How to End a Cover Letter – Strategies for a Memorable Conclusion

Concluding your cover letter effectively is crucial to leave a lasting impact on hiring managers. Your closing paragraph should not just signal the end. It should also encompass a final pitch that underscores your excitement and fitness for the role.

It’s an opportunity to summarize your qualifications and express a sincere interest in moving to the next stage of the hiring process. Done right, a cover letter closing can be the difference between being overlooked and getting that coveted call for an interview.

Strive to end on a note that is both confident and respectful, avoiding any overly familiar language that might undermine your professionalism. Remember, the goal is to reinforce your candidacy and prompt the reader to action. A well-crafted cover letter closing can help ensure your application stands out and lays the groundwork for future interactions.

What is the Best Way to End a Cover Letter?

As an experienced CV and cover letter writer, I’ve observed that the most effective way to end a cover letter is with a succinct summary of your key qualifications. In one to two sentences, you should reiterate your strongest assets that make you a perfect fit for the job. 

This should be immediately followed by an earnest appeal to discuss your potential contributions further in an interview setting. This approach not only demonstrates your confidence in your abilities but also your eagerness to contribute to the team. 

Being articulate and clear in your cover letter closing consistently helps clients secure interviews as it shows dedication to the role and the company from start to finish.

Crafting the Perfect Ending to Your Cover Letter

The goal of your cover letter’s final paragraph is to propel the hiring manager to action. Achieve this by being bold and clear about how you can contribute to the company’s success. 

An effective cover letter closing is enthusiastic and asserts your value, encouraging the reader to delve deeper into your application.

Convey Your Enthusiasm for the Role

Throughout your cover letter, connections between your experiences and the job requirements should be evident. Use the final sentences to craft a lasting impression that conveys your genuine enthusiasm for the role.

This shows hiring managers that you’re ready to translate your skills into concrete actions that exceed expectations and achieve goals. By expressing a clear vision of how you plan to bring value to the team, your cover letter closing becomes more than just a formality—it becomes a testament to your dedication and a peek into the kind of passionate employee you’d be.

Cover Letter Closing examples: Highlight Your Skills in Relation to the Position

A successful cover letter closing succinctly highlights how your skills will add value to the team or address the needs of the company. For example, stating, “My five years of experience have honed my detail-oriented and analytical skills, making me well-equipped to contribute effectively to your team,” clearly ties your background to the job’s requirements.

Such a summary reinforces your candidacy and reminds the hiring manager of your qualifications as they consider scheduling an interview. It’s your final opportunity within the cover letter to underscore why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

State Your Goals and Set Expectations

Employers look for high-energy candidates with a clear intent to contribute. In your closing, provide a glimpse of what the company can expect from you. Discuss how your qualifications will benefit the organization and outline any goals you aim to achieve in the role.

This demonstrates not only ambition but also a forward-thinking mindset aligned with the company’s objectives. For instance, if you’re vying for a sales role, expressing a goal to exceed sales quotas within a specific timeframe shows commitment and could motivate hiring managers to schedule an interview with you.

Thank the Recruiter or Hiring Manager Graciously

Always conclude your cover letter by thanking the recruiter or hiring manager for their time and consideration. This simple act of gratitude shows that you value the opportunity and appreciate the effort they’ve taken to review your application.

It also demonstrates your understanding of professional communication, which can give you an edge in the hiring process.

The Sign-Off: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Choosing the right words to end your cover letter is key to leaving a positive and lasting impression. The sign-off is your final opportunity to express your professionalism and desire to move forward in the hiring process.

Appropriate Closing Salutations for a Professional Touch

Your cover letter closing should reflect the same level of professionalism as the rest of your application. Appropriate closing salutations like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Kind regards” add a professional touch and signal respect for the hiring process. They also maintain the formal tone necessary in such correspondences.

By using these conventional closers, you ensure that your final interaction with the reader is courteous and leaves them with a favorable view of you as a candidate. It’s the polish on your cover letter that complements the content within.

Signatures to Avoid in a Cover Letter

Just as important as knowing how to end a cover letter is understanding what to avoid. Signatures that are too casual, humorous, or ambiguous can detract from the professionalism of your application. Instead, opt for a cover letter closing that is respectful and aligned with industry standards.

Remember, your cover letter and its closing are part of your first impression. Ensure they’re both error-free and reflect the high standards you’d bring to the role, helping you stand out for the right reasons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Concluding Your Cover Letter

When it comes to your cover letter closing, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and focus. Avoid common pitfalls such as being overly confident or casual, which can detract from the strength of your application.

Overconfidence Can Be a Pitfall

While confidence is key, overconfidence can be off-putting to hiring managers. Your cover letter closing should strike a balance between self-assurance and humility. It’s essential to convey your strengths without coming across as arrogant or presumptuous.

Remember that your goal is to encourage the hiring manager to see you as a valuable addition to their team, not to overshadow the contributions of potential future colleagues. A respectful and measured tone can go a long way in making a positive final impression.

Staying Professional: Why Casual Language Doesn’t Work

End your cover letter with a professional and formal tone to convey your seriousness about the opportunity and readiness for the duties it entails. Professionalism in your closing reflects your written communication skills, which are vital in most professional roles.

Using neutral and professional language in your conclusion, as well as in your salutation, shows hiring managers that you understand and respect workplace decorum. This can give you an advantage during the hiring process, as it suggests you would represent the company well in all communications.

Sealing the Deal: A Summary of Effective Cover Letter Closures

To ensure your cover letter leaves a powerful and lasting impression, end with confidence and clarity. A compelling conclusion should propel the reader into action, ideally moving them to delve deeper into your application and consider you for an interview.

Employ a tone of bold enthusiasm and be crystal clear about the unique benefits you can bring to the company, demonstrating how your skills align seamlessly with their needs. While cover letter templates can provide a useful structure, your closing paragraph should be personalized and resonate with the voice of your entire letter.

Thank the reader for their time, express anticipation for future discussions, and reaffirm your interest in the role. This synthesis of politeness and assertiveness is key to finishing your cover letter on a note that’s both memorable and persuasive.