How to end a cover letter
Your cover letter is your first impression when trying to land a job – so it’s important to get every part of it right. While it’s essential to focus on highlighting your skills and experience, remember that the ending is just as important as the beginning.
This ending of your cover letter is your chance to reinforce your enthusiasm for the position, restate your unique value, and leave a memorable impression. Just as the conclusion of a speech aims to resonate with the audience, knowing how to sign off a cover letter well can have a lasting impact on potential employers.
Here is everything to know about ending your cover letter.
Why does the closing of the cover letter matter?
Your cover letter ending helps shape the hiring manager’s overall impression of you. It’s your final pitch, so it should say something that sets you apart from other applicants.
The closing paragraph reinforces your qualifications and reiterates your interest in the role. If there are multiple applicants for a role that have similar qualifications, how you sign off your cover letter can make you more memorable. A good closing should share enthusiasm, show your professionalism and give the reader a clear call to action that motivates them to invite you for an interview.
How to finish a cover letter
Knowing how to end a cover letter effectively is important in making a strong final impression and setting a positive tone that could tip the scales in your favour. This closing paragraph of a cover letter is your last opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the position and persuade the employer that you’re the right person for the job.
Express gratitude
Expressing gratitude to the reader for their time and consideration is an essential part of ending a cover letter. It’s polite to acknowledge the effort the hiring manager has put into reviewing your application, and to do so creates a positive connection, showing respect for the process and those involved.
Reiterate your enthusiasm
In the closing of your cover letter, it's important to restate your eagerness to join the team and the company. This helps the hiring manager see your genuine interest in the job and that you fit in with the company’s values and goals. Mention specific aspects of the company or role that excite you, and express how keen you are to contribute. Showing a personal interest in the company leaves a strong final impression.
Call to action
A compelling call to action in your cover letter’s closing paragraph should prompt the hiring manager to take the next step. A good call to action for a cover letter should invite them to contact you for an interview and potentially mention how and when you can be reached. Include a sentence like, Feel free to contact me for an interview at your earliest convenience, I’m looking forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team
Professional closing salutation or valediction
Choosing the right closing salutation (known as a valediction) in your cover letter reinforces a professional tone. Here are a few examples.
Sincerely: this is one of the most widely used sign-offs and conveys professionalism and respect without being overly familiar.
Best regards: slightly less formal than Sincerely, but still professional, this closing works well when you have some prior interaction or connection with the recipient.
Kind regards: this is a warm yet professional closing salutation that is best used when you want to convey a friendly tone.
Respectfully: this is particularly suitable when applying to positions that require a high level of respect and formality, such as jobs in the legal or educational fields.
Thank you: this is a less formal valediction, and best used if you want to emphasise your gratitude, particularly if the interviewer has already given you considerable time (like in a preliminary interview).
Cover letter conclusion examples
Closing a cover letter well can improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Here are three tailored examples of how to conclude a cover letter for different career stages: internship openings, entry-level positions and manager-level positions.
1. Internship openings
I am excited about the opportunity to intern with ABC Company, and am eager to bring my passion for digital marketing to your team. Thank you for considering my application and feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.
2. Entry-level positions
Thank you for considering my application, I’m keen to start a career with [company], having aspired to work at the company from a young age. I look forward to discussing my suitability in more detail during an interview.
3. Manager-Level Positions
I appreciate your time in reviewing my application for this role. With my extensive experience in similar positions, I am keen to take the next step and confident I can drive the success of the [name of team/department]. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at your convenience to schedule a discussion.
Common mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter
Your cover letter conclusion is important in making a lasting impression, so be aware that there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some mistakes that can impact your cover letter sign off.
Generic closings
When penning your cover letter closing, avoid generic salutations such as Best without any personal touch. Instead, try to personalise your closing to reflect the tone of your letter and the nature of the job you're applying for, referencing a detail about the company or the conversation you hope to have.
