Most people pour their energy into the beginning of a cover letter, from polishing the opening to listing key achievements, only to rush through the closing. But the final paragraph of your cover letter often carries the most weight. It’s the last thing a hiring manager reads, and it can be the moment that nudges them to move you forward or not. In this post, we’ll break down how to end a cover letter the right way by covering what to say, what to avoid, and how to sign off with confidence. Whether you’re writing your first draft or refining your go-to template, a strong close can help you turn interest into opportunity.
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Why Your Cover Letter Closing Matters
The closing paragraph in your cover letter may be brief, but it can shape the outcome of your application. It’s your final chance to connect the dots between what the company needs and what you bring to the table—and to leave a strong, lasting impression. A well-crafted end to a cover letter does more than just wrap things up. It signals professionalism, reinforces your enthusiasm for the role, and shows that you understand how to communicate with intention. Done right, it can prompt the hiring manager to take that next step. That’s why it’s worth more than just a passing sentence. Treat the closing paragraph in your cover letter like the opportunity it is and make it count.
How to Write a Strong Final Paragraph in Your Cover Letter
Crafting a solid closing paragraph in your cover letter doesn’t mean writing something long or overly formal. In fact, short and purposeful tends to win. This is your opportunity to leave a strong impression without repeating everything you’ve already said. The goal is to reaffirm your value, express enthusiasm, and invite the next step without sounding generic or overly eager. Here’s how to do it well. A professional cover letter closing is essential to maintain a polished and professional appearance. Finally, ensure you proofread your cover letter to avoid punctuation errors, as even minor mistakes can lead to a negative impression on hiring managers.
1. Recap Your Fit (Without Repeating Your Resume)
Your final paragraph should briefly highlight why you’re a strong match for the role by aligning your qualifications with the job description. But instead of restating your resume or listing every skill again, focus on one or two standout qualifications that align with the job’s core needs. This can be a particular strength, area of expertise, or achievement that connects directly to what the company is looking for.
Showcasing a proven track record is crucial. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the organization.
Avoid vague lines like “I believe I’d be a great fit” and opt for something more specific. For example: “With my background in customer insights and cross-functional collaboration, I’m confident I can contribute meaningfully to your growth strategy.” The key is to remind them why you belong in the role without sounding like a copy-and-paste summary.
2. Show Enthusiasm and Confidence
Hiring managers want to see that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in working at the company. The final paragraph is a great place to express excitement about the role or the company in a way that feels sincere and professional. Avoid overly emotional language like “I’d be honored beyond words” or “This would mean the world to me.” Instead, keep it grounded with confident, forward-thinking phrasing.
Try something like, “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to a mission-driven company like yours and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute.” This strikes a balance between passion and professionalism. It’s important to show you’re invested, not desperate.
Making a positive impression in your cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting a follow-up interview.
3. Invite Next Steps (Without Sounding Pushy)
Finally, make it clear that you’re open to continuing the conversation and capturing the hiring manager's attention. There’s no need to demand an interview or apply pressure. A polite, open-ended call to action is enough. Phrases like “I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team” or “I’d be happy to provide more context in a conversation” keep things professional and proactive.
No matter how you phrase it, always thank the reader for their time and consideration. It’s a simple but often-overlooked gesture that reinforces your professionalism and helps you close on a positive note. Remember, well-crafted cover letter endings are crucial in the job application process, as they can significantly enhance your chances of standing out to potential employers.
How to Sign Off Your Cover Letter Professionally to Impress the Hiring Manager
Once you’ve written a strong final paragraph, don’t overlook the last few lines of your cover letter. The way you sign off might seem like a formality, but it plays a key role in reinforcing your professionalism and leaving the right final impression. A strong sign-off ties everything together
Choose the Right Closing Salutation
Stick with tried-and-true sign-offs that reflect professionalism and align with the overall tone of your letter. Good options include:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Respectfully
These closings are safe, timeless, and appropriate across industries. What you want to avoid are overly casual or playful phrases like “Cheers,” “Thanks!” or “Warmly.” While they might feel friendly, they can come off as too informal in a job application, especially if you don’t yet have a relationship with the hiring manager.
Keep your cover letter closing salutation consistent with the tone of the rest of its content. If your letter is formal and focused, your sign-off should reflect that. If your tone is slightly more conversational and creative, you can still keep the sign-off professional but human; “Best regards” often works well for striking that balance.
