How to End Cover Letter Effectively for a Lasting Impression

How you wrap up a cover letter really does matter—it’s that last chance to leave an impression. A good cover letter ending should thank the reader, show confidence, and express interest in the position. Even a short, genuine closing can set you apart from the crowd.

The right closing adds a touch of personality and sets a friendly, professional tone for whatever comes next. Something like, “I look forward to discussing how my skills can help your team,” is polite, confident, and leaves the door open for a conversation. If you want more ideas, Indeed and The Muse both have some solid examples and tips.

Key Takeaways

• Your final paragraph should show both confidence and gratitude.
• Add a call to action, but keep it polite and relevant.
• Simple, respectful endings usually make the best impression.

Why the Ending of a Cover Letter Matters

Those last few lines of a cover letter are more important than they might seem. A strong ending can stick with a hiring manager long after they’ve read your application.

First Impressions and Lasting Impact

The closing words shape how you’ll be remembered. It’s funny—sometimes the last thing you say matters just as much as the first. If you’re polite and confident at the end, it shows you respect the reader’s time and effort.

On the flip side, a rushed or generic close can make your letter feel forgettable. Strong endings thank the hiring manager and make it clear you’d like to talk more about the role. That little personal touch? It can really help you stand out in a stack of applications.

Using a formal sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully” shows you’re paying attention to detail. If you’re not sure about sign-offs, there’s a good thread on how to sign off a cover letter.

Standing Out to the Hiring Manager

Let’s be real: employers see a mountain of applications. Your closing is a final chance to reinforce why you’re a great fit. A specific statement about what you bring to the table can show you actually get what they need—not just what you want.

Showing genuine interest in the position or politely asking for an interview can highlight your enthusiasm. That little bit of energy can make a hiring manager remember you for the right reasons.

Professional but warm wording is the sweet spot—it shows you’re both qualified and sincere. For more ideas, check out cover letter closing tips and examples.

Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter Closing

A strong cover letter closing leaves the reader with a positive impression. It wraps up your skills, motivation, and interest in moving forward—without sounding like a robot.

Recapping Your Qualifications

It’s smart to briefly restate your top qualifications in the closing. Focus on the stuff that matches what the job description is actually asking for.

You can mention your years of experience, certain skills, or a key achievement. It’s a quick reminder of why you’re a strong fit.

Bullet points help keep things clear:

• Years of experience in the field
• Expertise with specific tools or methods
• Awards, certifications, or key projects

Restating this info helps nudge the reader toward moving you to the next step.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm

Showing a little excitement about the role? That always helps. People notice when you sound genuinely interested in joining their team.

A closing statement could mention what you’re looking forward to or why the job excites you. Maybe you really like the company’s mission, or this position lines up with your goals.

Don’t overthink it. A simple line like, “I am excited about the chance to contribute to your marketing team,” gets the point across.

This kind of energy can help you stand out from the usual crowd.

Including a Clear Call to Action

Don’t forget to ask for the next step. A strong closing usually includes a call to action—like requesting an interview or a chat.

Keep it straightforward. For example, “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.”

And always thank the reader for their time. A quick thank you goes a long way and shows you respect the process.

End with a professional sign-off and your name. If you need help with phrasing, these tips on Indeed are pretty useful.

How to Write a Strong Closing Paragraph

Your last paragraph is basically your final pitch. It should connect your skills to what the company actually needs, give a quick nod to relevant experience, and highlight what makes you a little different.

Aligning with the Job Description

Make sure your closing lines reflect what’s in the job description. Try to match your skills and experience to what the company is looking for.

If they want communication skills, mention a role where you had to communicate clearly. If customer service is big, talk about how you’ve handled customer questions or solved tricky issues before.

Using keywords from the job post can help you get noticed—plus, it’s good for applicant tracking systems. There’s more advice on this at how to close a cover letter.

Reflecting Your Experience and Skills

Summarize your most relevant experience in a few lines. Focus on achievements or tasks that connect directly to the job.

If teamwork matters for the position, mention a time you worked well with others. If it’s customer-facing, talk about when you delivered great service.