Informal language
Maintaining a professional tone throughout your cover letter is essential, and this extends to the closing. Avoid informal language, including slang, contractions, or overly casual salutations like Cheers. This can undermine the professional image you’re trying to present.
Grammatical errors and typos
Proofread your cover letter’s closing paragraph to ensure it’s polished and free of errors. Typos or grammatical mistakes can leave a negative impression, suggesting a lack of attention to detail. Always double-check your closing, and consider having someone else review your letter as well.
Lack of enthusiasm
The closing of your cover letter should show enthusiasm for the job opportunity. It’s a mistake to simply thank the reader without expressing your keen interest in the role. Make sure to share your excitement and that you look forward to potentially joining their team.
Unrealistic requests
Avoid making unrealistic demands, such as insisting on an interview or proposing specific dates for one, which might make you seem inflexible. While it’s important to let them know your availability, you should allow the employer to take the initiative for the next steps.
Including salary expectations
Discussing salary expectations in your cover letter is generally not a good idea. Salary negotiations are more appropriate for after an interview invitation, when you have a better understanding of the employer’s interest, the details of the role, and the full employee benefits package.
Mentioning irrelevant Information
Keep the closing of your cover letter concise and focused on why you’re a good fit for the position. Avoid the temptation to ramble or include unnecessary personal details. This helps keep the reader’s attention on your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Redundant information
Finally, avoid repeating information that you’ve already covered above. Instead, use the closing to highlight a particular skill or state your enthusiasm about the opportunity, adding a personal touch or a detail that connects to the company’s goals or culture.
A strong and impactful closing to your cover letter is as important as the introduction and body. It’s your last chance to leave a positive impression, express gratitude, state your enthusiasm, and invite further discussion through a clear call to action. A well-written cover letter ending can set you apart from other applicants, demonstrating your professionalism and keen interest in the role.
FAQs
How do you conclude a cover letter?
If you’re wondering how to close a cover letter effectively:
- Express gratitude for the reader’s time
- Restate your interest in the position
- Include a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for an interview
This reinforces your enthusiasm and professional approach.
What’s the last thing you put on a cover letter?
The last thing you put on a cover letter is your professional closing salutation (valediction) such as Sincerely or Best regards, followed by your name. Ensure you leave space for a signature if you are submitting a hard copy.
What is an example of a cover letter conclusion?
An example of a cover letter conclusion might be:
"Thank you for considering my application for the apprentice electrician position. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to complete my training and launch my career with your company. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience for an interview—I look forward to speaking with you.
Best regards,
Name"
What are some generic closings I should avoid in my cover letter?
Avoid overly generic closings like Yours truly, or Yours faithfully or closings that don’t show gratitude or include a call to action. These can seem impersonal and don’t convey any enthusiasm for the role or the company.
Is it okay to use contractions like “don’t” or “I’m” in my cover letter closing?
It’s generally recommended to avoid contractions in a cover letter to maintain a formal and professional tone throughout. Instead of contractions, use the full forms such as do not and I am.
Should I mention my salary expectations in the cover letter closing?
No, it’s not advisable to mention salary expectations in your cover letter unless specifically requested by the employer. Salary discussions are more appropriate after an interview invitation.
How do you end a professional letter?
End a professional letter with a polite closing, such as Sincerely, Respectfully, or Kind regards, followed by your name. This formal sign off helps maintain the professional tone of your letter.
How do you start and end a cover letter?
Start a cover letter with a polite greeting and an opening statement that conveys your enthusiasm for the job opening. End it with a professional closing that includes a thank you, a summary of your interest, and a call to action, followed by your signature and name.
How do you express enthusiasm in a cover letter?
Express enthusiasm in a cover letter by clearly stating your excitement about the role and the company. Use phrases like I am thrilled at the prospect of working with [company name] or I am highly enthusiastic about contributing to your team, and provide specific reasons or aspects of the company or position that excite you.
