Writing a cover letter can be a struggle. You want to check all the boxes on your job application. But, you also want to show what makes you a uniquely qualified candidate. One part of the process that often flies under the radar is how to end a cover letter.
Madeline Mann, an HR leader in the technology industry and creator of Self Made Millennial, says that while no conclusion will save a bad cover letter, it can distinguish you from another good candidate.
It’s all about enthusiasm, according to Madeline. “Companies want people who want them,” she says. If you can draw to the company’s values and show how interested in working with them you are, that’s a substantial advantage. You want to create a lasting impression for the hiring manager by incorporating that enthusiasm in your cover letter ending.
“Companies want people who want them.”
– Madeline Mann, Career Coach & LinkedIn Learning Instructor
3 tips for ending a cover letter
Here are key tips to consider when you’re crafting the perfect ending to a cover letter.
Show enthusiasm for the role
Companies want people who are enthusiastic about working with them. Demonstrating this in your closing can create a positive impression. Express your excitement about the potential opportunity and how much you are looking forward to contributing to the team.
Include a call to action
Clearly state what you want to happen next, such as scheduling an interview. Be assertive but polite. Show eagerness to discuss how you can help the company. Also, provide your availability for a meeting.
Use a professional sign-off
End with a formal and polite closing phrase. Use a respectful, professional sign-off. “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” or “Kind regards” are good options. They will leave a positive final impression.
Ending your cover letter with a call to action
You may be tempted to write that “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” for your cover letter ending. That isn’t a call to action. For Madeline, the end of a cover letter “serves to give one last push and show interest and enthusiasm in a way that stands out.”
Likewise, Julia Reiter, a career coach based in Toronto, says, “now that the company knows you are aware of their current challenges and are equipped to solve those challenges for them, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them how they can make your skills and experiences a reality on their team. What number can they reach you at for an interview?”
Making the CTA short and sweet is important too.
“As a professional resume writer, I see a lot of poorly written cover letters,” says Ashley Britten, a senior resume writer and the founder of New Leaf Careers. “The cover letter is too long. A cover letter should be a maximum one page or 4-5 paragraphs long. A good way to keep a letter concise is to use bullets.”
How to end a cover letter (examples)
- “I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about how I could join your team in its quest for XYZ value. I’m particularly thrilled about XYZ project and would love to know how I can contribute to it.”
- “I am keen on meeting with you to see what I can contribute to XYZ company as it moves on in its journey to XYZ goal. I am available at your convenience for a phone call or in-person meeting.”
- “I would love to get your thoughts on what I mentioned. I am happy to hop on a phone call at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help XYZ company with XYZ issue.”
- “I am eager to apply my project management skills at XYZ company. I want to help your innovative projects succeed. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
- “Joining the marketing team at XYZ company would be a remarkable opportunity for me to leverage my social media expertise. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can help drive your brand’s online presence to new heights.”
Read more: Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers in Any Field
17 cover letter closing examples
Depending on the energy of the business you are applying to, and your own personality, select one of the following 17 cover letter closing options.
- Best,
- Best wishes,
- Thank you,
- Sincere thanks,
- Many thanks,
- Thanks in advance,
- Thank you for your consideration,
- Thank you for your time,
- Respectfully,
- Sincerely,
- Sincerely yours,
- Yours truly,
- Regards,
- Kind regards,
- With best regards,
- Looking forward to speaking with you,
- With gratitude,
Set up the end of your cover letter with a strategic middle section
If you want your cover letter ending to be effective, you first need to build momentum. Most recruiters and career coaches agree on this: Your cover letter must have three elements by the end.
- It tells a story about yourself
- It shows your value concretely
- It calls the recruiter to action
Julia Reiter suggests that you lead up to your cover letter ending by showing that you understand the company’s current challenges and are equipped to solve them. This will make your cover letter call to action all the more effective.
The job description will show the company’s goals. But, it won’t help you stand out from other applicants. Research the key industry challenges and their specific issues, beyond the obvious ones. This will show the company you are willing to go the extra mile.
For example, read articles in industry publications. They have stats on the business areas your company is in. By being aware of the particular issues they are facing, you can more easily make your skillset and experiences relevant.
When you talk about your past experiences and accomplishments, make sure you mention the problems the company is facing. If you are applying for a customer success manager role at a SaaS company, a relevant issue might be high churn rates.
Mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter
The mistakes people make when they end their cover letter are often the same ones they made earlier in the piece. However, they can be particularly detrimental to your chances of landing an interview if they constitute the final impression a recruiter has of you.
When ending a cover letter, avoid:
Making it about yourself instead of the company
Use sentences that show the recruiter how the company will benefit from hiring you. For example, use “you” or “we” instead of “I.” Focus on the value you can bring to the organization. Align your skills with the company’s needs and goals. Showing how your work will solve specific problems can impress more. It will also support the company’s mission.
Sounding generic or robotic
We’ve all seen these cover letters that end with the same plain paragraph. If you write one, your last impression will be the same as all other applicants. To avoid this, personalize your closing. Reference something specific about the company or the role. This shows you’ve researched and care about this job, not just any job.
Selling yourself short
The conclusion is your last chance to show off the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize it and use it as a segue into your call to action. Highlight your key achievements and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Confidently assert your qualifications and readiness to help. This leaves a positive, lasting impression on the recruiter.
Saying thank you
It’s polite to express gratitude. But, saying “thank you” can be too generic. It may not add value to your closing. Instead, integrate your gratitude into a more dynamic closing statement. “I appreciate the chance to apply. “I’m excited to contribute to XYZ Company Name.” This thanks the recruiter and shows my enthusiasm for the role.
Read more about how to follow up on a job application here.
Watch: In-depth cover letter webinar
How to close a cover letter FAQ section
To end a cover letter, summarize your key qualifications. Then, show your enthusiasm for the role. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview. Thank the recruiter for considering your application. Use a professional sign-off to leave a positive final impression.
The best closing for a cover letter is to thank the reader, reiterate your interest in the position, and provide a clear call to action.
Here is an example of a cover letter conclusion: “I am eager to bring my project management experience to XYC Company and contribute to the ongoing success of your innovative initiatives. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to your team. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Sincerely, [Your Name].”
Conclude a cover letter with a dignified and courteous sentiment. Thank the recruiter for their time. Include a clear call to action. Use a formal sign-off, like “Sincerely,” or “Thank you for your consideration.” Ensure all statements are true, with no exaggeration.
At the end of a cover letter for an internship, show your eagerness to learn and grow at the company. Express gratitude for the chance to apply and include a call to action for an interview.
