A cover letter summarizes your details and professional background. Since it sets the basis for the first impression that a potential employer would have on you, make it count.
Write a cover letter with a reasonable length. It should have a strong start, a compelling body, and, most critically, a lasting final paragraph.
Never underestimate the power of a cover letter closing because it is your last attempt at explaining why hiring managers should shortlist you for an interview.
Importance of a cover letter closing paragraph
The cover letter closing encapsulates your intentions and guarantees for the company. It should convince the reader that you are a valuable asset and, potentially, the best person for the job.
The final paragraph should be engaging and proactive. Create a call to action on how the company can benefit from you and your plans after hiring.
How to write an effective cover letter closing
There is no perfect cover letter template, especially with how you end it. What matters most is finding the right balance to persuade recruiters that you should proceed to the next phase of the hiring process.
Here are tried and true suggestions on how to write better cover letter closings:
1. Express your gratitude
Expressing gratitude can have positive effects on a job application. Saying thank you to hiring managers for their time reading the cover letter signifies humility. After all, you are recognizing the efforts that recruiters are giving.
In addition, being grateful makes you sound more approachable. When applying for a job position, you do not want to appear intimidating. Instead, put effort into trying to appear trustworthy.
In expressing gratitude, try to be modest. Overdoing so may sound fake or insincere.
2. Show your enthusiasm
Enthusiasm often equates to excitement and willingness. When you embody this energy in the cover letter, hiring managers could think that you want the job and are ready to commit to it.
How to incorporate enthusiasm into cover letter endings
There are several ways to express enthusiasm in the cover letter ending. Here are prime examples:
- Explain why you are excited to be working with the company
- Open up about how you will fit in the company
- Briefly mention the things you wish to contribute
Remember not to exaggerate things to make yourself sound good. Honesty remains to be the best policy.
3. Subtly explain your value
A cover letter ending should be balanced. It should be persuasive enough that the hiring manager will schedule you for an interview. But it should not be boisterous that you come off as arrogant.
When you are trying to highlight yourself, try to be subtle. You do not have to say everything in the closing part. What is important is creating an interest for the hiring manager to shortlist you.
One good way to do this is by stating measurable achievements. For example, you can summarize statistics relevant to your career development.
4. Focus on the company, not on yourself
Besides explaining why you are a better candidate, the cover letter ending should also talk about how the company will benefit from you.
As you draft the last part of your cover letter, think about the company. Create a sentence or two on the changes that might happen to the company when you get hired.
Shifting the focus to the company makes your cover letter sound less self-serving. After all, the company is the primary beneficiary if you perform well in your duties.
5. End a cover letter with a professional signoff
Placing a closing salutation or signoff right before a cover letter ends signifies a person’s respect and gratitude to those reading their application. Using signoffs effectively can positively impact your chances of receiving a callback for interviews.
There are multiple types of signoffs. Choose one that best fits the job position, the company, and your personality.
Refrain from using these signoffs
There are no rigid rules regarding what signoffs to use. However, the following may not be appropriate for most job applications:
- Always
- Cheers
- Ciao
- Later
- Love
Use these instead
Even if you are not applying for formal positions, the safer bet is to use signoffs appropriate for business letters. Here are some excellent signoffs to choose from:
- Best
- Best Regards
- Cordially Yours
- Regards
- Respectfully Yours
- With appreciation
- With respect
- Yours Truly
5 Cover letter closing examples
An effective cover letter always has an equally effective closing statement. The rest of your application will be in danger if a cover letter closing statement is terrible.
Learn from the sample cover letter closings exhibited below. Customize them according to your needs, and do not forget to add your personality.
1. Close by promising more information
A smart way to hook a hiring manager into shortlisting you is by leaving them wanting more. Your cover letter may indicate that you can discuss specific details during the interview and explain further how you can be an asset to them.
