Your cover letter is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. While the body of your letter communicates your qualifications, the sign-off is the final, crucial touch. A well-chosen sign-off can leave a lasting positive impression, reinforcing your professionalism and eagerness for the opportunity. Conversely, a weak or inappropriate closing can undermine all your hard work.
Choosing the right sign-off depends on the tone and formality of your letter, the industry you’re applying to, and your relationship with the hiring manager (if any). This guide provides 21 examples of effective cover letter sign-offs, ranging from formal to slightly more casual, along with guidance on when to use each one. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and offer tips for crafting a closing that complements your overall application and helps you land that interview. Remember, attention to detail matters, and your cover letter sign-off is a small detail that can make a big difference.
21 Ways to Sign Off Your Cover Letter: With Examples
Formal Sign-Offs
These sign-offs are ideal for traditional industries, highly formal companies, or when you’re unsure about the level of formality expected. They convey respect and professionalism.
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Sincerely,
This is a classic and versatile option, suitable for almost any situation. It’s professional, polite, and conveys a sense of respect.
Example:
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Respectfully,
Use this when addressing someone of high rank or when you want to emphasize your respect for the organization.
Example:
Respectfully,
[Your Name] -
Yours sincerely,
Similar to “Sincerely,” but slightly more formal. Common in British English. Only use if you addressed the recipient by name at the start of the letter.
Example:
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Professional Sign-Offs
These options strike a balance between formality and approachability. They’re suitable for a wide range of industries and companies.
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Best regards,
A widely accepted and professional choice. Friendly without being overly casual.
Example:
Best regards,
[Your Name] -
Regards,
A slightly more concise version of “Best regards.” Equally professional and suitable for most situations.
Example:
Regards,
[Your Name] -
Kind regards,
Similar to “Best regards,” but adds a touch of warmth and consideration.
Example:
Kind regards,
[Your Name] -
With kind regards,
A slightly more verbose, but still professional, version of “Kind regards.”
Example:
With kind regards,
[Your Name] -
Thank you,
Expresses gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration. Effective if you’ve already explicitly thanked them earlier in the letter.
Example:
Thank you,
[Your Name] -
Thank you for your time,
More specific than simply “Thank you,” acknowledging the effort the reader is putting into reviewing your application.
Example:
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Enthusiastic Sign-Offs
These options are suitable for companies with a more relaxed culture or when you want to express genuine excitement about the opportunity. Use with caution, as they may not be appropriate for all situations.
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Looking forward to hearing from you,
Conveys enthusiasm and eagerness for a response. A good option if you genuinely want to hear back soon.
Example:
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name] -
Eagerly anticipating your response,
A more emphatic version of “Looking forward to hearing from you.” Use with discretion, as it can sound a bit overly eager.
Example:
Eagerly anticipating your response,
[Your Name] -
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further,
Reiterates your interest in the role and your desire to learn more. Shows initiative and proactive thinking.
Example:
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further,
[Your Name] -
Excited about the opportunity,
Directly expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Best used when your cover letter has already established your qualifications.
Example:
Excited about the opportunity,
[Your Name]
Slightly More Casual Sign-Offs (Use with Caution!)
These are best reserved for situations where you have an existing relationship with the hiring manager or when the company culture is known to be very informal. Err on the side of caution and avoid these unless you’re confident they’re appropriate.
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Best,
A simple and concise option. Can be perceived as slightly casual, but is generally acceptable in many modern workplaces.
Example:
Best,
[Your Name] -
Cheers,
Common in British English, but can be seen as too informal in some American workplaces. Use only if you know the company culture well.
Example:
Cheers,
[Your Name] -
All the best,
A friendly and well-wishing option, but can also be considered slightly casual.
Example:
All the best,
[Your Name]
Sign-Offs Emphasizing Availability and Contact
These options reiterate your availability and make it easy for the hiring manager to contact you.
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Available at your earliest convenience,
Highlights your willingness to start quickly. Useful if the job posting emphasizes immediate availability.
Example:
Available at your earliest convenience,
[Your Name] -
Please feel free to contact me with any questions,
Invites the hiring manager to reach out if they need further information. Shows your openness and willingness to engage.
Example:
Please feel free to contact me with any questions,
[Your Name] -
Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
A direct and informative closing that includes your contact information for easy follow-up.
Example:
Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
[Your Name]
Sign-Offs Referencing Next Steps (If Applicable)
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As discussed, I look forward to [next step, e.g., our interview next week],
Only use this if you have already scheduled an interview or have agreed on a specific next step with the hiring manager. It demonstrates attention to detail and reinforces the agreed-upon plan.
Example:
As discussed, I look forward to our interview next week,
[Your Name] -
Thank you for your time and consideration; I welcome the opportunity to interview with your team,
A polite closing reiterating interest in an interview while thanking the hiring manager.
Example:
Thank you for your time and consideration; I welcome the opportunity to interview with your team,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter Sign-Off
While choosing the right sign-off can enhance your application, making a mistake can detract from it. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using outdated or overly formal sign-offs: Avoid phrases like “Yours truly” or “Very truly yours,” which can sound stuffy and outdated.
- Using overly casual sign-offs: Steer clear of slang or overly familiar phrases like “Talk soon,” “Later,” or using your initials.
- Skipping the sign-off altogether: Always include a closing salutation. Omitting it can make your letter seem abrupt or unfinished.
- Misspelling or omitting your name: Double-check that your name is spelled correctly and is clearly legible. If you’re submitting a digital letter, type your name and consider including a digital signature.
- Using the wrong sign-off for the situation: Consider the company culture and the formality of the role. A casual sign-off might be appropriate for a startup, but not for a law firm.
- Inconsistency with the tone of the letter: Ensure your sign-off aligns with the overall tone of your cover letter. A highly enthusiastic sign-off might seem out of place if the rest of your letter is formal and reserved.
- Forgetting the comma: Always include a comma after the sign-off and before your name (e.g., Sincerely, [Your Name]).
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter Closing
Here are some additional tips to help you create a compelling cover letter closing:
- Reiterate your interest: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Highlight your key qualifications: Remind the hiring manager of the most relevant skills and experiences you bring to the table.
- Express gratitude: Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
- Call to action: Gently encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview. (e.g., “I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your team.”)
- Proofread carefully: Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it meticulously for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
- Tailor your sign-off: Customize your sign-off to fit the specific job and company. Avoid using a generic closing that doesn’t reflect your genuine interest.
- Consider your industry: Different industries have different expectations regarding formality. Research the norms in your field and choose a sign-off that aligns with them.
- Use a professional font: Ensure your cover letter is easy to read by using a professional font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Keep it concise: Your sign-off should be brief and to the point. Avoid rambling or including unnecessary information.
- Follow up (if appropriate): If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager within a reasonable timeframe, consider sending a polite follow-up email.