A human resources cover letter is similar to a business cover letter. It accompanies your resume when submitted to an establishment at which you desire employment, and seeks to convince the reader to invite you for an interview. The cover letter must contain an explanation of how you personally can benefit the company, a brief listing of the high points in your career, and an indication that you took the time to research the company and understand its needs.
Before writing a human resources cover letter, you should first do some background research on the company to which you are applying. The easiest method of doing so is to search online and browse the company's official website. Understand the company philosophy and objectives, its history and growth, and its long-term goals. If you are able to make contact with anyone in the company, do so. Find out whether the position is being offered due to expansion or due to issues that need someone to resolve them.
Begin your cover letter by addressing it specifically to the head of the human resources department. Indicate that you are aware of the company's long-term goals, and discuss how you intend to help achieve them. It is acceptable to mention highlights from your past projects in order to demonstrate experience in these areas, despite repeating information in your resume. Discuss how you can use your education, experience, attributes, and passion for problem-solving to help them reach the company's objective in hiring a new resource.
If you were able to find out the reason for the available opening, you will be able to better customize your human resources cover letter to fit the company's needs. For a company that is expanding, you can discuss your experience in recruiting and hiring the right people. If the company is looking for someone to take action on certain issues, you can talk about the policies and procedures you could create to best achieve such an effect. Elaborate on similar issues you may have encountered previously in your career, and how you were able to successfully resolve them.
Provide a list of some past activities you have fostered in previous companies and discuss how each accomplished its objectives. If you are able to provide concrete figures, like a 20% boost to productivity after the activity, do so. Backing up your statements with hard facts will increase your value and credibility in the eyes of the recruiter.
End your human resources cover letter with a statement of enthusiasm. Say how much you look forward to meeting the hiring committee in person to further discuss your ideas for helping the company. Let them know when you will be available for an interview, and be sure to provide more than one avenue for contacting you.