Why the Closing of Your Cover Letter Matters
The closing of your cover letter is far more important than many job seekers realize. It’s the last impression you leave on a potential employer, and a well-crafted closing can be the difference between landing an interview and having your application overlooked. It’s your final chance to make a positive impact, reiterate your value, and encourage the hiring manager to take the next step: contacting you. Think of it as the grand finale, where you tie everything together and leave the reader with a strong sense of confidence in your abilities and your genuine interest in the position. A weak or generic closing can undermine all the effort you put into the rest of your letter. In contrast, a compelling conclusion can elevate your application, demonstrating your attention to detail, professionalism, and eagerness to join the company. This is the part of the cover letter where you convince the hiring manager that you are a perfect match, and closing is the final brushstroke that paints the complete picture of your candidacy.
How to Start Your Closing
The opening of your closing is crucial. It sets the tone and signals that you’re wrapping up. Avoid abrupt endings and instead use phrases that smoothly transition into the conclusion. Good starting phrases include ‘In conclusion,’ ‘In summary,’ or ‘To reiterate.’ You can also use more dynamic openings such as ‘I am confident that…’ or ‘I am excited about the opportunity to…’ These types of openings show confidence and enthusiasm. Whatever phrase you choose, ensure it complements the rest of your letter and feels natural. The goal is to create a seamless transition and maintain the reader’s engagement until the very end. Starting the closing with a strong, purposeful sentence sets the stage for reinforcing your value proposition and prompting the desired action. Remember, this is your last chance to make an impression, so make it count.
Expressing Enthusiasm and Interest
Expressing genuine enthusiasm and interest is a cornerstone of a successful cover letter closing. It’s where you convey your excitement about the opportunity and the company. This enthusiasm should not be generic; it should be tailored to the specific role and company you are targeting. Mention something specific that excites you about the role or the organization. This shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested, not just sending out mass applications. Phrases like ‘I am particularly drawn to…’ or ‘I am excited by the prospect of…’ can effectively communicate your enthusiasm. Be specific and sincere. This helps you stand out from other applicants who might use generic phrases. Your goal is to leave the employer with a feeling that you are genuinely eager to contribute to their team and that you are excited about the prospect of joining their company. Show, don’t just tell, your interest in the role and company.
Reiterating Your Key Qualifications
Your cover letter closing is an opportunity to briefly reiterate your most relevant qualifications. This isn’t about repeating everything from your resume, but rather highlighting the key skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Focus on the qualifications that align perfectly with the job requirements outlined in the job description. This strategic approach reminds the hiring manager of your value proposition and reinforces why you are the best fit. Keep it concise. Two or three key qualifications are sufficient. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible to make your claims more impactful. For example, instead of saying, ‘I have experience in project management,’ you could say, ‘I have successfully managed over 10 projects, delivering them on time and under budget.’ This targeted reinforcement will help the hiring manager see you in the role and make a decision easier.
How to Use Action-Oriented Language
Action-oriented language is key to a powerful cover letter closing. It’s about using verbs that convey confidence, assertiveness, and a proactive approach. This language helps you make a strong impression. Instead of passive phrases, use active verbs that show you are ready to take action. Consider using phrases such as ‘I am eager to discuss,’ ‘I am prepared to demonstrate,’ or ‘I look forward to contributing.’ This shift in tone signals to the hiring manager that you are not only interested but also confident in your abilities and eager to contribute to the company’s success. Additionally, action verbs make your closing more dynamic and engaging, making it more memorable. The goal is to leave the employer with a sense of your initiative and a clear understanding of your willingness to step up and take on the challenges of the role.
Requesting an Interview
The closing of your cover letter should clearly request an interview. This is a direct call to action that encourages the hiring manager to move forward in the hiring process. Make this request explicit and easy to understand. A direct and professional approach works best. Instead of vague phrases like ‘I would appreciate the opportunity,’ use specific statements such as ‘I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience’ or ‘I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.’ Ensure your request is polite but confident. The goal is to make it clear that you are eager to move to the next stage. Include your contact information at the end to make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. By including a direct interview request, you are taking a proactive approach to the application process.
Providing Contact Information
Providing your contact information is essential to ensure the hiring manager can easily reach you. While your contact details are usually included in the heading of your cover letter and resume, restating them in the closing is a good practice. This is particularly important if you are applying via email. In the closing, you can include your phone number and email address. Ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any communication issues. Consider including your LinkedIn profile URL to give the hiring manager an easy way to learn more about your professional background. A straightforward and clear presentation of your contact information makes it easy for the recruiter to connect with you quickly. This attention to detail demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to the opportunity.
Formatting Your Closing Professionally
Professional formatting is critical for making a positive impression. The closing of your cover letter should adhere to the same professional standards as the rest of the document. Use a standard business letter format. Begin with a polite closing salutation such as ‘Sincerely,’ ‘Best regards,’ or ‘Thank you.’ Follow this with a space and then type your full name. If you are sending a physical letter, leave space for your signature above your typed name. The formatting should be clean, consistent, and easy to read. Avoid using overly creative fonts or formatting that could distract the reader. Make sure your closing is aligned with the rest of your letter and your resume. A well-formatted closing highlights your attention to detail and your respect for professional standards. Ensure your formatting is impeccable and that the presentation is polished.
Proofreading Your Closing
Proofreading your cover letter closing is a non-negotiable step in the application process. Errors, no matter how small, can undermine your credibility and leave a negative impression. Thoroughly check your closing for any typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes. Read your closing aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or sentence structures. Consider using spell-check and grammar-check tools, but don’t rely on them completely; these tools sometimes miss subtle errors. Ask a friend, family member, or career advisor to review your cover letter closing before you send it. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors you might have missed. Proofreading ensures your closing is polished, professional, and free from distractions that could detract from your message. Investing time in proofreading demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Examples of Strong Cover Letter Closings
Reviewing examples of strong cover letter closings can provide valuable insight into what works. Here are a few examples to inspire you:
Example 1 (Enthusiasm and Call to Action): ‘I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to [Company Name]’s goals. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]’
Example 2 (Reiterating Qualifications and Direct Request): ‘My experience in project management and proven ability to lead teams make me a strong candidate for this role. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time. Best regards, [Your Name]’
Example 3 (Highlighting Interest and Availability): ‘I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s innovative projects. I am available for an interview next week. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your Name]’
These examples demonstrate how to combine enthusiasm, relevant qualifications, and a clear call to action to create compelling closing statements. Use them as a starting point, but tailor them to your specific circumstances and the job requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Closing
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your cover letter closing. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
Avoid Generic Closings: Don’t use phrases that could apply to any job; personalize your closing.
Do Not Repeat Your Resume: While you should reiterate key qualifications, avoid simply repeating what’s in your resume.
Don’t Be Overly Casual: Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter; avoid slang and informal language.
Do Not Use Negative Language: Keep your tone positive. Avoid phrases like ‘I hope to hear from you’ in favor of more proactive statements.
Avoid Leaving Out Contact Information: Always provide your contact details, so it’s easy for the hiring manager to reach you.
Do Not Apologize: Avoid statements like ‘I apologize for any inconvenience.’ Be confident and professional.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your cover letter closing leaves a lasting positive impression and increases your chances of landing an interview.