Crafting a compelling cover letter is an art that requires careful attention to every section, especially the conclusion. The ending of your cover letter can either solidify your candidacy or leave your application hanging. Therefore, knowing how to end a cover letter effectively is crucial for making a strong final impression.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices for closing a cover letter, ensuring your application stands out in a competitive job market. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear strategy on how to finish your cover letter with confidence and professionalism.
Table of Contents
The Importance of a Strong Cover Letter Ending
When writing a cover letter, every section serves a purpose. The opening grabs attention, the body explains why you’re the perfect fit, and the closing ties everything together while prompting the next step. Yet, the ending often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
A strong cover letter ending is essential for several reasons:
- Reinforcement of Interest: It’s your last chance to express your enthusiasm for the role.
- Call to Action: A well-crafted ending encourages the hiring manager to take the next step, usually scheduling an interview.
- Memorability: The closing is often what sticks in the reader’s mind, so it should be memorable and impactful.
Without a compelling conclusion, even the most well-written cover letter can fall flat. So, let’s dive into the key elements that make for a strong cover letter ending.
1. Express Enthusiasm One Last Time
While professionalism is key, don’t shy away from showing genuine enthusiasm for the role. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Expressing enthusiasm can help set you apart from other candidates who might be more reserved in their approach. The ending should leave no doubt in the hiring manager’s mind that you are genuinely excited about the opportunity.
Examples:
- “I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to your team and am eager to bring my skills in project management to ABC Corp.”
- “The prospect of contributing to [Company Name] is incredibly exciting to me, and I am eager to bring my skills in [specific skill] to your innovative team.”
This sentence shows that not only are you interested, but you also have a clear vision of how you will contribute.
2. Summarize Your Key Qualifications
Before signing off, briefly summarize your most relevant qualifications. This reinforces your suitability for the role and keeps your key strengths fresh in the reader’s mind.
Example: “With my extensive experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing online sales, I am confident in my ability to drive significant growth for your brand.”
This summary should be concise yet impactful, highlighting what sets you apart from other candidates.
3. Create a Call to Action
A call to action (CTA) is a critical component of a cover letter ending. It nudges the hiring manager toward the next step—usually scheduling an interview. Your CTA should be polite yet assertive, making it clear that you expect a response.
Examples:
- “I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills can contribute to your team in more detail.”
- “I am excited to explore this opportunity further and would appreciate the chance to discuss my application with you.”
These phrases invite further conversation, showing that you are proactive and confident in your abilities.
4. Use a Professional Sign-Off
After your CTA, it’s essential to end with a polite and professional sign-off. This final touch adds to the overall tone of respect and professionalism that your cover letter should convey.
Example:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.”
Avoid overly casual closings like “Cheers” or “Best,” and opt for more formal sign-offs such as:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Respectfully
- Yours truly
- Thank you for your consideration
These closings strike the right balance of professionalism and warmth, which is exactly what you want to convey.
5. Include Your Contact Information
While your contact information should already be in the header or footer of your cover letter, it’s a good idea to include it again in the closing. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to contact you.
Example: “Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule an interview or discuss my application further.”
This direct approach ensures the employer knows how to reach you, making it easier for them to take the next step.
6. Be Confident, But Not Overbearing
Confidence is key, but there’s a fine line between being assertive and coming off as overconfident. Your closing should project self-assurance without sounding presumptuous.
Avoid phrases like:
- “I know I’m the best candidate for this job.”
- “You won’t regret hiring me.”
Instead, opt for a confident yet humble tone:
- “I am confident that my background and skills make me a strong candidate for this position.”
- “I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.”
This approach demonstrates your belief in your qualifications while maintaining professionalism.
7. Proofread Your Cover Letter Ending
Before sending your cover letter, take the time to proofread it thoroughly, focusing on the ending. Spelling or grammatical errors, especially in the final lines, can leave a negative impression. Use tools like spell-check, or better yet, have someone else review your letter.
A polished and error-free cover letter shows attention to detail, which is a valued skill in any profession.
8. Tailor Your Ending to the Job and Company
A generic cover letter is often overlooked. To stand out, tailor the ending of your cover letter to the specific job and company. Mentioning the company’s values, goals, or recent achievements can show that you’ve done your homework.
