You’ve just sent off a cover letter that you’re sure is going to impress your future employer. It’s professional, it’s concise and it uses the right tone. But then you think about it again: Does this letter sound too formal? Should I use first names instead?
After all, I’m applying for a position in a small company where everyone knows each other by name. Check out our guide on how to end your cover letters with a friendly tone that shows you aren’t afraid to get personal when you have to and still maintain professionalism at all times!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your last chance to make a good impression, so make it count. |
| Use your closing paragraph to express your enthusiasm for the position, thank the employer for their time, and suggest a next step. |
| Choose a closing phrase that fits your personality and the job you’re applying for, such as “Sincerely”, “Best regards”, or “Thank you for your consideration”. |
| Avoid using clichéd or unprofessional phrases, and be sure to proofread your closing paragraph for errors and typos. |
| Including a call-to-action in your closing paragraph can help you stand out and show your initiative, but make sure it’s appropriate and not too pushy. |
Can You End A Cover Letter With Kind Regards?
It’s a common mistake to end your cover letter with “Kind Regards.” While it is a good practice to include a statement that shows you understand the company and the job, you can do this in a few different ways.
You can simply use “Sincerely,” or “Best Regards” or for an even more personalized touch, write something like “I look forward to working with you” or “I hope we’ll have the chance to work together in the future.” The best way to end any kind of business correspondence is with an ending statement; after all, what good is an opening salutation if there isn’t one at the end?
A well-written cover letter can make or break your job application. As our guide on the importance of cover letters explains, it’s your chance to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job.
How Do You End A Cover Letter?
You can end a cover letter with the following:
A closing. Closing is a short phrase that leaves no doubt as to your intention and allows the reader to move on to the next task. It should be brief, professional, and polite. Common closings include “sincerely,” “thank you,” or simply “your name here.”
Your signature. Your signature adds an element of authenticity and professionalism to your document. If you don’t have a business-card-sized one handy (and who does?), it’s acceptable to use your full name in place of an actual signature but make sure it looks as neat and formal as possible!
What To Write In A Cover Letter Closing?
Use a closing to express your appreciation. If you’re writing a cover letter and have been eager to apply for the job, you’re likely glad that the company has reached out to you. So, use your closing as an opportunity to express this gratitude.
Use a closing to express your interest in the position. In general, if you’ve been looking forward to hearing back from this employer and are interested in their company’s offer(s), it’s best not to leave them with any doubt about it!
A simple “I am enthusiastic about this opportunity” or “Thank you for considering me for [position] role” is enough for most cases; if there are specific reasons why being offered this position would be especially meaningful or beneficial for you (e.g., if it aligns with goals/goals), it can be helpful here as well.
Use a closing when contacting employers after applying online, especially those who’ve allowed applicants’ contact information through their website’s form-filling fields (e.g., LinkedIn).
This way, even if they don’t respond immediately but still want yours when they do get around to reading everything else on paper later
They’ll know exactly where to reach out once again down line at some point later during the hiring process cycle and save themselves some time trying to find who did send in an inquiry too early after all (or worse yet not even realizing someone already sent an email asking questions).
If you’re wondering whether you really need to include a cover letter with your job application, the answer is usually yes. Our article on whether cover letters are required provides valuable insight into why many employers still expect to receive a cover letter along with your resume.
When Is The Best Time To Send A Cover Letter And Resume?
When you should send your cover letter depends on the situation. If you’re sending it with a resume and application, then you’ll probably want to send it before the interview but if it’s just for a job posting without an application attached, there are no hard rules about when to send them.
It can be helpful to look at things from the perspective of the hiring manager: when do they expect the cover letter? Do they have specific instructions about whether or not it should be sent before or after anything else? If so, follow those instructions carefully!
Here are some more general guidelines:
Send as soon as possible. The best time is always right now! So get writing!
What Is The Best Way To Begin A Cover Letter?
The best way to begin a cover letter is with a greeting. Even if it’s just “Dear,” it will make the reader feel more comfortable and give them a sense of familiarity.
After that, use action verbs in your first sentence and question your reader to grab their attention. This will also help you stand out from other applicants who have used the same opening line as you!
And finally, be sure to include details about what job or program you are applying for so that the employer knows exactly what he or she should expect from reading your cover letter.
Can I Send Two Cover Letters For Two Positions With The Same Company?
You can send two cover letters to the same company, but it’s a good idea to send them in separate emails. You should also make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the specific position you’re applying for, as well as the person who will read it.
It’s even more important for your cover letter to be tailored specifically for the company itself; this shows them that you’ve done some research about their business and have invested time into making sure you’re qualified for their job opening.