Keep it simple with examples like:

• Managed a team of five in a retail setting
• Handled 50+ customer calls per day with a high satisfaction rate
• Trained new staff in store policies

This gives a clear picture of what you offer and how you’ll help the company.

Conveying Your Unique Value

Wrap up by sharing what makes you stand out. Maybe you’ve got unique skills, a special award, or extra knowledge that fits the job.

If you solved a tricky customer issue or improved team communication, mention it with specific details. Any extra language skills or certifications? Name them.

Don’t be afraid to show some excitement for the job and say you’d love to talk more. For more on this, see writing a strong closing paragraph. That bit of personality can help you stick in someone’s mind.

Expressing Gratitude and Thanks Appropriately

Your closing should show respect and careful word choice. Thanking the reader isn’t just polite—it shows you know how to do business right.

Using Professional Thanks

It’s always a good move to use professional thanks in your closing. Short, clear lines like “Thank you for your time and consideration” are classic for a reason—they’re respectful and to the point. It’s a nod to the hiring manager’s busy schedule and shows you value their attention.

Keep this part brief and direct. No need for long-winded or overly emotional messages—those can feel out of place. Skip the jokes, slang, or anything too casual.

Some good examples:

• Thank you for considering my application.
• I appreciate your time and review.

These lines work especially well for formal workplaces or anywhere that values traditional communication. They help you come across as thoughtful and respectful. For more sample closings, there’s plenty of advice on how to close a cover letter.

Striking the Right Tone

Getting the tone right in those last lines of a cover letter is surprisingly important. You want to sound professional, of course, but if you lose all personality, it just comes across as cold or, worse, like a bot wrote it.

Honestly, the safest bet is to take cues from the company itself. If you’re applying somewhere traditional, lean into classic language. With creative workplaces, you can usually get away with a bit more warmth or energy—just don’t overdo it.

When closing, it’s best to stay friendly and confident, but don’t cross into pushy territory. Demanding language or anything that sounds entitled is a turnoff. Instead, try something like, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team or I am excited to help your organization reach its goals. Those lines show you’re interested and upbeat, but you’re still being respectful.

Mirroring a company’s communication style shows you’ve paid attention and can fit in. It also hints that you understand their culture, which, in my experience, is something hiring managers actually notice. If you want a few more ideas, there’s a good list of suggestions on ending a cover letter professionally.

Adding a Call to Action in Your Cover Letter

A solid call to action can really help you stand out. It nudges the hiring manager toward the next step and shows you’re motivated and paying attention.

Requesting an Interview

Wrapping up a cover letter by actually asking for an interview is a clear way to show you’re serious. Instead of just dropping a bland “thank you,” try something like, “I look forward to discussing how my skills match your needs in an interview.” It’s a gentle push forward.

Polite confidence goes a long way. Give your contact info and let them know you’re available to chat. This helps shift the focus from your resume to what comes next—maybe a conversation or a call.

Short, direct lines like, “Please contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience,” work well. Using a call to action like this can actually bump up your chances of hearing back. If you want more examples, check out how to write a call to action in a cover letter.

Highlighting Your Initiative

Showing a bit of initiative at the end can leave a good impression. You could mention following up, for example: “If I don’t hear from you in a week, I will reach out to check on the status of my application.” That tells them you’re proactive.

Hiring managers seem to like applicants who show genuine interest and take action. It signals motivation and a sense of what the company needs. Just be careful not to sound too demanding—it’s a fine line.

A quick note about your next step shows you’re mature and know how to communicate professionally. This kind of closing can help your application stand out, especially when there’s a pile of others. For more on this, see how to close a cover letter with a strong action statement.

Polishing the Final Touches

That last impression matters. A clear, polished ending—with attention to the little details—can actually set you apart.

Incorporating Contact Information

Don’t forget to add your full and current contact info at the end. Hiring folks need a way to reach out if they want to talk. Typical details include:

Stick with the same format and info you used on your résumé so there’s no confusion. Place these after your main message but before the signature. And yes—double-check for typos or missing bits. It’s amazing how often small mistakes cost people interviews. There’s more advice on final touches for cover letters if you want it.