Example: “I am particularly drawn to XYZ Corp’s commitment to sustainability, and I would be excited to contribute to your efforts to innovate in eco-friendly product development.”
This personalized touch not only reiterates your enthusiasm but also shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company, not just the paycheck.
9. Consider Including a Postscript (P.S.)
A P.S. is a powerful tool often overlooked in cover letters. It grabs the reader’s attention and can be used to emphasize an important point or add a personal touch.
Example: “P.S. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my recent certification in data analysis could benefit your upcoming projects.”
This unexpected addition can make your application more memorable, giving you an edge over other candidates.
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings
Example #1: Confidence and Enthusiasm
I am confident that my skills and experiences make me a strong candidate for this position, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications will be beneficial to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #2: Reiterating Interest and Key Qualifications
I am particularly drawn to this role because of [specific reason related to the company or role], and I am eager to bring my expertise to your team. My background in [specific skill or experience] has prepared me well for this role, and I am confident in my ability to [specific contribution]. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications will be beneficial to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]Example #3: Call to Action and Gratitude
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications will be beneficial to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate your time and look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].
Respectfully,
[Your Name]Key Mistakes to Avoid in Your Closing Paragraph
Now that we’ve covered the essentials of a strong cover letter closing, let’s address some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
- Being Too Passive
Avoid weak language like “I hope to hear from you soon” or “If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.” Instead, be assertive and express confidence in your qualifications. - Repeating Your Resume
Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. The closing paragraph should encapsulate your enthusiasm and eagerness for the role, not just regurgitate your work history. - Sounding Desperate
While it’s important to express your enthusiasm, be careful not to come across as desperate. Phrases like “I really need this job” or “I would do anything for this position” can be off-putting. - Being Too Lengthy
Keep your closing paragraph concise. A lengthy, rambling closing can dilute your message and lose the reader’s interest. Aim to wrap up your cover letter in a few strong, well-crafted sentences.
The Follow-Up: What Happens Next?
After sending your cover letter and resume, it’s important to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week or two. Following up shows persistence and continued interest in the position.
When you do follow up, be polite and concise. Reaffirm your interest in the role and ask if there have been any updates on the hiring process.
Example Follow-Up Email:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or company goal].
Please let me know if there are any updates on the next steps in the hiring process. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]Following up in this manner keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar without being pushy.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Cover Letter Ending
Knowing how to end a cover letter effectively is just as important as crafting a strong opening. Your conclusion should reinforce your enthusiasm, summarize your qualifications, and include a clear call to action. A confident, professional sign-off, along with a tailored approach, will ensure your cover letter leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to secure an interview. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a cover letter that not only gets noticed but also gets results.
Now that you know how to end a cover letter, go ahead and put these strategies into practice. With a well-crafted conclusion, you’re one step closer to landing your dream job.
Final Tip: Always be mindful of the tone and language you use throughout your cover letter, ensuring it aligns with the company culture and the specific role you’re applying for. Good luck!
FAQs
Why does a strong cover letter ending matter?
A strong cover letter ending is vital because it reaffirms your enthusiasm for the role, highlights your key qualifications, and includes a clear call to action. This approach encourages the hiring manager to consider you seriously and can increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
What makes a closing sentence effective in a cover letter?
An effective closing sentence in a cover letter conveys your excitement about the role and invites further conversation. For example, “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team,” shows both enthusiasm and a desire to engage further.
Is it necessary to include contact information in the closing of a cover letter?
Including your contact information in the closing paragraph is advisable. Providing your phone number or email address ensures the hiring manager has an easy way to reach you, demonstrating that you are eager and accessible for further discussion.
Can a P.S. add value to a cover letter?
Yes, incorporating a P.S. in your cover letter can be highly effective. It draws attention to an important point or adds a personal touch, reinforcing your application. For example, mentioning a recent achievement or certification can help you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
What should be avoided in a cover letter’s closing?
When closing a cover letter, avoid using overly casual or vague language, as well as excessive confidence. Instead, opt for a professional, clear, and direct approach that aligns with the tone of the rest of your letter. This ensures you leave a positive, lasting impression.