Writing a great human resources (HR) assistant cover letter can be a painstaking process. But HR assistants also deserve some assistance! Luckily for you, this guide brims with all the useful tips, compelling templates, and specific examples you need to make yours shine.
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In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about writing an HR assistant cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about:
- Exploring HR assistant cover letter examples
- Properly formatting your HR assistant cover letter
- Crafting an effective cover letter header and an eye-catching headline
- Tailoring your cover letter for the job
- Crafting a compelling HR assistant cover letter introduction
- Showcasing your skills and accomplishments
- Building a persuasive cover letter conclusion
- Pairing your cover letter with a relevant resume
- Avoiding common mistakes in an HR asssitant cover letter
- Understanding the average salary and job outlook for HR assistants
- Accessing top resources for job-seeking human resources assistants
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HR assistant cover letter example
Why does this HR assistant cover letter example work?
- Use of impactful statistics: The applicant makes good use of statistics and objective measurements to demonstrate their success, such as being among the top 2% of students and being awarded Employee of the Month.
- Detailed description of experience and skills: The applicant gives a detailed overview of their previous responsibilities and achievements, focusing on specific skills that are directly applicable to the job they're applying for.
What could be improved?
- Generic beginning and end of the letter: The opening and closing phrases are very generic and impersonal. Instead of "Dear Sir/Madam," it's better to do a bit of research and find the name of the hiring manager. Also, the ending could be more impactful if the applicant proposes the next steps more actively, other than just appreciating an opportunity for an interview.
- Lack of company-specific details: While the candidate briefly mentions the company name, they could demonstrate their interest and commitment more effectively by referencing specific details about the company or explaining why they chose to apply.
- Structure and readability: The lengthy paragraph explaining the writer's experiences and skills is a little overwhelming. Breaking this section down into bullet points could significantly improve readability, making it easier for the hiring manager to quickly identify the writer's key skills and achievements.
Junior recruiter cover letter sample
What are the strengths of this cover letter example?
- Specific software capabilities: The candidate's proficiency in multiple HR software programs is impressive and immediately suggests proficiency in modern HR practices.
- Precise use of numbers: The mention of GPA, awards and school ranking gives concrete evidence of the candidate's academic prowess.
Let's make this example better
- Avoid bulky paragraphs: The content is great, but it's a little heavy to read at one go. Breaking down the paragraphs and strategically using bullet points for skills and accomplishments can help enhance readability.
- Highlight key results: While this candidate's work experiences have been elaborated upon, their successes could be more explicitly stated. Using phrases that highlight specific accomplishments, for instance, "Successfully coordinated the training and onboarding of X number of new employees within Y time frame," could further emphasize their skills and capabilities.
Headhunter cover letter example
What makes this headhunter cover letter sample effective?
- Use of metrics: The candidate has done well to quantify their achievements by mentioning the increase in client satisfaction levels and their "Employee of the Month" award. This offers concrete proof of their effectiveness as a headhunter.
- Software proficiency: The writer correctly mentions their familiarity with specific HR software. This kind of specialization can distinguish the candidate and make them appear more suitable for the role.
Points to improve
- Use of generic phrases: The candidate uses standard phrases such as "I possess everything necessary" and "meet and exceed all assigned goals and objectives" that don't communicate anything specific about their abilities or ambitions. In place of these, outlining unique skills or specific aspirations for the role might be more impactful.
- Directly quote job description: While aligning your skills with the job description is crucial, the line "execute the job and all associated duties successfully" directly copies generic wording that could be found in a job posting. Instead, the writer should translate the job duties into specific tasks they are looking forward to undertaking in the role.
1. How to properly format your HR assistant cover letter
Creating a cover letter that stands out starts with proper formatting. Just like with any business communication, your HR assistant cover letter should be neat, clean, and easy to read.
Here are some general formatting tips to help you get started:
- Alignment and margins: Stick to the standard practice of left-aligning your text and using one-inch margins on all sides. This gives the document a neat and structured look.
- Font style and size: Choose a professional looking font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri, and maintain a font size between 10 and 12 points for optimal readability. Consistency is key.
- Spacing: Spaces help guide the eye, making your letter easier to skim through. Aim for single spacing within paragraphs and add a space between each section for clarity.
- Bullet points: Use bullet points to highlight key achievements or skills. This breaks up the text, making it easier for the reader to grasp important points at a glance.
- Length: Try to keep your letter to a single page. Remember, you're giving an overview of your experience and skills, not your comprehensive work history.