Professional Electronic Signature

Always tack on a professional signature after your closing phrase. Start with something formal—“Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or even just “Thank you.” Then add your full name and, if it fits, your job title. For example:

Best regards,
Jane Doe
Marketing Specialist

If you’re sending the letter by email, you might want to include a digital or scanned signature if you can swing it. It’s a small thing, but it makes everything look finished and shows you care about details. Keeping your résumé and signature consistent also helps you look organized and professional. If you’re looking for more ideas, here’s a guide on how to close a cover letter.

Common Closing Mistakes to Avoid

You’d be surprised how many people slip up in those last lines. The ending is what sticks, so it’s worth avoiding a few common traps.

Overused Phrases

We’ve all seen “Thank you for your time and consideration” or “I look forward to hearing from you” a million times. They’re polite, but honestly, they just blend in with every other letter.

Hiring managers read a ton of applications, so if your closing sounds like everyone else’s, it won’t help you stand out. Instead, try connecting your closing to the actual job or company. Maybe mention what excites you about their mission or call out a relevant achievement. Using your own words shows you’re paying attention, and a lot of employers appreciate that.

Skip the filler lines that don’t add anything new. Original, direct language is more memorable and feels more genuine. For more examples of what to avoid, check out this list of cover letter mistakes.

Lack of Confidence

Confidence matters. Some folks end with “I hope to hear from you” or “If you think I qualify”—and it just sounds unsure. You don’t want to come off as doubting your own skills.

It’s better to use strong, clear statements. Something like, “I am excited to discuss how my experience can help your team” feels positive and direct. Employers want to see that you know your value and are ready to contribute.

Don’t apologize or say you might not be the perfect fit. Assert yourself and show real interest in the job. If you want more on this, check out the advice on how to close a cover letter and why showing realistic confidence is so important.

Being Too Generic

Generic endings are a dead giveaway that you’re sending the same letter everywhere. Hiring managers pick up on it fast, and it can make you look unprepared.

Personalize your closing. Drop in the company name, the role, or something specific about why you want this job. Instead of “I am interested in the job,” try “I am excited to bring my skills in customer service to XYZ Company’s growing support team.”

Generic statements just make you sound uninterested. Tailoring your closing shows you’ve done your homework and actually care about this opportunity. If you want tips on steering clear of copy-paste endings, here are some common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

Examples of Effective Cover Letter Endings

A strong ending shows you’re professional, grateful, and actually interested in the company—not just any job. Every industry has its own vibe, so you might want to tweak your closing to fit. If you’re stuck, these sample phrases can help get you started.

Templates for Different Industries

Business/Corporate:
Thank the reader and highlight your interest. For example:

• “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success.”
• “I appreciate your time and consideration. I am eager to bring my skills to your organization.”

Education:
Show your passion for teaching and student growth:

• “Thank you for your time. I am excited about the chance to support your students and school community.”
• “I look forward to the possibility of helping students learn and grow at your school.”

Healthcare:
Emphasize care and teamwork:

• “Thank you for reviewing my application. I am committed to delivering excellent patient care as part of your team.”
• “I appreciate your consideration and hope to bring compassionate care to your patients.”

Technology:
Touch on problem-solving and growth:

• “Thank you for your time. I am eager to help your team develop innovative solutions.”
• “I look forward to using my technical skills to support your company’s goals.”

If you want more inspiration, the Purdue OWL cover letter closings guide is a solid resource.

Sample Closing Paragraphs

A strong closing should nudge the reader to remember what you bring to the table and that you’re genuinely interested.

Example 1:
“Thanks for taking a look at my application. I think my background in sales and knack for communication could really work well with your team. I’d be glad to chat more about how I can help.”

Example 2:
“I appreciate your consideration. My experience in teaching and curriculum planning could help me make a difference in your district. I’m genuinely excited at the thought of meeting to discuss ideas.”

Example 3:
“Thank you for your time and attention. I’m eager to put my technical skills to use on new projects at your company and contribute as part of the team.”

These examples use a professional tone and show real interest in the job. Definitely double-check your letter for mistakes, and wrap up with something like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you,”—that’s what Robert Half suggests, and they know their stuff.

Following Up After Sending Your Cover Letter

After sending off a cover letter, the follow-up can actually matter. It’s one of those things that shows you’re still interested and keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar.

