How to End a Cover Letter with Samples and Examples

Why Your Cover Letter Closing Matters

You’ve nailed the opening. Your middle paragraphs showcase your skills perfectly. But here’s the hard truth: most hiring managers remember how you end, not how you start. Like the final scene of a movie or the last note of a song, your cover letter’s closing lingers—and it can make the difference between “let’s interview them” and “let’s keep looking.”

The Psychology of a Strong Finish

Studies on memory retention show we’re wired to recall endings more vividly than middles (the “recency effect”). In hiring, that means a weak closing—like a generic “thank you for your time”—can undo an otherwise stellar letter. But a polished, purposeful sign-off? It reinforces three key impressions:

• Professionalism: You respect the reader’s time
• Enthusiasm: You genuinely want this role, not just any role
• Action: You’ve made it easy for them to take the next step

What Makes a Standout Closing?

The best endings aren’t just polite—they’re strategic. Think of them as a mic drop moment that:

• Reiterates your fit (without repeating your resume)
• Sparks urgency (e.g., “I’d love to discuss how my [specific skill] can help [company] tackle [challenge]”)
• Includes a clear call-to-action (more subtle than “Call me!,” but just as effective)

“A close that feels canned is like a handshake with no grip—it leaves the other person wondering if you really mean it.”

In the next sections, we’ll break down exactly how to craft closings that feel both professional and personal—with templates for every scenario, from formal corporate roles to creative gigs. Because when your competition is ending with “I look forward to hearing from you,” you’ll be the one leaving them eager to reach out.

Essential Elements of a Powerful Cover Letter Closing

Your cover letter closing is like the final handshake after a great conversation—it leaves a lasting impression. Nail it, and you’ll have the hiring manager reaching for their calendar to schedule an interview. But fumble here, and all your earlier effort risks falling flat. So, what separates a forgettable sign-off from one that seals the deal?

The Core Components Every Closing Needs

A strong closing isn’t just about politeness—it’s a strategic blend of three key ingredients:

• Gratitude: A simple “Thank you for your time and consideration” goes a long way in showing professionalism.
• Enthusiasm: Convey excitement with phrases like “I’m eager to bring my [specific skill] to [Company Name]’s team.”
• Contact information: Make it effortless for them to reach you by restating your phone number and email (even if it’s in the header).

Pro Tip: If you’re emailing your cover letter, hyperlink your email address in the signature. Few candidates do this, and it’s a subtle way to stand out.

Matching Tone to Company Culture

A law firm expects a formal closing like “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.” But a startup might appreciate something more conversational: “Let’s grab coffee and chat about how I can help scale your UX team!”

How to adapt your tone:

• Corporate roles: Use traditional closings (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards”).
• Creative fields: Inject personality (e.g., “Excited to create with you,” “Cheers”).
• Tech/startups: Keep it crisp and action-oriented (e.g., “Let’s build something great”).

Pitfalls That Sabotage Your Closing

Avoid these common missteps:

• Generic phrases: “I look forward to hearing from you” is overused—swap it for “I’d love to discuss how my background in [X] aligns with [Company’s current project].”
• Overly casual language: Skip emojis or slang (unless you’re applying to a Gen Z-focused brand).
• Missing CTAs: Don’t leave the next step vague. Instead of “Hope to talk soon,” try “I’m available Tuesday or Thursday for an interview.”

The Goldilocks Zone for Length

Aim for 3–5 sentences—enough to reinforce your value but concise enough to respect the reader’s time. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Gratitude
2. Reiterated enthusiasm (1–2 sentences)
3. CTA/contact reminder

For example:

“Thank you for considering my application. With my 3 years of managing remote teams at [Previous Company], I’m confident I can help [Hiring Company] streamline its hybrid work policies. I’d welcome the chance to discuss this further—you can reach me at (555) 123-4567 or jane@email.com.”

Notice how this closing is warm, specific, and directive without being pushy? That’s the sweet spot. Now, take a look at your current cover letter ending. Does it check all these boxes—or is it time for a refresh?

2. Professional Closing Phrases and Templates

The way you sign off a cover letter is like the final handshake after a great conversation—it should leave a lasting impression. Too formal, and you risk sounding robotic. Too casual, and you might undermine your professionalism. So how do you strike the right balance? Let’s break it down by industry, tone, and intent.

