce your value proposition and express enthusiasm for the next steps in the hiring process.

Here’s an example of a strong closing for an HR professional:

I’m eager to bring my expertise in [key HR skills relevant to the job, e.g., “talent acquisition, employee relations and HRIS management”] to the HR generalist role at [Company Name]. My track record in [relevant HR experience, e.g., “improving employee engagement and streamlining HR processes”] positions me to make significant contributions to your HR team and overall organizational goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my HR experience and strategic approach can support [Company Name]’s mission and drive employee success.

Pro tip

Keep your closing concise and positive, but avoid presumptuous statements about next steps. As an HR professional, you know the importance of respecting the hiring process.

Step 7

Sign off with a professional signature

Conclude your letter with a professional signoff, such as:

Sincerely,
Best regards,
Thank you for your consideration,

Follow this with your full name and any relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).

Pro tip

Keep your application materials focused. Avoid adding postscripts or additional information after your signature. All crucial points should be addressed within the body of your letter.

Check your resume

Create your resume

You know the critical role a well-crafted resume plays in the application process. Now it’s time to apply that expertise to your own career advancement.

If your resume needs refreshing, consider these tips:

Choose an ATS-friendly template that showcases your HR expertise.
Begin with a professional summary highlighting your career achievements.
Detail your job history, emphasizing your most recent and relevant roles.
List your education and certifications (e.g., SHRM, HRCI).
Quantify your HR achievements: recruitment metrics, retention rates, cost-saving initiatives.
Align your skills and experiences with the specific competencies in the job description.

Review HR resume examples to stay current with industry trends. As you know, HR best practices evolve, and your resume should reflect current standards.

Pressed for time? Consider using a resume builder. These tools can help you create a professional document quickly. However, remember to customize it to your unique HR journey and carefully proofread it. A little extra work can save you a lot of pain in the long run!

Key takeaways

Align with the job description

Use your skills in job analysis to match your experience with the role’s key requirements.
Showcase HR metrics

Demonstrate your impact with quantifiable HR achievements and data-driven results.
Personalize for company culture

Use your research skills to tailor your application to the organization’s values and culture.
Leverage your expertise

Apply your insider knowledge of hiring processes to craft a standout application.
Balance ATS optimization and readability

Apply your ATS knowledge to create a document that passes automated screens and impresses human readers.

Resources to help you prepare for your interview

Last Updated: July 23, 2024

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.