The end of your cover letter is your final opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. It’s where you solidify your interest, showcase your professionalism, and, most importantly, encourage the reader to take the next step. A well-crafted closing can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. This guide provides five essential tips to help you master the art of ending your cover letter effectively, ensuring your application stands out from the competition. Mastering the end is as important as having the right skills on the beginning.
Know Your Audience
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), understanding your audience is crucial. This means researching the company and, if possible, the hiring manager or the person who will be reading your cover letter. Tailoring your ending to the specific company culture and the individual who will be reading it demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the opportunity. Generic closings send a message that you haven’t put much thought into your application, whereas a personalized ending shows you’re willing to go the extra mile. This is about showing you are a good fit for their culture.
Research the Company
Visit the company’s website, explore their social media profiles, and read recent news articles about them. Look for clues about their values, mission, and current projects. Use this information to tailor your ending. For instance, if the company emphasizes innovation, you might mention your excitement about contributing to their cutting-edge projects. If they focus on teamwork, you can highlight your collaborative skills and willingness to work within a team environment. Knowing the company helps you with more than just this.
Tailor Your Closing
Once you have a good understanding of the company, customize your closing accordingly. Avoid using a generic closing statement. Instead, personalize your ending to reflect your research. For example, you might mention a specific project you admire or reiterate how your skills align with the company’s mission. This level of personalization shows the hiring manager that you’re serious about the role and have a genuine interest in the company. Tailoring demonstrates that you have done more than just sending a generic cover letter.
The Most Common Cover Letter Endings
The most effective cover letter endings typically include a combination of enthusiasm, a restatement of your interest, a call to action, and sometimes, a brief highlight of your key qualifications. By incorporating these elements, you can create a closing that is both compelling and memorable. Avoiding generic closings is critical, as they can make your application feel impersonal and fail to leave a strong impression. Tailoring your closing to the specific company and role is essential to stand out.
Express Enthusiasm
Show your excitement about the opportunity. Use phrases that convey your eagerness to learn more about the role and the company. This demonstrates your genuine interest and can leave a positive impression. Phrases like, “I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to…” or “I am excited about the prospect of…” can be effective in conveying your enthusiasm. A positive tone helps convey your interest in the role. Remember that you want to convey positivity.
Restate Your Interest
Reiterate your interest in the specific role and why you believe you are a good fit. This reinforces your application’s core message and reminds the hiring manager of your qualifications. Use strong, clear language to emphasize your fit with the company’s needs. Briefly restating your interest reinforces the value you bring. It should be a succinct restatement, not a repetition of everything in your cover letter. Briefly reiterate your fit.
Include a Call to Action
Tell the hiring manager what you want them to do next. This could be a request for an interview or a suggestion to contact you for more information. A clear call to action encourages the hiring manager to take the next step in the hiring process. For example, you might say, “I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.” This is an important part of any cover letter ending.
Highlight Key Qualifications
If appropriate, you can briefly highlight one or two of your most relevant qualifications. This can serve as a final reminder of why you are a strong candidate. Keep it concise, and focus on the skills or experiences that directly align with the job requirements. Consider this the icing on the cake, the final reminder of your value. You can briefly highlight a few things.
Professional Closing
The closing salutation is just as important as the body of your cover letter. It should be professional, polite, and reflect the tone you’ve established throughout the letter. The choice of closing depends on your relationship with the recipient and the overall tone of your letter. Select the closing that fits the tone and style of the letter to ensure a positive and professional close.
Sincerely
This is a widely accepted and appropriate closing for most cover letters. It is professional and conveys respect. “Sincerely” is a safe and reliable choice for any cover letter. It is respectful, and also shows professionalism.
Best Regards
Another professional option, “Best Regards” is slightly more formal than “Sincerely.” It’s a good choice if you want to convey a sense of warmth while maintaining professionalism. It works well for most applications and demonstrates consideration and respect. It is a slightly warmer option.
Review and Proofread
Before sending your cover letter, carefully review and proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A single mistake can undermine the professionalism of your application. Make sure all the information is accurate. Ask someone else to read it over as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors you might miss. Ensuring your cover letter is error-free is a must. Check, check, and recheck, before sending.
Ending your cover letter effectively can be a game-changer in your job search. By following these five tips, you can create a compelling closing that grabs the reader’s attention, leaves a positive impression, and increases your chances of landing an interview. Remember to tailor your closing to each application, express your enthusiasm, and include a clear call to action. A well-crafted ending can set you apart from other candidates.