Here is an example of how your cover letter closing can create a message that you can show so much more as the hiring process progresses:
“Working with previous employers has made me a competitive marketing specialist. I will apply the lessons from my past professional experiences to become even better for your company. Let me know if you want an in-depth discussion about my plans whenever hired.
Best,
John Atkins”
Look at how the last sentence engages the hiring manager to discuss some details during the interview phase.
2. Close by promising growth as an employee
Are you a first-time employee or someone who has shifted from a different career? Then, it is better to close your cover letter by expressing your willingness to learn. Reassure the recruiter that despite your inexperience, you are still dependable.
Check out this example. This closing paragraph is something that a greenhorn may use when applying for their first job.
“Even if I am inexperienced, I am willing to start from scratch and undergo the necessary training. I also think your company is the place for me to start my professional journey.
Respectfully Yours,
Alexandra Lane”
There is nothing wrong with admitting you are a newbie. Lack of experience is not the biggest deal breaker for many recruiters. It is worse when applicants express so much arrogance that they refuse to learn.
3. Close with enthusiasm
Regarding cover letters, being enthusiastic means feeling interested or invested in a job or company. When your cover letter brims with enthusiasm, recruiters may feel magnetized.
Aside from being competent, applicants should be willing to do their jobs. When a potential employee displays a lack of interest in their work, and it shows in the cover letter, hiring managers view it as a red flag.
Try to do something like this:
“I am excited to share with you how I increased my previous employer’s productivity rate to 125% within two and a half years. Considering your company’s conditions, I can do the same within a shorter period. I hope to hear from you soon.
Cordially Yours,
Walter Abbot”
The keywords “excited” and “soon” signifies your anticipation for the job. Simple words like these could already personalize the message in your cover letter.
4. Close by promising a solution
Promising a solution in a cover letter is more effective when applying for an executive or managerial position. Also, it can be relevant for specialized jobs.
When you promise a solution, it is implied that the company is suffering from something and needs someone to fix it. Your entry into the company should improve the situation and prevent the same problem from happening.
Here is an example of how to promise a solution in your cover letter ending:
“As a project manager, I will execute solutions that serve the company’s best interests. I have already prepared a draft on minimizing production errors during the upcoming pique seasons. Do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can have a separate discussion on this matter.
Yours Truly,
Bill Musk”
5. Close by promising to improve metrics
Improving metrics is a daring claim to put in a cover letter ending. However, when it works out, hiring managers would be highly interested in hearing from you.
Try to recreate the next paragraph when you want to express that you can improve specific company statistics.
“I reviewed the company’s financial report last year, and the figures could have been much better. As a financial planner with more than a decade of experience, I can introduce changes that will help you gain better profits. Let me know if you are interested in my proposals.
Best,
Pietro Perez”
This example is an effective way of saying a lot without using too many words. Get straight to the point. Make the company interested in you by offering solutions that can assure them concrete results.
5. Close by promising to improve metrics
Improving metrics is a daring claim to put in a cover letter ending. However, when it works out, hiring managers would be highly interested in hearing from you.
Try to recreate the next paragraph when you want to express that you can improve specific company statistics.
“I reviewed the company’s financial report last year, and the figures could have been much better. As a financial planner with more than a decade of experience, I can introduce changes that will help you gain better profits. Let me know if you are interested in my proposals.
Best,
Pietro Perez”
This example is an effective way of saying a lot without using too many words. Get straight to the point. Make the company interested in you by offering solutions that can assure them concrete results.
Set your cover letters apart from others
Writing a unique and magnetizing cover letter ending will help you stand out from hundreds of applications. However, it is not the only part that matters. You must deliver the complete package.
Start by knowing what comprises a competitive cover letter outline. Then, fill out the letter with relevant and engaging details that highlight your value as an applicant.
Another way to stand out is by sending in a two-page cover letter. Experts recommend submitting a more compact cover letter, but sometimes sending a more extended submission would work in your favor.
Regardless of format, the best cover letters represent applicants to the fullest. Whatever you write, do not lose your personality.