Understanding the Cover Letter Closing
The last paragraph of your cover letter is more than just a formality it’s your final opportunity to make a strong impression and secure your chances of landing an interview. This crucial section serves as the final touch, summarizing your key qualifications, expressing your enthusiasm, and prompting the hiring manager to take action. A well-crafted closing can significantly boost your application, leaving a positive and lasting image in the mind of the recruiter. Ignoring or rushing through this paragraph can undermine all the efforts you’ve put into the rest of your cover letter, so it’s important to understand its purpose and craft it carefully.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter Closing
The primary purpose of the cover letter closing is to summarize why you’re a great fit for the role and organization while encouraging the reader to take the next step. It offers a concise recap of your most relevant skills and experiences, connecting them to the job’s requirements. This serves as a clear reminder of your value and helps the hiring manager remember what makes you stand out from the other candidates. A well-written closing section also shows your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the reader’s time, all of which enhance your application.
Why the Closing Matters
The closing of your cover letter provides a final impression and a critical call to action. It can be the difference between getting an interview or having your application overlooked. A strong closing reinforces your key strengths and reiterates your interest in the position and the company. It is your last chance to persuade the reader to contact you. Furthermore, a well-structured closing shows your attention to detail and your commitment to making a positive impression. A poorly written closing, on the other hand, can appear careless and detract from your overall application. A clear and concise closing paragraph leaves a lasting and positive impression, boosting your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Key Elements of the Cover Letter Closing
A compelling cover letter closing should contain several key elements, each designed to reinforce your candidacy and prompt action. These elements work together to make your final paragraph both impactful and memorable. Including the right components in the correct proportion can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your application. By thoughtfully integrating these elements, you ensure that your closing paragraph leaves a strong and positive impression with the hiring manager.
Expressing Gratitude
Begin your closing by expressing gratitude to the hiring manager for considering your application. This simple gesture acknowledges their time and effort in reviewing your materials and shows that you value the opportunity. Starting with a thank you demonstrates good manners and professionalism, which are highly valued in any workplace. Phrases like “Thank you for your time and consideration” or “I appreciate your review of my application” are common and effective. This helps establish a positive tone and sets the stage for the rest of your closing, making it more likely to be received positively.
Reiterating Interest
Reiterate your interest in the position and the company. This is a crucial step, as it reminds the hiring manager of your enthusiasm. Expressing your passion for the role and the organization reinforces your motivation. Highlight specific aspects of the job or company that appeal to you. Briefly restate why you are a good fit for the position and how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. This reinforces your initial argument and leaves no doubt about your commitment to the opportunity. Phrases like, “I am eager to learn more about this opportunity,” or “I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team” will do the job.
Stating Availability
Clearly state your availability for an interview. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step. Provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address, if you haven’t already done so. Make it straightforward for them to reach you. You might say, “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon”. This proactive approach shows that you are keen on progressing in the hiring process. Ensuring the process is seamless for the recruiter gives you a significant edge in the competition.
Call to Action
Include a clear call to action to guide the hiring manager on what you want them to do next. This could be as simple as inviting them to contact you for an interview or asking them to review your resume. A strong call to action encourages the recruiter to take the next step. Make it easy for them to contact you by providing your email address and phone number again. Ensure that your call to action is clear, concise, and actionable. For example, you could say, “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further,” or “Thank you for your consideration; I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.” The goal is to guide the reader to the desired outcome.
The Right Tone for Your Closing
The tone of your cover letter closing should reflect professionalism, enthusiasm, and clarity. It’s important to strike the right balance to leave a positive impression. The language you use and how you present yourself can significantly influence how your application is perceived. Ensuring the right tone helps you to connect with the reader, reinforcing your suitability for the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Professionalism
Maintain a professional tone throughout your closing. Use formal language and avoid slang or overly casual expressions. Your cover letter is a professional document, and your closing paragraph should reflect that. The use of appropriate language conveys respect for the recruiter and organization. Proofread your closing carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos. This attention to detail shows that you take the application seriously. Maintain a polite and respectful demeanor, such as, “I appreciate the opportunity” or “Thank you for your time.”
Enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm for the position and the company. Convey your excitement about the opportunity and your desire to contribute. Use positive and energetic language that highlights your genuine interest in the role and the company. Demonstrating your enthusiasm helps you make a positive impression. Avoid generic phrases and tailor your closing to the specific job. Highlight what specifically excites you about the position or company and show that you have a clear understanding of what makes this role a good fit for you. This can be done through phrases like, “I am very excited about the possibility”.
