Previously in our blog, we wrote about how to write a cover letter for CV, considered the best ways to begin it and how to properly address a cover letter for a job application. Today, we’ll focus on a specific part of your cover letter that’s no less important than a stunning introduction and a thought-out body — the closing paragraph.
Сatch yourself sitting idle in front of the screen with just a blinking cursor on the closing paragraph of a cover letter? We’ve got you covered. Follow these tips and tricks for signing off a cover letter for a resume to wrap it up as professionally as possible and land an interview for the job of your dreams.
Ending a Cover Letter: Why is it Important?
You’ve already figured out that the purpose of the cover letter is to grab the reader’s attention, make a great first impression, and make them want to contact you.
You started strong and confident, showcased your rich experience, injected enthusiasm and genuine interest. Now, it is time to call the hiring manager for further dialogue. The last sentences of the cover letter are crucial when it comes to getting a call for an interview.
- Expresses your confidence and enthusiasm;
- Connects your skills to the role;
- Encloses gratitude for consideration;
- Calls the prospective employer to action.
What to Include in the Last Paragraph of a Cover Letter
Let’s define the standard structure of a professionally-written cover letter ending. It consists of two different parts – the cover letter closing paragraph and cover letter conclusion.
Final Paragraph
In the closing paragraph, you should focus on how you can contribute to the company, express your gratitude to the prospective employer for considering your application for the job opening, mention that you’ve enclosed your CV, and finish on a high note. The last sentence of a cover letter should reiterate your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the company and the position you’re applying to.
Conclusion
The conclusion of a cover letter is the place where you put your call to action. Use an adequate and short closeout for the letter, conveying an appropriate amount of respect to the recipient and asking them to contact you.
Thank the manager for their attention and add a standard farewell, such as:
- Sincerely yours,/Sincerely,
- Best regards,/All the best,
- Regards,
- Thank you for your consideration,
- Respectfully,
Add your name and any relevant contact info (LinkedIn profile link, email address, phone number, links to social media profiles if necessary) below your name. You may also use your contact information by subtly introducing it in your call to action lines.
What to Avoid When Closing a Cover Letter
There is a thin line between successfully landing an interview and falling down the list of candidates. A half-heartedly written closing paragraph for a cover letter that is otherwise solid and thought-out can be particularly detrimental to your chances of being chosen for the position.
The following section of our article will tell you what mistakes to avoid when you wrap up a cover letter.
When ending your letter, avoid:
- Being arrogant
- Letting “I”s and “My”s out of control You may have read this clause in one of our previous articles. We emphasize that a cover letter should be about the company and the value you offer them. Reduce the number of “I”s in any form across the document. Try to use more of “you” or “we” instead.
- Using boilerplate phrases Excessively formal and generic phrases sound insincere and robotic. You can’t just kill the good first impression you made earlier in the piece with a generic and plain final paragraph of a cover letter.
- Being salesy Ending your cover letter with something like “I’ll call your office in a week to schedule an interview” will make you come off as salesy, selfish, and pushy. This is not the way to get an interview.
- Ending the cover letter with your needs This is connected to the second clause of the list. A cover letter is your value proposition. Employers open job positions for the purpose of solving their current problems by finding assets and investing in them. Offer your services.
Even a bit of arrogance in your words kills a successfully-written cover letter for a resume.
Cover Letter Closing Examples
Looking for examples of good last sentences for a cover letter or trying to figure out what is the best way to end a cover letter? Check the following examples for inspiration.
“I am excited to learn more about this position and demonstrate why I am a great fit for your company.”
This closing line showcases your enthusiasm for the position and leaves the hiring manager wanting to learn more about you and why you believe you’re such an excellent fit for this position and organization’s admission requirements.
More examples of how to end a cover letter highlighting your readiness and willingness to cut the talk and walk the walk:
“I would love the opportunity to meet with you and share how I plan to hit the ground running.”
“I believe I am the best person for this position, and would love to meet you and share what I can contribute to XYZ Inc.”
“I would really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will be beneficial to XYZ Inc.’s success.”
Hiring managers are always looking for what the applicant can do for the company and not what the company can do for you. Showing that you have qualities and passion that will drive their business forward will please the hiring manager, and they will want to bring you in to discuss further.
“Thank you for considering me for the position of UX Designer. I have attached a copy of my CV and some examples of my work. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the role in more detail”.
This is an example of cover letter closing that includes words of gratitude.
For more sample cover letters and resumes, visit the relevant Get Cover Letter pages.
Best and Worst Cover Letter Conclusions
When finishing a cover letter for a job you should do it formally and professionally.
So, how to close a cover letter in a professional way?
Here are the best cover letter conclusions:
- - Sincerely, /Sincerely yours,
- - Regards, /Best regards,
- - Kind regards,
- - Thank you,
- - Respectfully,
Never close the cover letter with the following:
- Cheers,
- Later,
- Text me back when you get a chance,
- With love,
- See you,
- Peace out,
- Godspeed,
Leave a blank line after the farewell words and type your full name below.
Basically, the very last section of your cover letter is a signature — handwritten for a hard copy letter, and an email signature (containing your contact info and social media links) for an email message.
How to Format a Final Paragraph of Cover Letter
Our experts suggest creating a “master cover letter” with relevant static information. Things like your personal and contact info, your skills, and closing words will likely stay the same from application to application. Depending on the organization you’re applying to, format the rest of the master cover letter.
This approach saves time and nerves, and helps you make fewer mistakes.
From:
[Your Full Name]
[Date]
[Street, City/Town, State, Zip]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
To:
[Recipient’s Full Name]
[Recipient’s Company Name]
[Street, City/Town, State, Zip]
[Recipient’s Phone]
[Recipient’s Email]
I am writing to express my excitement about the Sales Manager Assistant position at XYZ Inc. I am convinced that it was fate that I found the position in a recent publication on [Insert Source Here].
[Custom text about how you admire the company and the way it does its business]
I’d be a great Sales Manager Assistant at XYZ Inc. because:
1. [Your relevant skill/competency 1] + [Explanation with numbers]
2. [Your relevant skill/competency 2] + [Explanation with numbers]
3. [Your relevant skill/competency 3] + [Explanation with numbers]