Formal Closings for Corporate Roles

For traditional industries like finance, law, or government, stick to polished, time-tested sign-offs. These closings convey respect and professionalism without overcomplicating things:

• “Sincerely,” (The gold standard—safe for any formal role)
• “Best regards,” (Warm but still professional)
• “Respectfully,” (Ideal for highly hierarchical fields like academia or healthcare)
• “With appreciation,” (Great for roles where collaboration is key)

Example closing paragraph:
“Thank you for considering my application. With my [X years] of experience in [specific skill or industry], I’m confident in my ability to contribute to [Company Name]’s goals. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. Sincerely, [Your Name]“

Conversational Alternatives for Creative Fields

If you’re applying to a startup, design firm, or tech company, a more relaxed tone can help you stand out. These closings show enthusiasm while keeping it professional:

• “Looking forward to connecting,” (Friendly and open-ended)
• “Excited about the possibility,” (For roles you’re genuinely passionate about)
• “Let’s build something great together,” (Perfect for collaborative roles)
• “Talk soon,” (Best for referrals or after networking)

Example for a marketing role:
“Your team’s work on [specific campaign] inspired me to apply—I’d love to bring my [specific skill, e.g., data-driven storytelling] to your next project. Let’s chat over coffee or Zoom! Excited about the possibility, [Your Name]“

Industry-Specific Examples

Tailoring your closing to the field shows you’ve done your homework. Here’s how to adapt your tone:

• Tech: “I’d love to discuss how my Python expertise can streamline your backend processes. Let’s connect! Best, [Name]”
• Healthcare: “Patient care has always been my priority, and I’m eager to bring my [specific experience] to [Hospital Name]. Thank you for your time. Respectfully, [Name]”
• Nonprofit: “Your mission to [cause] resonates deeply with me. I’d welcome the chance to contribute my grant-writing skills to your efforts. With appreciation, [Name]“

Ready-to-Use Closing Paragraph Templates

Need a plug-and-play solution? Here are three adaptable templates:

1. The Enthusiastic Follow-Up:
   “I’ve admired [Company Name]’s work in [specific area], and I’m eager to bring my [skill] to your team. I’d love to schedule a call to explore how we might collaborate. Looking forward to your reply!”

2. The Confident Close:
   “With my experience in [field], I’m ready to hit the ground running at [Company Name]. Let’s discuss how I can support your [specific goal or project]. Best regards, [Name]”

3. The Thoughtful Wrap-Up:
   “Thank you for considering my application. I’ve attached my portfolio for your review—I’m particularly proud of [specific work sample], which aligns with your need for [skill]. Excited about the opportunity, [Name]”

The key? Match your closing to both the job’s formality and your authentic voice. Because at the end of the day, a memorable sign-off isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about making the hiring manager want to reach out.

How to Write a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your cover letter’s closing isn’t just a formality—it’s your last chance to nudge the hiring manager toward action. A weak CTA like “Hope to hear from you soon” fades into the background, while a strong one—“I’d love to discuss how my 3 years scaling SaaS retention at TechCorp align with your Q3 goals. Are you available for a call next Tuesday?”—creates momentum. Here’s how to craft a CTA that gets replies.

The Anatomy of an Effective CTA

A persuasive call-to-action does two things: it removes friction (by specifying next steps) and creates polite urgency (without sounding demanding). Compare:

• Weak: “Let me know if you have questions.” (Passive, vague)
• Strong: “I’ve attached a case study showing how I increased leads by 140% for a client in your industry. I’d love to walk you through it—are you free for a 15-minute chat on Thursday?” (Specific, valuable, time-bound)

The best CTAs mirror how you’d naturally ask for something in person: confident yet courteous, with a clear “why” for the recipient.

