You’ve written a strong cover letter, but now you’re stuck at the ending—how do you close with confidence? Well, first off, you don’t want to simply reiterate what you’ve already said. A cover letter should be concise, so hiring managers won’t appreciate reading the same points twice in the span of a single document.
The ending of your cover letter is meaningful for several reasons. It leaves a lasting impression, invites the employer to take the next step, and reinforces your enthusiasm for the job.
In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to write an impressive ending, discuss its key components, and provide plenty of examples to inspire your own.
Let’s begin.
Key takeaways
- Keep your cover letter ending concise—two to three short sentences.
- The final paragraph shapes how the employer remembers you—make it memorable.
- Avoid generic phrases and instead express authentic excitement about the company’s mission or achievements.
- Thank the reader for their time and consideration to reinforce your professionalism.
- Politely invite the employer to take the next step and discuss your application further.
- Choose a closing phrase that suits the company’s tone, include your name, and proofread carefully.
Why the ending of a cover letter matters
Given the cover letter’s usually quite concise—up to one page, or about 400 words, it’s safe to say every word counts. The closing shapes how the employer perceives you, and you want that impression to be more “Yay, that’s my person!” rather than “Meh, onto the next candidate.”
The cover letter closing has another important purpose, too: if well-written, it prompts the reader to reach out with a thoughtful call-to-action. It’s a chance for you to invite the employer to continue the conversation.
How to format the cover letter ending
The cover letter closing paragraph should be identical in formatting to the rest of the main cover letter text—same font, size, and spacing. This ensures a consistent look.
- Font & size: Use a professional font like Rubik, Calibri, or Lato, typically at 10–12 points.
- Alignment: Keep text left-aligned, which is standard and easy to read.
- Spacing: Maintain single spacing within paragraphs and add a blank line between each section. For the ending, include a blank line before your closing phrase (e.g., “Sincerely,”) and another blank line between the sign-off and your name.
- Margins: Keep these consistent with the ones on your resume.
- Sign-off: After your sign-off, add a few blank lines for your signature if you’re printing it. Otherwise, your typed name is enough.
Need more than a cover letter ending? Try our Cover Letter Generator to create a document that will match your resume and your job description.
What to include in your cover letter ending
And beyond formatting, here’s how to structure a powerful cover letter ending that hits all the right notes:
Show enthusiasm
Forced sentences like “I’m so excited to apply for the role” can come off as tired and insincere. Instead, aim to show enthusiasm authentically.
Why it matters:
- Employers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in their company, not just any job.
- Enthusiasm shows that you’ve done your research and that you see a fit between your goals and the company’s mission.
How to show enthusiasm naturally:
- Mention a specific project, value, or achievement that excites you about the company.
- Highlight how your skills align with the employer’s needs in a way that conveys genuine interest.
- Avoid generic, cookie-cutter phrases that could apply to any job.
Here are some good examples:
“I’m particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s focus on sustainability and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and I would be excited to contribute to these initiatives.”
“Having followed [Company Name]’s groundbreaking work in AI ethics, I’m inspired by the chance to contribute to such an important mission.”
“The opportunity to collaborate with your award-winning design team truly excites me. I’m eager to bring my experience in UX research to enhance your user-centric approach.”
PRO TIP
The most important thing is to customize this part to each application rather than using a generic closing statement.
Express gratitude
A simple thank-you shows respect and appreciation for the reader’s time. It leaves a courteous impression by acknowledging their consideration. Just keep it short and sincere, like so:
“Thank you for considering my application.”
“I appreciate your time in reviewing my qualifications.”
Include a call to action
A call to action signals confidence and clarity, and it invites the employer to take the next step, whether that’s scheduling an interview or discussing your application.
How to do it:
- Phrase it as an invitation rather than a demand.
- Highlight your interest in moving forward with the process.
- Keep it polite but proactive. Avoid using overly passive language like “I hope to hear from you.” Instead, show initiative with phrases like “I would welcome” or “I look forward to.”
For instance:
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to [Company Name]’s goals.”
“I look forward to the possibility of an interview to further discuss how I can add value to your team.”
If appropriate, you can even suggest a time to call or meet, which demonstrates confidence and shows you’re eager to move forward.
For example:
“I’d be happy to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s goals. Could we set up a call next week to talk further?”
Polite sign-off
Your cover letter sign-off is the final touch of professionalism, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and respect.
How to do it:
- Choose a phrase that aligns with the tone of the company and your industry, and include your name below.
- Make sure to proofread—this is the last thing they’ll read!
The main thing you should keep in mind in your sign-off is do you know the hiring manager, or not.
- If the recipient’s name is known: “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” or “Warm regards.”
- If the recipient’s name is unknown: “Yours faithfully,” “Respectfully,” or “With appreciation.”
PRO TIP
Stick to standard, professional sign-offs unless the company’s culture is evidently informal (e.g., startups). Even then, err on the side of politeness unless you’re absolutely certain it’s appropriate (for example, if you know the hiring manager personally).
When your entire cover letter should focus on your personality, it might feel odd that the ending seems like crossing items off a checklist.
But that’s only what it looks like on the surface. Crafting a great closing paragraph is actually an art—a real mastery of balancing warmth and professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence, all while leaving the reader wanting more.
Author’s take
Conclusion
A strong ending of your cover letter can transform a good application into a memorable one. Show genuine enthusiasm, express gratitude, include a proactive call to action, and sign off with professionalism, and you’ll leave the employer eager to learn more about you.
Now that you know how to close your cover letter effectively, put these tips into practice—and make your closing paragraph the key that opens the door to your future career!
Make one that's truly you.