Add Your Name (and Signature, If Needed)
For digital submissions, simply type your full name after the closing phrase. That’s all you need. You can also include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or personal website directly beneath your name if it’s relevant and adds value.
If you're submitting a printed cover letter or attaching a PDF that might be printed later, it’s a good idea to leave space between the closing and your typed name for a handwritten signature. It adds a small personal touch that reinforces thoughtfulness and care.
This final section doesn’t need to be complicated, but getting it right shows attention to detail and respect for the process, which are qualities every employer appreciates.
3 Strong Cover Letter Closing Examples
If you’re unsure how to put everything together at the end of your cover letter, these examples can help. Each one strikes a different tone, whether you’re emphasizing skills, passion, or appreciation or staying clear, confident, and professional. Feel free to personalize the language to reflect your own voice and experience. Remember, a professional cover letter ending is crucial to maintaining a polished and professional appearance.
Example 1: Skills and Eagerness
“I’m confident that my background in [skill/industry] would make me a valuable addition to your team, and I’d welcome the opportunity to speak further about how I can support [company name]'s goals.”
This type of closing works well when you want to clearly connect your qualifications to the company’s objectives. It shows readiness to contribute and opens the door to a conversation without being too forward.
Example 2: Passion and Fit
“As someone who’s followed your company for years, I’m genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to your mission. I’d love to connect further to explore how my experience in [industry] aligns with your team’s needs.”
This version is great if you have a genuine connection to the company or its mission. It communicates passion without overselling, while reinforcing that your background matches what the role requires.
Example 3: Gratitude and Confidence
“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to [project or team goal] and I’m excited about the next steps.”
This cover letter ending strikes a nice balance between appreciation and enthusiasm. It keeps the tone respectful and forward-looking, signaling both interest and professionalism in just a few lines.
Use these as starting points to craft your own cover letter ending, but what matters most is that it feels authentic and focused on how you can bring value to the role.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
Even a well-crafted cover letter can fall flat if the closing paragraph sends the wrong message. Proofreading the entire cover letter is crucial to ensure it is concise and free of errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch for when wrapping things up.
1. Don’t Introduce New Information
Your final cover letter paragraph is not the place to drop new accomplishments, surprise credentials, or a fresh anecdote. At this stage, your goal is to reinforce, not expand. Adding new information at the end can feel rushed or disorganized, and it may even distract from the key points you’ve already made. Keep your closing focused on what you’ve outlined earlier, and use it to bring everything together with confidence.
2. Avoid Clichés, Vagueness, or Desperation
Generic or overly emotional statements can hurt your chances more than help. Phrases like “I’m the best candidate,” “Please hire me,” or “I need this job more than anyone” can come across as either unprofessional or lacking self-awareness. Instead, aim for language that’s specific, confident, and grounded in your actual qualifications. You want to leave the impression of someone who brings real value, not someone trying too hard to prove it.
Proofreading Tips for Your Cover Letter
Before you hit send, take a moment to proofread your cover letter, especially the closing paragraph, to avoid spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. This final section leaves a lasting impression, and even small grammar or tone issues can undercut your professionalism. It’s worth giving it a second look.
Use tools like Grammarly or QuillBot to catch errors you might have missed. These platforms are helpful not just for spelling and grammar but also for fine-tuning clarity and tone. Then, read your closing out loud. Hearing your words spoken can quickly reveal awkward phrasing or areas where the tone feels off.
Lastly, try reading just the final paragraph on its own. Does it still sound confident and clear without the rest of the cover letter for context? If so, you’re on the right track. If not, tweak it until it reflects the kind of candidate you want to be remembered as. A compelling conclusion can capture the hiring manager's attention and encourage them to review your resume and schedule an interview.
Conclusion
Your cover letter’s ending isn’t just a formality—it’s your last opportunity to reinforce your value and leave a lasting impression. A confident, clear, and thoughtful cover letter closing can set the tone for what comes next, turning your application into a conversation. It’s your chance to stand out, show you understand what the company needs, and express genuine interest in being part of their team. So before you hit send, take a moment to ensure your closing paragraph reflects the same level of intent and polish as the rest of your cover letter, because sometimes it’ll be the final words that open the door to your next opportunity. Huntr’s AI Cover Letter Builder can help you create a cover letter in seconds from start to finish so your ending is just as strong as your opening.