Clarity and Conciseness
Keep your closing paragraph clear and concise. Get straight to the point without rambling. The hiring manager is likely busy, so they will appreciate your respect for their time. Keep your sentences brief and focus on the most important information. Avoid unnecessary details or tangents. A clear and concise closing is easy to understand and leaves a strong, positive impression. Reiterate your key qualifications, show your interest, and provide a clear call to action. A few well-crafted sentences are much more effective than a long, drawn-out closing paragraph.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your cover letter closing. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and significantly improve your application. By avoiding these common errors, you ensure that your closing paragraph reinforces your positive qualities and maximizes your chances of landing an interview. Paying close attention to these details elevates your chances of success.
Being Too Casual or Informal
Avoid being too casual or informal in your cover letter closing. Even though it’s the end of the letter, maintain a professional tone. Using slang, emojis, or overly familiar language can create a negative impression. Keep the tone formal, respectful, and aligned with professional workplace standards. Always adhere to formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Regards,” instead of casual options. Ensure your closing paragraph reinforces your professionalism and attention to detail.
Repeating Redundant Information
Avoid repeating information that the hiring manager already knows. Your cover letter and resume cover your qualifications and accomplishments. The closing paragraph should summarize and encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, not rehash information. Focus on your interest in the position, your availability, and the next steps. A redundant closing paragraph can appear careless and can waste the reader’s time. Keep it focused and concise. A well-written closing paragraph succinctly presents your key points without repeating information the hiring manager has already reviewed.
Using Clichés
Refrain from using clichés in your closing paragraph. Overused phrases can make your application sound generic and unoriginal. These phrases can diminish the impact of your cover letter and can make your application appear less compelling. Instead of relying on standard clichés, try to use original and specific statements that reflect your genuine interest in the role. Tailoring your closing paragraph to the specific job and company can show you have done your research and are sincerely interested. Using unique and engaging language will help your cover letter stand out.
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings
Reviewing effective cover letter closing examples can help you craft a compelling conclusion to your application. These examples can serve as a starting point. You can adapt them to fit your unique skills, experiences, and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. Consider your target audience and tailor your closing to what will resonate with them. By studying these examples and adapting them to your unique situation, you can create a closing paragraph that strengthens your application and sets you apart from the other candidates.
For Entry-Level Positions
For entry-level positions, your closing should focus on your enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and your commitment to the company. Acknowledge your lack of extensive experience. Highlight your skills and show how they relate to the role. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn. Make it clear you are ready to contribute and advance within the company. Use these closing phrases “Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to start my career in the field and contribute to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further.” or “Thank you for your time and consideration. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn and grow with your company. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
For Experienced Professionals
For experienced professionals, your closing should focus on your specific achievements and how you can bring value to the company. Summarize your key accomplishments that directly relate to the job requirements and highlight your expertise. Showcase how you can solve their specific problems. Demonstrate how you will leverage your skills to contribute. Include this closing statement “Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my proven expertise to your team and contribute to your continued success. I look forward to discussing how I can add value to your organization.” or “I appreciate your time and consideration. I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this position. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how I can contribute to your team’s objectives.”
For Networking
When networking, your cover letter closing should be tailored to the specific context. Your closing should include a call to action. It must encourage a connection. This might be arranging a meeting or providing more information. If you are reaching out to someone for informational purposes, express your appreciation for their time. Ask if they are available for a brief call to discuss their experience. Here is an example of what can be used to network “Thank you for your time. I am very impressed with your work in [area]. I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your experience and I am available for a call if you would like to share your insights. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Tailoring Your Closing to the Job
Personalizing your cover letter closing to each specific job application is essential. It demonstrates that you’ve invested the time and effort to understand the role and the company. By customizing your closing, you will stand out from the generic applications. You also show that you are genuinely interested and committed. By making the effort to customize your closing, you show you are seriously invested in the opportunity. This will increase your chances of landing an interview and getting hired. This attention to detail significantly impacts your application.
Researching the Company
Research the company before writing your closing paragraph. Review their mission, values, and recent news or projects. This helps you personalize your closing by incorporating the information you have gathered. Mention something specific that resonates with you or shows that you understand their business. For example, you might mention a recent company accomplishment or a value that aligns with your own. The best way to tailor your closing is to mention a specific detail you found during your research. The extra effort you’ve put in will be appreciated by the hiring manager, and your application will stand out.
Matching the Tone of the Job Description
Match the tone of your closing to the job description. If the job description is formal and professional, your closing should reflect the same tone. If the job description is more casual or creative, you can tailor your closing accordingly. Pay attention to the language used in the job posting. Reflect the company’s culture in your closing. This will help you appear as a great fit for the organization. Doing this will help you connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level.
Using Keywords
Incorporate keywords from the job description into your closing paragraph. This helps highlight your qualifications. Ensure your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. This confirms that you are a great fit for the position. Use the keywords to reinforce the key skills and experiences you have that match the job. This will help your application get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It also shows the hiring manager that you have paid attention to the job requirements.