How to End a Cover Letter (Good and Bad Closing Paragraphs)

Wondering how to end a cover letter? A cover letter closing or closing statement is the final paragraph a hiring manager (or recruiter) will see when reading a cover letter. This closing paragraph should assist in keeping the reader engaged, making them want to read the resume that gets attached to the job application.

A hiring manager may read through hundreds of cover letters each week when determining the right fit for a job seeker. From the start of the cover letter, it needs to grab the reader’s attention. All the way through to the final paragraph. This means it’s important that cover letter writers consider the final paragraph when writing a winning cover letter for the desired employer.

A common cover letter ending for a prospective employer may look like the following:

Or another poor example of a cover letter closing paragraph:

That cover letter closing paragraph lacks personality and customization. A great cover letter closing should align with either the job description, the company’s goals, or use relevant skills to entice the reader. And entice the reader to complete the cover letter.

Cover Letter Tip: Performing an informational interview before writing a cover letter can be very helpful. This is where a job seeker interviews an employed professional to learn more about the company's company values. This exchange of career advice can be very beneficial in writing a good cover letter and closing a job search.

How to End a Cover Letter

Before writing a cover letter ending, consider the assets used to write the cover letter itself or the opening paragraph. This could be the company “About Us” page that lists company goals, company culture, or other insights about the business's values. Additionally, the job description or job advertisement (job posting) may be a helpful resource in targeting a statement to the potential employer. One that makes them feel like the cover letter has gotten customized to them.

For example, if the job description asks for a variety of certifications or another unique qualification. It may be helpful to close the cover letter with the reassurance of those details. For example:

I noticed the job requires CPR certification. I’d love to share with you my certifications over our first interview. This includes CPR, CNAT, and some Registered Nurse certifications that may be applicable and valuable to this role.

Using skills to close a cover letter

If the job asks for specific skills. Then using work experiences that display specific examples of using those skills can be a great way to entice the reader. For example:

Both methods use a “Call to Action” that supports telling the reader that a further story would like to get shared in the interview. This can help to secure a phone interview.

And if the job application has recommendation letters that support a career achievement. Or work experiences that support relevant skills. It may be beneficial to refer to those letters. As a way of vouching for what gets requested in the job description or job posting. For example:

After the closing statement or closing paragraph, a salutation should get provided. A formal salutation is best for ending a cover letter. When the closing paragraph has a strong “Call to Action” associated with it, a simple closing salutation is best. For example:

Tip: There is no “perfect cover letter.” Aim to have a customized and well-thought-out cover letter that speaks directly to the hiring manager and business. This will make for an effective cover letter that doesn’t feel like a “generic cover letter” to the reader. Avoid grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes as written communication skills get required of most job applicants.

Good Cover Letter Closing Statement Examples

Below are closing paragraphs and thank-you messages for professional cover letters. These closings apply to all types of jobs and job applications.

Closing Example #1

Closing Example #2

Closing Example #3

Using a "P.S." in the cover letter can be a fun way to add a message to the letter. It's advised that when using a P.S. (or postscript message), write something personal to the reader. For example, during the research about the role, we uncovered that the hiring manager was a sports fan. Or was particularly passionate about an aspect of the job that makes them unique. It's great to use a postscript to address this opportunity.

Let's look at a few examples of using a postscript in the closing paragraph.

Closing Example #4

Bonus Example #5

Bonus Example #6

Poor Cover Letter Closing Statement Examples

Below are closing paragraphs that should not get emulated. Closing paragraphs should be personal, impactful, and tailored to the company and the job title. These generic closing paragraphs lack impact.

Poor Example #1

Pro tip: A strong cover letter closing puts a "call to action" at the bottom for hiring managers. To get the hiring manager's attention, say something about the company's mission toward the end of the letter.

Poor Example #2

Cover Letter Closing Salutations & Sign-offs

Use these cover letter closing salutations when finishing a professional job application cover letter. Strong cover letter closings are enthusiastic and confident. Here are cover letter sign-offs to use:

• I look forward to our interview.
• Thank you for reading my cover letter.
• Sincerely.
• With the utmost of respect.
• Thank you so much.
• Thank you.
• Best.
• Best regards.

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Examples

Below is a cover letter sample:

Free Cover Letter Template

Download this cover letter template in Word format. Can get imported as a Google Doc. Instant download. No email required.

Download Template

Cover Letter Closing Tips

Tips for job seekers on closing a powerful cover letter.

Address the recipient by name, again

A great cover letter addresses the recipient by name. By using the reader's name in the greeting of the cover letter (e.g., "Dear Mr. Johnson"), the reader will feel the letter has been personalized to them (which it has). The best way to end the cover letter is to use the recipient's name one more. For example, "Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Johnson."

This supports the fact that the cover letter writer and job seeker took the time to read the job description. And research the company, research who is hiring for the position, and ensuring that the cover letter was addressed to them. In both in what the cover letter says. And the salutation and closing phrase.

Include contact information in the cover letter signature

Including a phone number, email address, personal website, or other contact information in the cover letter signature is recommended. And while contact information should be included in the cover letter heading (using a professional business letter heading). Including the contact information can make the letter look professional and official.

For example:

Using a personalized signature

While this isn't necessary, a personal signature to end the cover letter can add personalization to the letter and make the letter look official. It's easy to add a personal signature to a PDF document (or cover letter) before sending the job application. For those on Apple computers, scanning a personal signature is easy. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the PDF in "Preview" and click the toolbox icon.
• Step 2: Click on the "Signature" icon. And then click "Create Signature."
• Step 3: Click "Click here to begin" and use the camera or track pad to create a signature.
• Step 4: Record the signature and then click "Done" to complete the signature.
• Step 5: Click the signature that was created and place it on the PDF document, then click File and Save.

For more information on how to add a signature to a PDF document (or cover letter), follow this resource.

How to sign a cover letter

Curious about the letter signature placement, here is where to sign a cover letter. Place the signature after the closing salutation and contact information. Like the following:

Using a full name in the signature

And while a tiny detail. Using our full names when closing the cover letter can make the letter look professional. And present business etiquette. Or finalize a formal letter. For example, finishing a letter by saying the following looks slightly less professional:

Than if we compare the following signature, using the full name of the letter writer:

While a tiny detail, these details accumulate. And produce a far more professional letter than other job applicants might write. Assisting in the process of presenting ourselves as professionals who can professionally conduct business.

Ending a cover letter for a promotion

When applying for a position internally. Usually to suggest a desire to be promoted. An employee may want to suggest details in the cover letter closing paragraph that supports a desire to stay with the company. Why? When a hiring manager reads a cover letter for a promotion, there's a chance of miscommunication. Primarily, if the employee does not receive the promotion, the employee may decide to leave the company.

To prevent this potential miscommunication. This is how a cover letter should get closed when applying for a promotion. Or applying for a new position within the same company:

Ending a cover letter for an internship

When applying for an internship position, there isn't going to be any previous work experience to reference. Meaning, as a job applicant, we can't suggest that we can increase sales. Or decrease the time spent on certain business processes. But what can be suggested is either early research into opportunities for the business.

Here is an example of performing early research for the business and presenting an opportunity:

Cover Letter Resources

• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be
• How to Start a Cover Letter
• How to End a Cover Letter
• How to Address a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Format