Why Your Cover Letter Closing Matters
The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your final opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring manager. It’s the last thing they’ll read before deciding whether to move you forward in the application process. A weak or generic closing can undo all the hard work you put into crafting the rest of your letter. Instead of simply stating the obvious (“Thank you for your time and consideration”), a powerful closing should reinforce your interest, reiterate your key qualifications, and clearly state your desired action. This section is about transforming a potential weakness into your greatest strength.
A compelling closing acts as a call to action, encouraging the recruiter or hiring manager to take the next step: contacting you for an interview. It’s a chance to subtly remind them of your key skills and accomplishments, and to express your enthusiasm for the role. By using confident and professional language, you demonstrate your genuine interest and differentiate yourself from other candidates. Think of it as the equivalent of a confident handshake and direct eye contact. A great closing can mean the difference between your resume ending up in the “yes” or “no” pile.
Key Elements of an Effective Cover Letter Closing
A successful cover letter closing typically includes several key elements that work together to leave a positive and lasting impression. Firstly, a **reiteration of your interest** in the position and the company is crucial. This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just applying for any job; you’re genuinely excited about this specific opportunity. Secondly, a **brief summary of your qualifications** that are most relevant to the role serves as a final reminder of why you’re a strong candidate. Keep it concise and focused on the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description.
Finally, a clear and confident **call to action** is essential. This is where you explicitly state your desire for an interview and make it easy for the hiring manager to contact you. Avoid passive language like “I hope to hear from you soon.” Instead, use more direct phrases such as “I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview” or “I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and how my skills can benefit your team.” By incorporating these elements, you can craft a closing that is both impactful and professional, significantly increasing your chances of securing an interview.
9 Sample Cover Letter Closings That Work
Sample 1: Enthusiastic and Direct
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for considering my application for the Marketing Manager position. My proven track record in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, coupled with my passion for [Company Name]’s innovative approach to [Industry], makes me confident I can contribute significantly to your team. I am eager to discuss my qualifications in more detail and share specific examples of how I can drive results for your organization. I look forward to hearing from you soon to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Highlighting a Key Achievement
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am highly interested in the Senior Software Engineer position advertised on [Platform]. My experience in developing scalable and efficient software solutions, particularly my work in leading the development of [Project Name] which resulted in a 20% increase in user engagement, aligns perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description. I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Emphasizing Company Culture Fit
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for your time and consideration. After researching [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and [Another Company Value], I am impressed by your dedication to [Specific Example]. My own passion for [Related Value] and collaborative work style make me a strong fit for your team. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission of [Company Mission]. I am eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can benefit your team. Please contact me to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Following Up on a Networking Connection
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It was a pleasure speaking with [Contact Name] at [Event/Company]. Our conversation about [Topic Discussed] further solidified my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My background in [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2] directly aligns with the challenges you’re addressing in [Department/Project]. I’m particularly interested in [Specific Project/Area]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address]. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] role. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to identify and solve complex problems, particularly in the area of [Specific Area of Expertise]. As highlighted in my resume, I successfully [Quantifiable Achievement Related to Problem Solving]. I am confident that my skills and experience would enable me to make significant contributions to your team. I am eager to discuss how I can leverage my problem-solving abilities to address [Company Name]’s challenges and achieve your business objectives. I look forward to hearing from you soon to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Emphasizing Leadership Experience
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the Leadership position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With over [Number] years of experience leading and motivating high-performing teams, I am confident that my skills and expertise align perfectly with your requirements. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Leadership Achievement]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented leader with a proven track record of success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my leadership experience and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued growth. Please feel free to contact me to arrange an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Demonstrating Adaptability and Learning Agility
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am a highly adaptable and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of success in fast-paced and dynamic environments. I thrive on challenges and am always eager to learn new skills and technologies. I am confident that my ability to quickly adapt to new situations and contribute effectively from day one makes me a strong candidate for this role. I am excited about the opportunity to learn more about this position and discuss how my adaptability and learning agility can benefit your team. Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Showing Initiative and Proactive Thinking
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am a highly motivated and proactive individual with a strong track record of taking initiative and driving results. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Initiative]. I am confident that my proactive approach and dedication to excellence would make me a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to discuss how I can leverage my initiative and proactive thinking to contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Concise and Confident
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am highly interested in the [Job Title] position. My skills and experience in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2] make me a strong candidate. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What to Avoid in Your Cover Letter Closing
Just as important as knowing what *to* include in your cover letter closing is understanding what to *avoid*. A weak closing can leave a negative impression and undermine your entire application. Avoid generic phrases such as “Thank you for your time and consideration” without adding any personalized value. While politeness is important, this phrase is overused and doesn’t differentiate you from other candidates. Similarly, avoid sounding desperate or overly eager. Phrases like “I really need this job” or “I’m willing to do anything” can make you appear unprofessional and less confident.
Another common mistake is being too passive or unsure of yourself. Avoid phrases like “I hope to hear from you soon” or “I think I would be a good fit.” These phrases lack confidence and don’t clearly state your desire for an interview. Also, ensure you proofread your closing carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. A single mistake can make you appear careless and unprofessional. Finally, avoid introducing new information or qualifications in your closing paragraph. Stick to summarizing the key points you’ve already made in the body of your letter and reinforcing your interest in the position.
Tailoring Your Closing to the Specific Job
While having a template for your cover letter closing can be helpful, it’s crucial to tailor each closing to the specific job you’re applying for. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to carefully read the job description and understand the company’s needs. Start by identifying the key skills and qualifications that the employer is seeking. Then, in your closing, briefly reiterate how your skills and experience align with those specific requirements. For example, if the job description emphasizes teamwork and communication skills, you might mention a specific project where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
Furthermore, research the company’s values and culture, and try to incorporate those elements into your closing. If the company values innovation and creativity, you might mention your passion for problem-solving and your ability to think outside the box. By tailoring your closing to the specific job and company, you show the hiring manager that you’re not just sending out generic applications, but that you’re genuinely interested in this particular opportunity and that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs. This personalized approach can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
Conclusion: Crafting a Memorable Cover Letter Closing
The cover letter closing is more than just a formality; it’s your final chance to leave a lasting impression and secure an interview. By understanding the key elements of an effective closing, avoiding common pitfalls, and tailoring your message to the specific job, you can craft a closing that is both impactful and persuasive. Remember to reiterate your interest, summarize your key qualifications, and include a clear call to action. A well-crafted closing will not only reinforce your strengths but also demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity, significantly increasing your chances of landing the job. So, take the time to perfect your cover letter closing, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream career. Good luck!