Timing Your Follow-Up

Give the employer a little breathing room to go through applications before you reach out. Usually, waiting a week or two after sending your letter is the sweet spot.

If the job posting lists a deadline, count about a week after that date before following up. For urgent roles, maybe check in sooner, but honestly, it’s best not to bug them in the first few days.

Sometimes, the job posting will actually say not to follow up. If that’s the case, just respect it.

If you don’t hear back after your first follow-up, don’t keep sending messages. Patience and politeness really do leave a better impression. If you want more timing tips, Indeed’s guide is pretty thorough.

What to Include in Follow-Up Communication

Keep your follow-up message short and professional. It’s smart to mention the job title and the date you applied right up front.

Don’t write a novel—just thank the employer, restate your interest, and maybe remind them how your skills fit what they need.

Here’s a simple structure:

• Greeting (use their name if you have it)
• Why you’re reaching out
• A quick reminder about your skills or experience
• Another note of interest
• Thank you and a polite sign-off

One way to do this:
“I’m following up regarding my application for the Project Assistant position submitted April 10th. I’m excited about the chance to join your team and use my organizational skills to support your projects. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your reply.” You can find more examples at Indeed if you want to see how others phrase it.

Adapting Endings for Digital and Traditional Cover Letters

The best way to wrap up a cover letter depends on how you’re sending it. Employers do notice the little differences between printed and digital versions, especially in your closing lines, signatures, and how you include your contact info.

Email vs. Printed Cover Letter Endings

If you’re emailing your cover letter, keep the ending direct and professional. After your main message, use a standard sign-off like Sincerely or Best regards. Just type your name below that—an electronic signature is fine. Usually, you’ll want to add your phone number and LinkedIn right under your name, since your resume is probably attached separately.

For printed letters, stick with tradition: use a formal closing, sign your name with a pen, and type your name underneath. Leave a little space for your handwritten signature. Also, don’t forget the formal heading and salutation—those still matter on paper. Either way, proofread before sending, and keep things professional. If you want a few more formatting tips, Indeed has a good rundown.

Modern Trends in Cover Letter Closings

With everything moving online, cover letter endings have gotten a bit shorter. Still, you probably shouldn’t get too casual—closings like Cheers or Warm regards tend to be too informal for most jobs. Stick with the classics and keep it respectful.

Adding your LinkedIn profile is pretty standard now, especially in emails. Whether it’s printed or digital, just make sure it’s easy to read. Don’t write big chunks of text. And always, always thank the reader and let them know you hope to hear back. For more ideas, check out this guide on closing lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

A strong cover letter ending shows respect and professionalism. There are a few tricks and phrases that can help you leave the right impression.

What is the most effective way to conclude a cover letter?

The best way to end a cover letter? Thank the reader for their time. Let them know you’re interested and confident about your fit. It doesn’t hurt to include a call to action, like asking for an interview.

What phrases can one use to close a cover letter on a strong note?

Phrases like “Thank you for considering my application,” or “I look forward to hearing from you,” are always safe and professional. Or you can say, “I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your team.” There are more examples in this guide if you want to browse.

Can you provide examples of closing sentences for a cover letter?

Some examples include:

• “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
• “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company.”
• “I welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail.”
  If you want more examples, check out this collection of closing sentences for cover letters.

What should one include in the final paragraph of a cover letter?

Wrap up with a quick summary of your strengths, a thank you, and a call to action. Keep it short—no need to overdo it. This is the spot to say you’d like to interview or talk more.

How do you suggest signing off a professional cover letter?

Stick with “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Respectfully.” For printed letters, leave space for your signature and type your name underneath. Try to avoid casual sign-offs like “Thanks” or “Cheers.” If you want to dig deeper, this article has more details.

What techniques can make a cover letter ending stand out to employers?

Honestly, a well-placed call to action at the end can really stick with someone reading your letter. It’s worth double-checking that your closing vibe actually fits the company and the job—it’s easy to overlook that. If you can, try weaving in something specific about the company’s goals or values; it just feels more personal and less like you copied it from the internet. That little bit of effort? It shows.