Tailoring CTAs to Job Types

Not all roles require the same approach. A creative director reviewing portfolios needs a different nudge than a corporate recruiter scheduling interviews:

• For creative roles: “I’d appreciate your thoughts on my portfolio, particularly the rebranding project for [Client Name]. Could we schedule a quick review next week?” (Invites collaboration)
• For executive roles: “Given your focus on expanding into Asian markets, I’d value 20 minutes to share how I led APAC growth at [Company]. Does your calendar have openings next Monday or Wednesday?” (Aligns with business priorities)
• For entry-level positions: “As a recent grad with hands-on experience in [relevant tool/technique], I’m eager to contribute to your team. Could we set up an interview this month?” (Highlights readiness)

Weak vs. Strong CTA Examples

Let’s dissect real-world phrases to see what works—and what falls flat:

• Weak: “Looking forward to your reply.” (No action, no urgency)
  Strong: “I’ll follow up next Friday to schedule a conversation. In the meantime, you can view my recent designs at [link].” (Proactive, gives options)
• Weak: “I think I’d be a good fit.” (Uncertainty undermines confidence)
  Strong: “My campaign strategy for [Competitor] drove a 30% engagement lift—imagine what I could do for your brand. Let’s discuss how to replicate these results. When’s your next availability?” (Evidence-based, forward-looking)

Pro Tip: If the job posting mentions a timeline (e.g., “Hiring by June 1”), reference it:
“With your team aiming to fill this role by June, I’d love to connect before month-end to discuss fit.”

Follow-Up Timing Hints

Mentioning next steps in your CTA sets expectations and shows professionalism. Consider these scripts:

• For fast-moving industries (tech, startups): “I’m available for an interview this week if that suits your schedule. If I don’t hear back by Thursday, I’ll touch base via email.”
• For formal sectors (law, finance): “I understand you’re reviewing applications over the coming weeks. I’ll reach out on [date] to confirm next steps unless you advise otherwise.”

The key? Balance persistence with respect. One follow-up is expected; five are excessive. And always include new value in follow-ups—like a relevant article or project update—to avoid sounding repetitive.

Your CTA isn’t just the end of your cover letter—it’s the gateway to your next career move. Make it impossible to ignore.

Adapting Your Closing for Different Scenarios

A one-size-fits-all cover letter closing won’t cut it—not when you’re applying for a remote startup role versus a corporate job with a referral. The secret? Tailor your sign-off like you’re customizing a pitch to each hiring manager’s pain points. Here’s how to adjust your closing for four common (but tricky) scenarios.

Email Cover Letters: Subject Line Synergy and Signature Formatting

Your email is your cover letter when applying digitally—which means your closing needs to work harder. Start by mirroring your subject line’s keyword in your sign-off for cohesion. For example:

• Subject line: “Content Strategist Applicant: 3 Ways I’d Elevate Your Brand Voice”
• Closing line: “I’d love to discuss how these brand voice strategies could work for [Company]. Let’s connect—my calendar is open at [link].”

Don’t forget the signature block:

• Skip the generic “Sent from my iPhone”
• Include a professional (but clickable) LinkedIn hyperlink
• Add a line break between “Best regards” and your full name to avoid cramped formatting

Career Changers: Emphasizing Transferable Skills

Switching industries? Use your closing to bridge the gap. Instead of apologizing for a “lack of direct experience,” spotlight how your past achievements translate:

“While my background is in education, designing curriculum under tight deadlines honed the agile project management skills your operations team needs. Let’s discuss how my [specific skill] could solve [company’s challenge].”

Pro tip: Link to a portfolio or case study if your work isn’t industry-specific (e.g., “See how I streamlined processes in my current role here: [link]”).

Referral Mentions: The Art of Graceful Name-Dropping

Name-dropping works—when done subtly. Weave the referral into your closing without sounding like you’re coasting on connections:

• Strong: “After speaking with [Name] about [Company]’s focus on [specific goal], I’m even more excited to contribute my [skill] to the team.”
• Weak: “[Name] told me to apply, so here I am.”

If the referrer suggested a specific action (e.g., contacting the hiring manager), mention it: “As [Name] recommended, I’ll follow up next week to schedule a conversation.”

Remote Job Applications: Selling Your Self-Management

Remote roles demand proof you’ll thrive without oversight. Your closing should highlight autonomy:

• For async teams: “Having led distributed teams across 4 time zones, I’m adept at driving projects forward with minimal hand-holding—a skill I’d bring to your [specific team].”
• For results-driven cultures: “I’ve exceeded KPIs for 8 quarters while working remotely—let’s discuss how I’d replicate that success for [Company].”

Bonus: Link to a time-tracking tool you use (e.g., “My Toggl reports show consistent 40-hour weeks with zero missed deadlines”) if the job emphasizes productivity.

