While your cover letter opening gives hiring managers their first impression of you as a job candidate, your closing paragraph is just as important because it’s your final opportunity to convince them that you’re a top contender for the job. Busy recruiters and hiring managers don’t spend a lot of time pouring over cover letters, and sometimes the closing paragraph is the only section they read. Get it right and they’ll want to review your resume — or call you right away for an interview!
Be sure to keep your cover letter to one page and indicate any attachments, enclosures or documents the hiring manager may expect to receive related to your application.
How to write a great cover letter closing, with examples
Before writing, prepare your content
A cover letter conclusion is comprised of three integral components:
- A summary of the job applicant’s related strengths or interests.
- A call to action inviting the hiring manager to contact you.
- A sign-off that thanks the hiring manager for their time.
Take notes:
- Make a new list of your relevent strengths.
- Review your cover letter opening and body.
- Jot down anything you want the hiring manager to know that you haven’t already mentioned.
How you write each piece will depend on your background and goals. The result should tie together the opening and body of your cover letter without being repetitive.
Pro Tip
A strong cover letter closing:
- Is concise
- Exudes confidence
- Focuses on what you can do for the company
- Invites contact from the hiring manager
- Conveys enthusiasm
If you’re applying for your first full-time job
When you lack professional work experience, remind the employer that you have what it takes by referring to your passions and goals and how they match the job. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the company and then confidently but respectfully invite them to connect.
For example:
“What impresses me most about Little Learners is that the organization invests not only in its students, but also in disadvantaged youth in our community. I’m passionate about giving back, and I’ve been volunteering for the last two years as a mentor for 8th-grade students transitioning out of the foster care system. I’m excited to meet with you in person to discuss how I can apply my skills working with troubled teens to your award-winning child advocacy program. Please feel free to call or email me any time.”
Pro Tip
Use the same tone in your closing statement as you used in the body and opening of your cover letter.
If you have steady employment and have been working for at least one year
If you’ve been working for a while and you have consistent job experience, then make it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job by introducing awards and achievements and tying them into a new point such as a new product launch or company expansion. Then politely let the hiring manager know you’re ready for the next step.
For example:
“I’ve been lauded for my track record of 100% diagnostic accuracy and received the The Auto Care Association Impact Award two years in a row. My supervisors would tell you that I’m known for my efficiency, productivity and commitment to the highest standards of service for our customers. I’d love to discuss with you how I can apply the same level of care to your customers. Please call or email me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
Pro Tip
When summarizing your professional strengths, don’t repeat phrases the hiring manager has already read in your cover letter or resume. Always use fresh language to succinctly make your point in the close.
If you’re changing careers
When you’re changing careers, end your cover letter by recapping your story and emphasizing the transferable skills or knowledge you bring to the table. If you have technical know-how from hobbies, freelance, or volunteer work, then let them know before you sign off. Add supportive links to a portfolio, professional website or examples of your work if you have them. End your letter by inviting the hiring manager to meet you for an interview.
For example:
“Although graphic design and illustration skills weren’t required in my previous roles as an administrative assistant at Mighty Media and Future Tech, I proactively created images for some of Mighty Media’s advertising materials and designed the sales department’s digital newsletter at Future Tech. I keep my design skills sharp by freelancing and on weekends I take professional illustration classes at Community College. Please take a moment to review my portfolio. I’d love to meet with you to discuss your design needs and how I can contribute to your team.”
Pro Tip
Do be afraid to be bold. A cover letter closing like, “Please see my resume to learn more about my qualifications,” or “I hope to hear from you soon” won’t entice a hiring manager to reach out. Invite the hiring manager to contact you for an interview but don’t be demanding or pushy. And never tell them you’ll call them in the near future — that will only come across as arrogant or desperate.
If you’re applying for a managerial position
When you’re applying for a managerial position, close by summarizing your experience in management if you have it and why you’re the best person for the new job. If you don’t have experience as a manager, then point to your relevant soft skills and explain how you would use them in the managerial role you’re applying for. Be confident but not arrogant.
For example:
“I have no doubt I am the person who can turn your team into the number one sales department at Stein and Hardy. In addition to my technical skills and mathematical aptitude, I have the leadership, interpersonal and problem-solving skills it takes to excel in this position. In particular, I have a solid track record of building strong relationships with fellow team members, upper management and customers that has consistently resulted in productivity and growth. Please let me know a good time to talk in further detail about how we can work together to make Stein and Hardy successful as it expands to new markets.”
Pro Tip
Be gracious. Thank the hiring manager for their time and be professional when signing off. “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “Respectfully,” or “Thank you for your consideration,” are excellent choices.
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Cover letter closer do’s and don’ts
FAQ
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How do you end a letter to an unknown person?
Always be polite when signing off from a cover letter. Acceptable closing salutations include “Best regards,” Thank you for your consideration,” “Respectfully” and “Sincerely.”
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Is “To Whom It May Concern” rude?
Addressing a cover letter “To Whom it May Concern” isn’t rude, but it’s old fashioned and no longer considered an acceptable greeting by most hiring managers. Instead, research to find the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t find it, then “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative.
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How long can a cover letter be?
A cover letter should never be more than one page long.
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Is it bad to use a cover letter template?
It’s not bad to use a cover letter template. A template can help you craft a properly formatted, professional cover letter with the correct margins, proper spacing and acceptable fonts types and sizes.
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