The Best Ways to Conclude Your Cover Letter with Impact
A cover letter is an essential component of your job application, serving as a personal introduction to prospective employers. While much attention is given to crafting the opening and body of a cover letter, the closing lines are equally critical. A strong conclusion can leave a lasting impression, reinforce your enthusiasm for the role, and prompt the reader to take action. Neglecting this part could mean missing an opportunity to stand out among other candidates.
Concluding a cover letter effectively requires more than just repeating what you’ve already written. It’s a chance to tie everything together and demonstrate confidence, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the position. By focusing on this section and employing impactful strategies, you can elevate your cover letter from good to exceptional.
1. Express Enthusiasm and Confidence
Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity. Use the closing paragraph to reiterate your enthusiasm for both the role and the company. Show that you’ve done your research by referencing specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. For example, mentioning their commitment to innovation or their focus on teamwork can personalize your letter and make it more memorable.
- Avoid vague statements like "I look forward to hearing from you." Instead, say something like, "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills in [specific skill or area] to support [specific company goal or initiative]."
- Convey confidence without arrogance by expressing your belief in being a strong fit for the role while remaining humble.
2. Include a Call-to-Action
An effective conclusion encourages the reader to take action. Politely request an interview or suggest further discussion about how your qualifications align with their needs. This demonstrates initiative and keeps the dialogue open.
For instance:
- "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in [specific field] aligns with [company name]’s goals."
- "Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a conversation about how I can contribute to your team."
Remember, including clear contact information ensures there are no barriers for them to reach out promptly.
3. Show Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for the reader’s time is both polite and professional. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in the role.
Some examples include:
- "Thank you for taking the time to review my application."
- "I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing how I can bring value to [company name]."
A simple acknowledgment of their effort in reviewing your materials goes a long way toward building rapport.
4. Use a Professional Closing Statement
The final line of your cover letter should be polished and professional. Avoid overly casual phrases such as "Cheers" or "Take care." Stick with standard closings like:
- "Sincerely,"
- "Best regards,"
- "Yours truly,"
Your signature (typed or handwritten if submitting a hard copy) should follow immediately after your closing statement. This reinforces formality and professionalism.
5. Double-Check for Errors
A poorly written conclusion filled with typos or awkward phrasing can undermine an otherwise well-crafted cover letter. Take the time to proofread carefully or ask someone else to review it for you before submission.
Ensure that you’ve used consistent formatting, that there are no grammatical errors, and that all contact details are accurate. Attention to detail signals professionalism, which is an attractive quality in any candidate.
A strong closing paragraph is often what separates an average cover letter from one that compels employers to reach out. By emphasizing enthusiasm, incorporating actionable language, expressing gratitude, using a professional closing statement, and proofreading meticulously, you increase your chances of leaving a positive and lasting impression on potential employers.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Closing a Cover Letter
While it’s crucial to focus on crafting a strong and impactful closing for your cover letter, it’s equally important to avoid common pitfalls that could weaken your overall impression. Mistakes in this section can undermine the effort you’ve put into the rest of your application. Here are some key errors to steer clear of and tips to ensure your conclusion leaves the best possible impression.
1. Sounding Too Generic or Formulaic
Using overused phrases such as "Thank you for your time and consideration" or "I hope to hear from you soon" can make your cover letter feel generic and uninspired. Employers receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications, and a formulaic ending won’t help you stand out. Instead, personalize your conclusion by referencing specific aspects of the company or role and aligning them with your unique skills or experiences.
2. Overloading the
While it’s tempting to restate multiple key points in the closing paragraph, avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information at this stage. Your closing should be concise yet impactful. Focus on one or two main takeaways, such as your enthusiasm for the position and your eagerness to contribute, while leaving the full scope of your qualifications for earlier sections of the letter.
3. Lacking Confidence
A hesitant or overly passive closing can leave a negative impression. Avoid phrases like "I hope I am considered" or "If you find me suitable for the role." These suggest doubt about your fit for the position. Instead, express confidence in your abilities by using assertive but professional language, such as "I am confident that my skills in [specific skill] will allow me to contribute meaningfully to [company name]."
4. Being Too Demanding
On the other hand, avoid crossing the line into arrogance by sounding overly assertive or demanding. Phrases such as "I expect to hear from you soon" or "Please schedule my interview at your earliest convenience" can come across as unprofessional and presumptive. Always balance confidence with politeness, demonstrating both enthusiasm and respect for the employer’s time.
5. Forgetting Contact Information
A surprising number of applicants neglect to include their contact information in their cover letter closing. While this information is typically included in other parts of your application, repeating it in your conclusion ensures that hiring managers can easily reach out without searching through multiple documents. Include your preferred email address and phone number to simplify follow-up communication.
6. Ignoring Proofreading in the Final Lines
The closing paragraph may be brief, but even small errors here can detract from an otherwise polished application. Typos, grammatical mistakes, or awkward phrasing can suggest a lack of attention to detail, a red flag for potential employers. Before submitting your cover letter, carefully proofread the conclusion to ensure it maintains the same level of professionalism as the rest of your document.
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your cover letter closing is polished, professional, and leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. By steering clear of generic language, excessive information, or errors in detail, you maximize the impact of this critical section and enhance your chances of standing out as a top candidate.