How to Write a Cover Letter for a Human Resources Job

To write an effective cover letter, you must understand what qualifications the employer is seeking to meet. An employer seeking a Human Resources Generalist, for example, is typically looking for someone familiar with benefits packages, pay scales and EEO law. Make the greatest impact with your cover letter by focusing on the needs of the employer seeking to fill a human resources position and highlighting how your qualifications meet those needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Printer
• Resume paper
• Envelope and postage stamp

1. Educate yourself about what an employer needs in human resource positions by reading job advertisements. Search job boards like Careerbuilder and Monster to find HR job ads. Consider both the qualifications required such as a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and the job duties to be performed such as hiring new employees. Highlight in your cover letter how your experience matches them.
2. Format your cover letter like a standard business letter. See eHow article "How to Write a Formal Business Letter."
3. State in your first paragraph why you are writing. Mention the HR job you are seeking, the company name and where you heard about the position. Draw attention to your resume and what makes you are an excellent candidate for the job.
4. Emphasize what qualifies you for a human resources job in the second paragraph. Show how your qualifications match the needs of the employer. Speak the language of HR jobs by including key words like "Federal regulation compliance," "healthcare benefits" and "diversity training" in your letter. Discuss your accomplishments. Have you increased employee retention? Did you boost employee morale?
5. Close your letter by expressing your gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Ask for a time when you could meet for an interview. Express your enthusiasm for the HR job.
6. Proofread your letter to ensure that there were no grammatical, punctuation or spelling errors. Such errors could surely result in your letter finding its way to the trash can.

Tips & Warnings

• Print your cover letter on the same resume paper you used for your resume.

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