The Golden Rule of Tailoring

Every adjustment should answer one question: “Why am I the lowest-risk hire for this specific role?” Whether you’re leaning on a referral or proving remote readiness, your closing isn’t just an ending—it’s the final push to make the hiring manager think, “We’d be crazy not to interview this person.” Now go make it personal.

5. Before You Hit Send: Final Checks and Pro Tips

You’ve crafted a compelling closing—now it’s time to ensure your entire cover letter is polished to perfection. Even the most strategic sign-off won’t save a sloppy application. Here’s how to make sure your document is airtight before it lands in the hiring manager’s inbox.

The Proofreading Checklist: Catching What Spellcheck Misses

Typos aren’t just embarrassing—they’re credibility killers. A CareerBuilder survey found that 58% of hiring managers automatically reject candidates over spelling errors. Run through this quick audit before submitting:

• Tone alignment: Does your closing match the formality of the company? (e.g., “Best regards” for corporate roles vs. “Excited to connect!” for startups)
• Consistency: Check for mismatched fonts, erratic spacing, or abrupt tense shifts.
• Keyword optimization: Naturally weave in phrases like “experienced [job title] candidate” or “proven [skill] professional” to pass both human and ATS scans.

Pro tip: Read your letter aloud. Awkward phrasing or redundancies become glaring when spoken.

A/B Testing Your Closings: Data-Driven Refinement

If you’re applying to multiple similar roles (e.g., marketing manager positions), try testing two versions of your closing. For example:

• Version A: “I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my 5 years of campaign leadership can drive ROI for your team.”
• Version B: “Let’s connect—I’d love to share how we doubled engagement at my last company using strategies perfect for your current goals.”

Track which version gets more interview invites. Tools like Mailtrack or HubSpot can help monitor open rates if you’re emailing directly.

Tools to Elevate Your Draft

Don’t rely on Microsoft Word’s squiggly lines alone. These resources add nuance:

• Grammarly Premium: Catches tone issues (e.g., overly passive voice) and suggests conciseness tweaks.
• Hemingway App: Highlights dense sentences—aim for a Grade 8 readability score for skimmable content.
• LinkedIn Tone Analysis: Paste your closing into a LinkedIn post draft. The platform’s tone suggestions reveal how your message might land.

“The best closings feel like a handshake—firm, confident, and leaving a lasting impression.” — Sarah Chen, Career Coach at The Muse

One Last Reality Check

Ask yourself: If you received this cover letter, would you be excited to interview the candidate? If not, revisit your closing’s energy. A strong ending should leave the reader thinking, “We need to meet this person,” not “That was… fine.” Now take a deep breath, double-check that attachment, and hit send. Your next career chapter awaits.

Conclusion: Turning Closings into Opportunities

Your cover letter’s closing isn’t just a formality—it’s the final handshake, the last chance to leave a lasting impression. Think of it as the mic drop moment that can make a hiring manager reach for the “schedule interview” button.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Personalization wins: A generic “Sincerely” won’t cut it. Tailor your tone to the company culture—whether that’s polished professionalism or casual enthusiasm.
• Clarity is key: Avoid vague phrases like “Hope to hear from you.” Instead, be direct: “I’d love to discuss how my UX design experience can reduce your team’s bounce rates.”
• Confidence closes deals: A strong CTA (e.g., “Let’s connect Tuesday afternoon—does 2 PM work?”) shows initiative without arrogance.

Refine and Test Your Approach

Like any skill, crafting the perfect closing takes practice. Try A/B testing different versions with mentors or peers. Does your sign-off spark curiosity? Does it align with the job’s energy? For example:

• Corporate role: “I look forward to contributing to [Company]’s mission of [specific goal].”
• Creative field: “Let’s brainstorm how we can make your next campaign unforgettable!”

“A closing line should feel like the first sentence of a conversation—not the end of a monologue.”

Your Final Push

A standout closing does more than wrap things up—it opens doors. It’s the difference between “just another applicant” and “the candidate we need to meet.” So, before you hit send, ask yourself: If I were the hiring manager, would this ending make me excited?

Ready to put these tips into action? Download our free cover letter template bundle for polished, industry-specific closings. Or, drop your favorite sign-off in the comments—we’d love to see how you’re turning closings into opportunities. 🚀

Your next career move starts with a strong finish. Now go make it count.