Remember, your cover letter is one of the first impressions you leave on a potential employer. Attention to detail with formatting demonstrates your professionalism right off the bat. So take the time to ensure your cover letter not only communicates your qualifications, but also presents them in a well-structured, easy-to-read format.
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2. How to write an effective header and an eye-catching headline
Whenever you write a cover letter as an HR assistant, the first step is always to create your header and headline. These cover letter elements help give the document visual flow, as well as a bit of much-needed structure.
First up is your cover letter header, which should include:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company & department you are applying to
- The company’s physical address
When listing this information, keep it organized and always prioritize your professional details first — your name should always be in the first line of text and, preferably, in a larger font and bolded.
Now, let's take a look at two contrasting examples:
Bad example of a cover letter headline
Sally: HR Assistant, Phone: 1234567890, email@sallyjoe, LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/sally-joe.
For: HR Department, MoMo Staffing, 1234 Address City, Florida
Why does it fall short? This example is unstructured and lacks a user-friendly layout. Information is crammed together without sufficient spacing or separated lines, making it hard to differentiate between the contact details. What's more, punctuation is inconsistent, leading to a lack of clarity. This header doesn't provide the professional representation Sally should aim for in her application.
Good example of an HR assistant cover letter header
Sally Joe, HR Assistant
(123) 456-7890 | sallyjoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sally-joe
To: MoMo Staffing Company
Human Resources Department
1234 Street Address
Naples, FL, 34102
Why does it work? Sally Joe keeps her information succinct and easy to read. She correctly places her name and title prominently on the first line, neatly separates each piece of contact information, and addresses a specific department in the company.
Pro tip: When creating your cover letter header, consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one. But remember, if you do include this, make sure your profile is polished and professional — it should complement, not detract from your application.
Once you have created a visually pleasing header, your next step is to write your cover letter headline — a short title statement that is used to grab employers’ attention.
This line serves as a succinct summary of your qualifications, giving the reader an immediate understanding of who you are as a professional.
However, beware of the trap of being too vague or generic. It’s your prime real estate to raise their curiosity and urge them to read further.
Consider these two examples:
Bad headline example
Hardworking HR Professional Looking for New Opportunities
Why is it ineffective? This headline is not ideal as it merely describes what the hiring manager already knows — you're looking for a job. It also lacks the specificity that could make you stand out.
Good cover letter headline example
Experienced HR Assistant with Expertise in Recruitment and Employee Relations
Why does it resonate with recruiters? This headline is far more compelling, as it immediately showcases your background and area of expertise. It also mentions specific aspects of HR that you excel in, adding a level of detail that the hiring manager might find interesting.
Remember, the goal of your headline is to intrigue the reader and encourage further exploration of your cover letter. Make sure it gives a snapshot of you at your professional best.
3. How to tailor your HR assistant cover letter for the job
With your header and headline complete, your next task is to tailor your cover letter for the exact job you are applying to. This means you will need to research the company thoroughly beforehand, looking for information such as:
- Who at the company will be responsible for reading your cover letter — you will use this information to create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name
- What the company’s values are. Also, look at their website and marketing materials to see what general language they use — and try to reflect some of the keywords you find in your letter
- What projects, notable clients, or professional associations the company is involved with
One of the best ways to tailor your cover letter is to use a personalized greeting. Finding the name of the hiring manager can add a personal touch to your cover letter.
First, check the job listing — sometimes the name is included there. If you have no luck, visit the company's website — public profiles or the 'About us' section may include the information you need. LinkedIn is another valuable source. A quick search of the company can reveal staff members and their positions.
Just be sure you've got the right person! If all else fails, there's no harm in reaching out to the company. A polite phone call or email stating that you're applying for a position and would like to address your cover letter properly is usually well-received.
Here are 3 examples of personalized HR assistant cover letter greetings
- Dear Ms. Jane Doe,
- Dear Head HR Manager Jane Doe,
- Dear Ms. Jane Doe & the HR Team,
Pro tip: When using honorifics (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., etc.), always make sure you're using the correct one. If you are unsure, omit it completely — no need to offend an employer with a wrong honorific.
4. How to make your HR assistant cover letter introduction appealing
The time has come to begin writing the actual paragraphs of your HR assistant cover letter, starting with your introduction. A strong introduction will include between 2 to 3 sentences that include:
- An overview of your professional history – specifically, your level of experience and any professional specializations you have
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro tip: Mutual acquaintances give you automatic brownie points with employers, as they provide a trusted professional reference and help you build credibility right off the bat. If you do not have a mutual acquaintance, try out a professional platform like LinkedIn to help build and expand your network.
