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HR Manager Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

HR Manager Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, Opening hook: In my last role at [Previous Company], I helped shape a new HR plan that aligned with business priorities and reduced process gaps. We rolled out a policy suite and a performance framework that covered 1,200 staff across multiple sites, delivering clearer ownership and faster decision making. I can bring that practical, people-focused approach to [Company Name] and help us navigate changing worker needs with calm, steady oversight. Skills alignment: I’ve led strategy development, policy creation, and implementation planning, with a focus on fair recruitment, induction, and development. I’ve coached managers on performance conversations, helped negotiate with unions when needed, and built health and safety and equal opportunity programs that stay within statutory bounds. I’m comfortable balancing cost control with productivity, and I value transparent, data-informed discussions with leadership and teams. Evidence story: We found a way to streamline onboarding and early performance checks, which significantly improved new hire retention in the first six months. A one-year review of our policy landscape identified a handful of gaps, so I coordinated cross-functional workshops to update the framework and ensure managers could apply it consistently. The result was a clearer set of expectations, fewer compliance questions, and more consistent manager feedback. Professional close: I’m available to discuss how my practical HR leadership can support [Company Name]. If you’d like, I can share more detail on the rollout plan for a comparable policy and how we could tailor it to your environment. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This HR Manager Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for HR Manager Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

HR Strategy DevelopmentPolicy DevelopmentStrategic PlanningImplementation PlanningPerformance ManagementTraining and DevelopmentRecruitment and Selection AdviceInduction and Development SupportNegotiationIndustrial RelationsOccupational Health and SafetyEquality and DiversityStatutory ComplianceCost and Productivity MonitoringRedundancy Policy Oversight

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Determining HR Strategies
  • Implementing HR Policies and Plans
  • Monitoring HR Policies and Plans
  • Reviewing HR Strategies and Policies
  • Evaluating HR Strategies Against Business Needs
  • ...and more

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

HR Manager Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page