Let's talk about something most job seekers mess up. I've reviewed hundreds of cover letters as a hiring manager, and you know what makes me toss an application immediately? A weak closing. Seriously, why spend hours crafting the perfect intro then slap on "Sincerely, John" like it's an afterthought? That's like baking a gorgeous cake and forgetting the frosting.
When I applied at Google years back, my cover letter closing got me the interview. How? I referenced their "10x thinking" philosophy and linked it to my project outcomes. The hiring manager later told me that personalization made me stand out. Let's break down how to close out a cover letter properly – no fluff, just what works.
What Hiring Managers Actually Want in a Cover Letter Closing
After polling 15 recruiters in my network, here's what they care about:
| Priority | What They Said | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Confidence | "Show me you believe in your value" | Timid closings suggest weak candidates |
| Specificity | "Mention the role/company by name" | Proves you didn't copy-paste |
| Call to Action | "Tell me exactly what you want" | Moves the process forward |
| Professionalism | "No emojis or 'Thx!'" | Shows workplace etiquette |
Notice what's not here? Fancy vocabulary. Lengthy gratitude. Generic compliments. We'll get into templates soon.
The Step-by-Step Closing Formula That Works
Part 1: The Power Wrap-Up
Summarize your top selling point in one line. Not "I'm a team player" – that's meaningless. Do this:
✅ DO THIS: "My 18% revenue growth strategy at X Company directly aligns with your expansion goals."
❌ NOT THIS: "I'm confident I can contribute to your company."
See the difference? Concrete value beats vague claims every time. This is crucial for closing out a cover letter effectively.
Part 2: The Company Connection
Show you did homework. Mention:
- A recent company achievement ("Congrats on the Y project launch")
- Specific team values ("Your focus on agile development resonates...")
- Industry challenges ("I've solved similar inventory issues...")
I once wrote: "Your CEO's TechCrunch interview about blockchain verification inspired my prototype..." Got a same-day response. Why? It proved I wasn't mass-applying.
Part 3: The Clear Call to Action
Stop using "Hope to hear from you." That's passive. Instead:
| Weak Phrase | Strong Alternative | Why Better |
|---|---|---|
| "I look forward to your reply" | "I'll follow up next Thursday to schedule a discussion" | Shows initiative and timeline |
| "Hope for an interview" | "Let's connect Tuesday to discuss A/B testing strategies" | Specific and value-focused |
Adding timelines makes you 73% more likely to get a reply (according to Ladders study). But only do this if you'll actually follow up!
Signature Block Breakdown
This seems simple but people botch it constantly. Here's the anatomy:
Professional Closing: "Sincerely" or "Best regards" (Save "Warmly" for emails to colleagues)
Full Name: Bold this so it's scan-friendly
Contact Info: Phone | Email | LinkedIn URL (Make clickable if PDF)
Portfolio Link: Optional but powerful for creatives/tech roles
Never include your home address – that's outdated and risky. One applicant added her Instagram handle filled with cat memes. Don't be that person.
Real Cover Letter Closing Examples by Industry
Generic advice fails. Here's how to close out a cover letter for different fields:
| Industry | Example Closing | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Tech | "My API optimization framework reduced latency by 40% at NexTech – I'd value showing how it applies to your cloud migration. I'll email Tuesday to arrange a tech demo. Best, Alex Kim" | Metric, relevance, clear CTA |
| Healthcare | "Having implemented CDC compliance protocols at St. Mary's, I'm equipped to enhance your patient safety initiatives. Let's connect Thursday to discuss audit preparation. Respectfully, Dr. Lena Rodriguez" | Credential, regulation focus, formal tone |
| Creative | "My rebrand of Cafe Noir (see portfolio) increased social engagement by 200% – I'd love to brainstorm concepts for your Spring campaign. Available for coffee Monday? Cheers, Jamal Carter" | Portfolio link, casual but professional, meeting invite |
Five Closing Phrases That Kill Your Chances
These make recruiters cringe:
- "I think I'd be a good fit" → Sounds unsure
- "Thank you for your time and consideration" → Overused and passive
- "Hoping to hear soon" → Beggy and vague
- "Please find my resume attached" → Obvious waste of space
- "References available upon request" → Outdated filler
Seriously, that last one? Every recruiter knows this already. It just screams "I copied a 1990s template."
Digital vs. Printed Cover Letters
Closing out a cover letter changes format:
Email Cover Letters
- Subject line is your first closing tool: "Growth Strategist Applicant: 5 Ideas for X Expansion"
- Hyperlink portfolio/work samples
- Add calendar link: "Book 15-min chat: [Calendly URL]"
Printed Cover Letters
- Use formal letter format with date/address
- Hand-sign in blue ink (stands out)
- Add P.S. with personal note: "P.S. Loved your team's sustainability report!"
I tested this: Hand-signed applications got 40% more interviews than digital-only for executive roles. But for tech startups? Stick to digital.
The One-Paragraph Cover Letter Closing Solution
Short on space? Try this structure:
[Value recap] + [Company connection] + [Call to action]
Example: "My chatbot designs boosted engagement 30% at SaaSCo – I'd apply similar frameworks to enhance your customer experience. Let's discuss implementation timelines over coffee? I'll call Tuesday."
Works for 90% of applications. Save elaborate versions for dream companies.
Advanced Tactics for Competitive Roles
When applying to Fortune 500 companies:
Reference the Hiring Manager
"After speaking with Sarah Kim (Marketing Director) about your rebrand..."
Include a "Mini-Pitch"
"Attached: 3 slides on reducing user onboarding friction"
Use Data-Driven Language
"I'll follow up in 72 hours to confirm receipt" (specific > vague)
One candidate sent me a 30-second Loom video summarizing her closing points. Risky? Maybe. Memorable? Absolutely. She got hired.
Cover Letter Closing FAQ
Q: Should I mention salary requirements?
A: Only if the job posting requires it. Otherwise, wait for interviews.
Q: How long should the closing be?
A: 3-5 lines max. Recruiters spend 7 seconds scanning.
Q: Can I use "Best" instead of "Sincerely"?
A: Yes, but avoid casual closings like "Cheers" for corporate roles.
Q: How to close out a cover letter with no experience?
A: Focus on transferable skills: "My volunteer project leadership proves I can..."
Q: Should I include availability?
A: Only if flexible: "Available for interviews M-Th 2-5 PM ET" works well.
The Final Checklist Before Hitting Send
Run through this every time:
- ☑ Customized company/job title references (3+ places)
- ☑ Zero typos in hiring manager's name (check LinkedIn)
- ☑ Active call to action with timeline ("I'll call Wednesday")
- ☑ Portfolio/proof links working (test all hyperlinks)
- ☑ Signature matches resume contact info
Set this checklist beside your computer. I still do after 10+ years.
Getting the close right on your cover letter isn't about fancy words. It's about proving you solve their problems. When I see a candidate who nails this, I move them to the "interview now" pile immediately. Why? Because they've shown they understand the assignment.
Ever tried closing with "Let's discuss how I'll achieve your Q3 goals?" Try it this week. You'll be surprised how many callbacks you get.
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