Bad example of a cover letter introduction
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you because I wish to apply for the HR assistant job listed on your website. I have worked in human resources for a while and think this would be a good job for me.
Why does it fall flat? In the bad example, the candidate doesn't share specific details about their experience, only noting that they've "worked in human resources for a while." There's no clear reason given why they're interested in this specific role or company, resulting in the introduction coming off as generic and uninspired.
Good example of an HR assistant cover letter introduction
Dear Head HR Manager Jane Doe,
I am an HR assistant with 3+ years of experience working in retail recruitment. My former manager, Jack King, recently took on a position as an HR manager at your company and encourage me to apply for an opening on his team. As your department currently needs a recruitment specialist, I believe my experience is highly relevant and greatly qualifies me for the position.
Why does it work? This introduction clearly specifies the applicant's experience, mentions a mutual contact within the company, and expresses their enthusiasm and purpose for applying.
When starting your cover letter, remember the importance of making a strong first impression. Personalize your introduction, offer a peek into your professional journey, and make it evident why you're not just seeking any job, but this job with this company.
5. How to showcase your skills and accomplishments as an HR assistant
Once you have perfected your introduction, you will then move on to writing your cover letter’s body paragraphs. An HR assistant’s cover letter should have between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that provide a more in-depth look into their best skills, accomplishments, and qualifications.
As you describe your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications, remember to use as specific details as you can. Providing context and quantifiable information will make these details stand out to employers, helping to showcase the value you can contribute to their company.
Here are 6 examples of HR assistant skills to describe in a cover letter
- Appointment scheduling
- Conducting employee orientations and training
- Administering and scoring applicant tests
- Knowledge of HR software
- Managing HR inquiries
- Maintaining digital records
After having outlined your skills, let's turn the spotlight onto your real-world achievements. These are the instances where you put your skills into action to bring about measurable positive outcomes.
Here's an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an HR assistant cover letter
As an HR assistant at [Former Employer], I played a key role in the digital support of the HR department. I helped source and install a new HR software that improved inquiry resolution time by 15%, which helped raise employee satisfaction rates by 35%.
6. How to end your HR assistant cover letter effectively
The fifth and final step for writing your HR assistant cover letter is to write a memorable closing statement. In this statement, you should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Bad example of an HR assistant cover letter conclusion
I hope to hear from you, and thanks for considering me.
Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
Why is it ineffective? This version seems dispassionate and doesn't make a strong case for following up. It fails to clearly express the applicant's enthusiasm about the opportunity and doesn't provide a proper timeframe for the follow-up. It also lacks the key details about when and how the applicant could be contacted, turning the follow-up process into a shot in the dark.
Pro tip: Always make sure your conclusion leaves the employer with a clear understanding of your eagerness for the opportunity, the specifics of the follow-up process, and your gratitude for their time and consideration. This can help cement a positive impression of your professionalism.
Good example of a cover letter conclusion from an HR assistant cover letter
The prospect of working for your company and being accepted for this opportunity greatly excites me and I look forward to speaking with you in person soon. To best reach me, you may contact me at (123) 456-7890 any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If I have not heard from you by next Tuesday, I will reach back out to check in on the status of my application.
Many Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
Why does it work? The promising example expresses enthusiasm about the prospect of working for the employer's company, sets a convenient time for contact, and shows initiative by mentioning a follow-up. This caring closure ensures the employer knows the candidate's commitment and the convenient ways to establish further contact.
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7. How to pair your HR assistant cover letter with a relevant resume
When applying for an HR assistant role, creating a synergistic cover letter and resume pairing is crucial. Although they serve different purposes, they should reinforce each other to present a consistent and compelling picture of your qualifications.
Your resume is a detailed summary of your experiences, skills, and education. Like a fact sheet, it presents your professional path and achievements in short, direct points.
On the other hand, your cover letter provides context to these points. It's your chance to connect the dots for the employer, explaining the story behind your career decisions, how you overcame obstacles, and why you're uniquely suited to this particular role.
When it comes to design, both your cover letter and resume should have a consistent style. Design elements such as font, formatting style, color scheme (if applicable), and overall layout should be consistent across both documents. Doing so creates visual harmony and makes your application package feel professionally curated and cohesive.
All in all, presenting coordinated cover letter and resume not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also contributes to a stronger first impression. It makes your application package appear more polished, which is an asset in any job application, but especially in HR-related roles where meticulousness is often crucial.
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8. How to avoid common mistakes in an HR assistant cover letter
Crafting a top-notch cover letter for an HR assistant role takes care and attention to detail. Let's dive into common pitfalls you should steer clear of and some solutions to amend them.