While it can be tempting to skip the cover letter and focus solely on your resume, doing so could hurt your chances of landing the job. Our guide on why cover letters are necessary explains how cover letters can help you showcase your skills and make a great first impression.
How Long Can A Cover Letter Be?
You should also be aware that the length of your cover letter is important. While there are no hard and fast rules, it’s generally not a good idea to go over 1 page. If you have a lot to say, then you can use bullet points or even break up the information into sections (e.g., “My Skills” and “My Experience”).
But whatever you do, make sure your cover letter is easy to read so that hiring managers don’t get confused by what they’re reading!
You don’t want hiring managers skimming over your cover letter because they just got bored with how long it was.
What Should My Salary Expectations Be In A Cover Letter?
You can’t include your salary expectations in the cover letter.
Instead, you should have them outlined in your resume and job application.
If you’re invited to an interview, it’s okay to discuss them then as well.
It’s also okay to touch on this topic during the offer letter process and if necessary in a contract negotiation (though there is no need for salary negotiations until after you’ve been offered the position).
Do I Need To Send Both A Resume And A Cover Letter?
As a rule, you should send both a resume and a cover letter. You can include them in the same email if you like just make sure to save the document as two distinct files.
You may also choose to send your application materials in separate emails or even envelopes (if your address is not included on your resume).
A less common strategy is to send both documents via snail mail so that they arrive at their destination more than 24 hours apart, which gives hiring managers time to read through each document carefully without being distracted by another piece of paper.
Starting a cover letter can be tricky, but it’s important to get it right if you want to make a strong impression on potential employers. Check out our article on how to start a cover letter with “Hello” to learn more about this common greeting and how to use it effectively.
Is It Okay To Email A Thank You Note Instead Of Mailing It Or Handing It In Person?
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule for when to send a thank you note. Some people prefer to mail their notes, but others prefer emailing them because it’s easier to track and organize.
However, if an employer has asked applicants to remain quiet until they’ve made a decision (which is common), then it may be best not to send any communication at all until you hear back from them.
This can help ensure your application isn’t overlooked as well as show respect for the time of those who are reviewing it and even if they don’t formally request this silence, many will appreciate knowing that their decisions aren’t being influenced by applications coming in during the next few weeks!
When writing a cover letter, it’s important to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality. Our guide on using “I” in a cover letter explains when and how to use personal pronouns to make your cover letter more engaging and effective.
How Do You Say Good Luck In French?
The French language is one of the most romantic languages in the world, but did you know that it also has a special way to say “good luck” in French? When translated directly from English to French, the word “good luck” becomes “bonne chance.”
This saying can be used as a greeting or at the end of any letter written in French. If you are looking for a professional way to sign off on your cover letter, then this is an excellent option!
Conclusion
If you’re at a loss for words, try starting your cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madam.” The salutation is formal enough to be polite, but not so formal that it comes off as stiff and stuffy.
This is the perfect way to make sure you don’t start on the wrong foot with the hiring manager; after all, you want them to feel positive about your application right from the beginning! It also saves time by eliminating any guesswork on their end as they address letters in bulk each day.”
Further Reading
How to End a Cover Letter: Tips & Examples: This article provides practical advice on how to close your cover letter on a high note, with examples of effective sign-offs.
How to Close a Cover Letter With Examples: Indeed’s guide on how to end a cover letter includes a variety of closing techniques and sample phrases to help you create a strong final impression.
Cover Letter Closing Examples: The Balance Careers offers examples of professional and memorable ways to end your cover letter, along with tips for customizing your closing to fit the job and company you’re applying to.
FAQs
What should I include in the closing paragraph of my cover letter?
In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, you should express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and your enthusiasm for the position. You can also reiterate your qualifications and interest in the job and suggest a next step, such as a phone call or interview.
What are some effective ways to close a cover letter?
Effective ways to close a cover letter include expressing your enthusiasm for the position, thanking the employer for their time, and suggesting a next step. You can also use a call-to-action, ask a question, or reiterate your value proposition.
Should I use “Sincerely” to close my cover letter?
“Sincerely” is a safe and appropriate way to close a cover letter. However, if you want to add more personality or customize your closing to fit the job or company, you can use other phrases such as “Best regards”, “Thank you for your consideration”, or “Looking forward to hearing from you”.
Can I use a quote or song lyric to close my cover letter?
Using a quote or song lyric can be risky, as it may come across as unprofessional or unoriginal. If you want to use a quote, make sure it’s relevant to the job or industry, and keep it short and tasteful.
Is it necessary to include a call-to-action in my cover letter’s closing paragraph?
While not strictly necessary, including a call-to-action in your cover letter’s closing paragraph can help you stand out and show your initiative. You can suggest a next step, such as a phone call or interview, or ask for a meeting or follow-up.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
