Crafting a high-impact cover letter requires more than just listing your qualifications — it’s also about leaving a lasting impression. And while many applicants spend considerable effort on the introduction and body of their letters, the closing paragraph is often neglected. However, a well-crafted closing can be the final nudge that encourages a hiring manager to schedule that interview.

TL;DR

The closing of your cover letter is your final chance to leave a strong impression, show enthusiasm, and prompt the reader to take action. Choosing the right words can mean the difference between being passed over or landing an interview. Whether you’re expressing gratitude, showcasing confidence, or offering a call to action — each approach matters. This article walks you through effective examples that actually get results.

Why the Closing Matters in a Cover Letter

The end of your cover letter is more than just a polite goodbye — it’s a strategic tool. Recruiters typically skim through applications, and a powerful closing can:

  • Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role.
  • Summarize your value proposition.
  • Prompt the desired next steps, like an interview or follow-up.

Failing to close strong can leave your entire application feeling incomplete or indifferent.

What Makes a Great Cover Letter Closing?

Your closing should be:

  • Professional — Maintain a tone suitable for your industry and position.
  • Specific — Avoid generic endings like “Thanks for your time.”
  • Confident — Show you believe you’re the right fit without sounding arrogant.
  • Action-Oriented — Gently suggest the next steps without being pushy.

Best Practices Before You Sign Off

Before we dive into real examples, it’s useful to remember a few general rules. The best closing paragraphs tend to:

  • Include a call to action (e.g., “I’d welcome the opportunity to…”).
  • Restate your enthusiasm and match for the position.
  • Express gratitude in a sincere way.
  • Close formally with an appropriate phrase like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Effective Examples of Cover Letter Closings

1. The Enthusiastic Closer

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my experience in project management and team leadership to [Company]. I would love the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your goals during an interview. Thank you very much for considering my application.”

Why it works: It communicates eagerness, reinforces where the candidate can add value, and politely requests an interview.

2. The Confident Call to Action

“I am confident that my background in data analysis and strategic planning aligns well with your team’s needs. I welcome the chance to speak with you further and explore how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success.”

Why it works: The candidate expresses belief in their qualifications and subtly invites a conversation.

3. The Problem-Solver Angle

“From our research, I understand that [Company] is expanding into new markets. I’d be thrilled to help support that growth by applying my international business experience. I look forward to the opportunity to elaborate on this during a potential interview.”

Why it works: It shows initiative and indicates the candidate has done their homework.

4. The Brief but Impactful Wrap-Up

“Thank you for considering me for the Marketing Specialist role. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.”

Why it works: While concise, it stays professional and to the point without sounding dismissive.

5. The Gratitude-Driven Ending

“I truly appreciate your time and consideration. The values and culture at [Company] resonate strongly with my own, and I’d be honored to discuss how my skills could support your mission.”

Why it works: It combines authentic gratitude with a specific tie to the company’s culture.

Cover Letter Closings to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what works is understanding what doesn’t. Here are some common examples of closings that fall flat:

  • Too Vague: “Thanks for your time.”
  • Too Pushy: “I demand an interview.”
  • Too Informal: “Cheers” or “Talk soon.”
  • Too Generic or Repetitive: Repeating your resume with no added value.

Avoid these errors by tailoring your closing to the role and maintaining a formal tone.

How to Format Your Cover Letter Closing

Once you’ve written your closing paragraph, formatting it properly is the final touch. Your closing should follow this sequence:

  1. The final paragraph (your personalized closing remark)
  2. A polite sign-off (e.g., Sincerely, Best regards)
  3. Your full name
  4. Optional: Your phone number and email address (especially for physical letters)
Sincerely,  
John Smith  
john.smith@email.com  
(123) 456-7890

Bonus Tips for a Memorable Cover Letter

  • Mirror the company’s tone: Review the job posting to match their language.
  • Include a postscript (P.S.): A short P.S. can highlight a standout achievement or an additional fact to grab attention.
  • Use active language: Avoid passive constructions wherever possible.

For example, a strong postscript might read:

P.S. I’d love to share how I helped reduce operational costs by 20% at my last position — a strategy I believe would also benefit [Company Name].

Final Thoughts

Your cover letter is a persuasive tool — and like any great argument, it needs a compelling conclusion. A well-written closing serves as the last nudge that separates you from a crowded pool of applicants. Whether you lead with gratitude, confidence, or initiative, your final paragraph sets the tone for what comes next — ideally, an invitation to interview.

Don’t let your hard work throughout the rest of the letter go to waste. Give the closing the same level of attention and polish, and you’ll increase the chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

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