1. Vague or generic content: A generic cover letter is a missed opportunity to share your story and connect with the hiring manager. To avoid this, take time to personalize your content. Talk about why you're excited about this specific role, and how your experience has prepared you for it.
- Bad example: "I'm applying for the HR job listed on your website."
- Better example: "As someone who's handled recruitment for a fast-growing tech startup, I'm excited to bring my experience to your HR assistant role."
2. Too long: Sometimes, less is more. A cover letter that rambles on for pages can leave the reader feeling overwhelmed or bored. Aim for 3-4 concise paragraphs covering your key selling points.
3. Missing proofread: HR assistants have to be meticulous, and that should reflect in their cover letter. Proofread your cover letter for grammatical errors or typos before hitting send.
4. Skipping mentions of relevant soft skills: As an HR assistant, skills like empathetic communication or conflict resolution could be as important as experience with HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems). Don't forget to highlight these, using examples where possible.
Pro tip: Using the job description as your guide, find 2-3 specific examples from your experiences that directly match the skills the employer seeks in an ideal candidate. A cover letter doesn't just highlight your relevant skills; it can also showcase your ability to understand job requirements and symbolize your eagerness to meet the company's specific needs.
5. Failing to follow instructions: If the job posting instructs candidates to address the cover letter to a particular person or include certain information, make sure to follow these instructions. In the HR world, following guidelines is critical.
The golden rule of writing a cover letter is to think of the reader's perspective. Keeping all these points in mind will help you craft a cover letter that is compelling, engaging, and free of common mistakes.
9. Average salary and job outlook for HR assistants
As you embark on a career as an HR assistant, having up-to-date information about salary and industry trends can guide your expectations and set the trajectory for your job search and negotiation process.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2022, the annual average salary for HR assistants was $46,900. This figure testifies to the competitive financial prospects of an HR assistant role.
But salary is only part of the equation, understanding the job outlook is also crucial. The BLS projects that employment of human resources specialists will grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate outpaces the average for all occupations, demonstrating the consistent demand for HR professionals and the industry's dynamic growth.
Over the upcoming decade, an average of 78,700 job openings for HR specialists is projected each year. This points to a wealth of opportunities for those seeking to embark on a career in the HR field, making it a choice worthy of serious consideration by ambitious job seekers.
10. Top job search resources for HR assistants
Now that you've got your cover letter and resume ready, it's time to get to the job search! If you're a little nervous and don't know where to start, feel free to take inspiration from these resources:
- Networking platforms: LinkedIn is the cornerstone of professional networking. It's not just for connecting; it's a treasure trove of job listings, industry news, and insightful articles.
- Industry-specific job boards: Niche job boards such as SHRM’s HR Jobs or HRJobs dedicated solely to HR positions make job searching less of a chore and more of a targeted mission. It's like finding a needle in a haystack, except the needle is right on top.
- Job search engines: With Glassdoor, not only can you search for jobs, but you can also get the lowdown on company culture and salaries. Indeed also casts a wide net with listings from all over the internet.
- Company career pages: Sometimes the best approach is the direct one. Visit the career pages of companies you admire and see if they're looking for someone with your sparkle.
- Professional organizations: Networking opportunities, career resources, and local chapter events can give you an edge in your job search. Consider visiting websites such as SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or National Human Resources Association.
- Continuous education: Whether you wish to pick up new HR skills or just brush up on existing ones, HR-specific online courses offered by Coursera or Udemy can make your application more competitive.
Human Resources Assistant Cover Letter FAQ
Which skills should I showcase in my HR assistant cover letter?
Emphasize HR software proficiency, understanding of employment laws, and data analysis skills. Highlight soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, aligning them with the job description to show you're a comprehensive candidate.
How do I express genuine enthusiasm for HR in my cover letter?
For example, share a brief, personal story that highlights your passion for HR or describe a specific aspect of the field that excites you. Connect this enthusiasm to how you can contribute to the company’s HR goals.
How can I make my cover letter more unique?
Address it personally - research the company and tailor the content of your cover letter to match its values and mission. You can also include a distinctive career highlight or personal insight related to HR that makes you memorable.
What are some of the most common mistakes to avoid?
Steer clear of simply repeating your resume. Avoid clichés and generic terms. Be vigilant about spelling and grammar mistakes, and keep your cover letter concise.
I'm submitting my cover letter via ATS. How do I incorporate keywords effectively?
Identify keywords in the job posting and weave them into your narrative. Keep in mind that your keywords must be spelled exactly as they appear in the job posting, ensuring ATS compatibility.
