It’s common (and frankly, understandable) to put lots of effort into the opening and body of a cover letter.
But that doesn’t give you an excuse to overlook the importance of a strong cover letter conclusion; imagine the huge disappointment when an impressive start leads to a lackluster ending! Let us give you some pointers on ways to nail that final part.
In this article:
How To Close Out A Cover Letter (With Cover Letter Examples)
1. Acknowledge Your Recipient
A brief, enthusiastic statement demonstrates professionalism and reaffirms your interest in the position. You should thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, briefly restate why you want to apply for the position, and then (optionally) mention your availability for an interview or suggest a follow-up method.
Examples
Formal:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the [Job Title] position.”
Enthusiastic:
“Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of contributing my skills and experience to [Company Name]. “
Concise:
“Thank you for your time. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.” (This is a very brief option, best used when brevity is essential)
2. Include Direct CTA
A clear call to action outlines the next step you’d like to take and simplifies the process for the hiring manager. It also showcases confidence in your compatibility for the role. Still, ensure your wording is courteous without sounding impatient or “pushy.”
Examples
Direct and Enthusiastic:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing my skills and experience to [Company Name]. I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].”
Confident, Professional:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. My skills and experience make me a strong, qualified candidate for the [Job Title] position. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”
Subtle, Actionable:
“I appreciate your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review. I look forward to discussing my candidacy further in an interview. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].”
3. Summarize Your Career Highlights
Ending on a strong note that showcases your value will keep you top-of-mind for the hiring manager and strengthen your candidacy! Of course, one or two sentences are sufficient since we’re reaching the end. Don’t rehash your entire cover letter.
Example:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. As a Team Lead at [Previous Company Name], I successfully achieved a consistent 20% increase in monthly project deliveries on time and within budget. I’m confident my leadership skills and proven ability to drive results would make me a valuable asset to your team at [Company Name].”
4. Mention The Company Goal Or Vision
Here’s your chance to explain how your skills and relevant experience can contribute to their long-term vision!
The best place to start your research is the company’s website. Look for sections titled “About Us,” “Mission Statement,” “Vision Statement,” or “Company Values.”
Next, choose just 1 or 2 specific aspects that resonate with you and your skills. There’s no need to have everything covered!
Example:
“[Company Name]’s relentless pursuit of innovation in the [Industry] space truly inspires me. My professional background in developing cutting-edge software solutions, coupled with my personal passion for technologies, would contribute to your mission of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
5. Talk About Your Career Goals
A strong conclusion that successfully connects your personal aspirations to the company’s vision will work in your favor.
It’ll also likely spark a related conversation during the follow-up in-person meeting. Take that chance to further elaborate on your desired career path or explain how your skills and the company’s needs intersect!
Example:
“Beyond my project management skills, I also envision myself contributing to future green building initiatives, and [Company Name]’s reputation for excellence in sustainable engineering projects deeply aligns with my career aspirations. I’m eager to discuss how my skills can contribute to your continued success.”
6. Leave Your Personal Note
Of course, a cover letter should primarily focus on your qualifications and suitability for the role. But sometimes, if carefully crafted, a personal note in the closing paragraph can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other applicants.
A sentence or two is sufficient. Don’t overshadow your qualifications, and avoid overused phrases like “I’m a team player” or “I’m a hard worker.”
Example:
“As a passionate gamer myself, I’ve long admired [Company Name]’s modern approach to game development, particularly your recent success with [Specific Game Title]. My own coding skills…”
7. Be A Bit More Specific About How You Add Value
Don’t simply list skills or be vague with phrases like “My analytical skills will help with your success.” Give them more specifics and quantify whenever possible to end your letter on a high note.
Example:
“My proven track record aligns perfectly with [Company Name]’s focus on customer acquisition. I’m confident I can conduct in-depth audience research and competitor analysis to develop highly targeted social media campaigns.”
Extra Tips For Formal Cover Letter Closing
Always Proofread
A closing paragraph riddled with typos or grammatical errors will undermine your professionalism and ruin all your efforts to leave a positive final impression. Double-check for mistakes and ask yourself:
- Are there any misspelled words, punctuation errors, or incorrect verb tenses?
- Are your sentences grammatically sound? Do they flow smoothly?
- Is there any clarity issue with your word choice?
Have a friend, colleague, or family member proofread your closing paragraph. Sometimes, reading it aloud to yourself also helps you catch awkward phrasing or grammatical errors that might not be obvious when silently reading!
Another cover letter tip: do not proofread immediately after writing your cover letter. Take a break, then return to it with fresh eyes; that way, you can spot errors you might have missed earlier.
Be Confident Yet Realistic
Be confident but do not come across as arrogant; a candidate who seems to overestimate their abilities or lacks self-awareness is not usually considered a good fit for the company culture. Here are some simple ways to avoid this deadly mistake:
Instead of: “I’m the best candidate for this position.” (Overly confident)
Try:
“My proven track record in [relevant skill] aligns perfectly with your requirements, and I’m confident I can make a significant contribution to your team.” (More balanced)
Instead of: “I can learn anything I need to know for this role.” (Unrealistic)
Try:
“I’m a fast learner and highly adaptable, and I’m eager to develop my expertise in [specific area] to further contribute to your team” (Demonstrates willingness to learn)
How To Sign A Cover Letter
The sign-off under the cover letter‘s last paragraph is your final chance to make a lasting impression! Check out some common options:
Professional Sign-offs:
- Sincerely, – This is the most traditional and universally appropriate closing.
- Best regards, – A formal and polite closing that is also appropriate in most situations.
- Thank you for your time and consideration – Expresses gratitude to the hiring manager for reviewing your application.
- Respectfully yours, – A formal closing that conveys respect for the hiring manager.
Less Common But Acceptable Sign-offs (Use with Caution):
- Thank you, – While brief, it can work if paired with another sentence like “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
- Regards, – Slightly less formal than “Best regards,” but still professional.
Regardless of your preference, keep the sign-off consistent and ensure it matches the formality of the rest of your cover letter. If you are sending a physical copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above the typed closing.
You might also like:
Conclusion
Just because the opening grabs attention first doesn’t mean you should slack off on the conclusion. One misused word or the slightest sign of unprofessionalism might blow your only chance! If you’re still stuck on how to end a cover letter, drop us a line for more advice.
