A cover letter is your first chance to make a stellar impression on a potential employer. While the body of your letter showcases your skills and experience, the closing is just as crucial. It’s your final opportunity to reiterate your interest, express enthusiasm, and leave the hiring manager with a positive and memorable impression. A weak or generic closing can undo all the hard work you put into the rest of your application. Therefore, mastering the art of the cover letter closing is essential for landing that dream job.
Knowing how to close a cover letter effectively involves more than just choosing a polite sign-off. It’s about strategically reinforcing your value proposition, showing your eagerness for the opportunity, and prompting the hiring manager to take the next step. A strong closing should be confident yet professional, leaving the reader with a clear sense of your qualifications and your desire to contribute to their organization. By following proven strategies and tailoring your closing to each specific role, you can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
14 Sample Cover Letter Closings with Explanations
1. The “Looking Forward to Hearing From You” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am eager to learn more about the [Job Title] position and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. I look forward to hearing from you soon to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This is a classic and reliable closing that expresses your anticipation for a response. It’s polite, professional, and subtly encourages the hiring manager to contact you.
2. The “Enthusiastic About the Opportunity” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s success as a [Job Title]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing emphasizes your excitement for the specific role and the company. It conveys your genuine interest and passion for the position.
3. The “Highlighting Key Skills” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am confident that my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] skills, along with my experience in [Relevant Experience], would make me a valuable asset to your team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing reinforces your most relevant skills and connects them directly to the job requirements. It reminds the hiring manager of your qualifications and encourages them to explore your fit further.
4. The “Expressing Gratitude” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
Thank you for considering my application for the [Job Title] position. I appreciate your time and attention to my qualifications.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing is a simple yet effective way to express gratitude for the hiring manager’s consideration. It’s polite and professional, leaving a positive impression.
5. The “Confident and Proactive” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of [Company Name], and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing exudes confidence and proactively offers your availability for an interview. It shows your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.
6. The “Company Culture Alignment” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value], and I believe my passion for [Related Field] aligns perfectly with your team’s mission. I hope to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing shows you’ve researched the company culture and highlights how your values align with theirs. This is particularly effective if you know the company emphasizes certain values or principles.
7. The “Specific Project/Goal Reference” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am particularly interested in contributing to [Company Name]’s [Specific Project/Goal] and believe my expertise in [Relevant Skill] would be a valuable asset. I welcome the chance to elaborate on this.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing demonstrates your research into the company’s current projects or goals. By highlighting your relevant skills, you showcase your understanding of their needs and how you can directly contribute.
8. The “Offering Solutions” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am confident in my ability to provide innovative solutions to [Company Name]’s challenges in [Specific Area] and would be excited to discuss my ideas in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing positions you as a problem-solver. It shows you’ve considered the company’s challenges and are prepared to offer solutions. This approach is particularly effective for senior-level positions.
9. The “Referral Mention” Closing (If Applicable)
[Body of Cover Letter]
[Referral Name] suggested I contact you regarding the [Job Title] position. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements, and I am eager to learn more.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: If you were referred to the position, mentioning the referral in your closing is a great way to leverage that connection. It adds credibility to your application.
10. The “Reiterating Passion” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
My passion for [Industry/Field] combined with my experience in [Relevant Area] makes me a strong candidate for this position. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing reinforces your passion for the industry or field and connects it to your relevant experience. It leaves the hiring manager with a lasting impression of your enthusiasm.
11. The “Brief and Professional” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This is a concise and professional closing that is appropriate for more formal applications. It’s straightforward and to the point.
12. The “Emphasizing Teamwork” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am a strong team player with a proven ability to collaborate effectively, and I am confident I can contribute positively to [Company Name]’s team environment. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing emphasizes your teamwork skills, which are highly valued in most organizations. It shows you’re a collaborative and supportive colleague.
13. The “Showcasing Achievements” Closing
[Body of Cover Letter]
I am confident that my track record of achieving [Achievement 1] and [Achievement 2] demonstrates my ability to contribute significantly to your team. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing briefly mentions key achievements to remind the hiring manager of your capabilities and the value you can bring to the company.
14. The “Next Steps Inquiry” Closing (Use Sparingly)
[Body of Cover Letter]
To better understand the next steps in the hiring process, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Explanation: This closing directly inquires about the next steps. Use this sparingly, as it can be perceived as presumptuous if the job posting doesn’t explicitly encourage it. It’s more appropriate for positions where you’ve already made a strong connection with the hiring manager.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter Closing
Mastering the art of closing a cover letter is crucial for making a lasting positive impression on potential employers. It’s not simply about choosing a polite sign-off; it’s about strategically reinforcing your qualifications, expressing your enthusiasm for the role, and prompting the hiring manager to take the next step. Remember to tailor your closing to each specific job application, reflecting the unique requirements and culture of the company.
By carefully considering the examples provided and understanding the underlying principles, you can craft compelling cover letter closings that significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. Choose a closing that genuinely reflects your personality and your interest in the position. Avoid generic or overused phrases, and always proofread your closing carefully for any errors. A well-crafted closing will leave the hiring manager with a positive and memorable impression, setting you apart from other candidates and bringing you one step closer to landing your dream job. Good luck!