How to End a Cover Letter (Examples + Best Practices for 2025)
TL;DR — How to End a Cover Letter
Best way: Thank the employer, reaffirm your value, add a polite call-to-action, and close with a professional sign-off.
Length: Keep your final paragraph 2–3 sentences, max 5.
Tone: Confident, not generic or pushy.
Examples:
Job → “I look forward to contributing my project management skills to Apex Solutions.”
Internship → “I am eager to learn and grow at TechNova this summer.”
Research → “I hope to bring my academic expertise to Columbia’s Climate Futures Lab.”
Senior role → “I welcome the chance to discuss how my leadership experience can support HorizonTech’s growth.”
Common mistakes: Being vague, overly casual, or writing an essay-length closing.
Why the Closing Lines Matter More Than Most People Realize
Most job seekers obsess over their opening line — but it’s often the last few sentences that stick in a recruiter’s mind. Your closing lines are the final handshake, the final impression, and sometimes the deciding factor in whether you get called in for an interview. A weak ending can make an otherwise strong application fade, while a confident close can seal the deal.
Answer Upfront
The best way to end a cover letter is with a confident final paragraph, a polite thank-you, and a clear call-to-action. Keep it short (2–3 sentences), professional in tone, and tailored to the role. This formula ensures you leave the recruiter with clarity, enthusiasm, and an easy next step.
Promise: What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this guide, you’ll discover:
The best strategies for closing your cover letter in 2025
Examples by role type (job applications, internships, research, senior positions)
Common mistakes that make endings fall flat
Recruiter insights on what actually works in today’s hiring process
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to close your cover letter with confidence and professionalism — every single time.
Why the Ending of a Cover Letter Matters
When recruiters read cover letters, they usually skim the introduction, glance at the middle, and pay close attention to the closing. Why? Because the ending is the final impression you leave before they decide whether to move on to your résumé or put your application aside.
The Closing as a Lasting Impression
The ending lines are the moment where you transition from “just another applicant” to “someone worth calling.” A strong, confident close frames your entire letter and positions you as proactive, professional, and ready for the next step.
Strong Endings Drive Action
A well-crafted closing doesn’t just wrap things up — it invites an interview. By thanking the recruiter, reaffirming your value, and including a clear but polite call-to-action, you increase the chances of hearing back. In contrast, a vague or generic ending like “Thanks for your time” risks making your application forgettable.
The Three Purposes of a Strong Ending
Gratitude: Acknowledge the recruiter’s time and consideration.
Confidence: Reiterate your fit and enthusiasm without overselling.
Next-Step Intent: Encourage the recruiter to connect or invite you to interview.
Pull-Out Stat: 82% of recruiters say a confident closing influences whether they call a candidate.
The Ideal Structure of a Cover Letter Closing
A strong closing isn’t accidental — it follows a simple, proven structure. Think of it as a four-step formula: Thank → Value → Call-to-Action → Sign-Off. Each element plays a role in leaving the recruiter with a confident, professional impression.
Thank the Employer
Always start your closing by showing gratitude. This acknowledges the recruiter’s time and signals professionalism. Keep it short and sincere — overdoing it can feel forced.
✅ “Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to apply.”
❌ “Thank you so much, I would be forever grateful if you would take just a moment to look at my résumé.”
Reaffirm Your Value
Next, restate your fit in one impactful line. This helps the recruiter connect your skills back to the job role right before they set your application aside.
✅ “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in data analysis to XYZ Corp’s growth initiatives.”
✅ “My background in healthcare project management aligns closely with your mission to improve patient outcomes.”
Call-to-Action (CTA)
Close with a polite invitation to connect or interview. This shows confidence without being pushy. Avoid demanding language.
✅ “I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team.”
✅ “I welcome the opportunity to share how my skills can support your upcoming initiatives.”
❌ “I will call you tomorrow to schedule an interview.”
Professional Sign-Off
End with a polished sign-off followed by your full name (and contact details if not included in the header).
Sincerely,
Best regards,
Yours faithfully (if addressed formally and you don’t know the recruiter’s name).
Example:
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address]
Pro Tip: Think of this structure as a mini elevator pitch in reverse — you’ve made your case, now leave the room with professionalism and confidence.
Related
Examples of How to End a Cover Letter (By Situation)
A closing paragraph is never one-size-fits-all. It should reflect the type of role you’re applying for and the tone expected in that industry. Below are four tailored examples to help you see how the structure changes depending on context.
Standard Job Application Closing Example
Style: Professional, concise, recruiter-friendly
Length: 2–3 lines (gratitude, value, CTA)
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my background in project coordination and process improvement would allow me to contribute immediately to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your goals.
Internship or Fresh Graduate Closing Example
Style: Enthusiastic, growth-oriented
Length: 2–3 lines (gratitude, excitement, future potential)
Example:
Thank you for reviewing my application. As a recent graduate eager to learn and grow, I am excited about the opportunity to apply my coursework and creativity to support your team. I would welcome the chance to contribute to your projects while building my professional experience.
Research or Academic Role Closing Example
Style: Professional, detailed, aligned with academic mission
Length: 3–4 lines (gratitude, research alignment, CTA)
Example:
I appreciate your consideration of my application. My research focus on sustainable urban development strongly complements the department’s ongoing initiatives, and I am eager to collaborate with faculty on advancing this important work. I would be delighted to discuss how my experience and publications can contribute to your academic community.
Senior-Level or Niche Role Closing Example
Style: Leadership-oriented, confident but respectful
Length: 3–4 lines (gratitude, leadership value, CTA)
Example:
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. With over a decade of leadership experience in scaling global sales teams, I am confident in my ability to help drive HorizonTech’s next phase of growth. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my results-driven approach can support your company’s long-term vision.
Related
Common Mistakes When Ending a Cover Letter
Even strong cover letters can fall flat if the closing is weak or off-putting. Recruiters notice the tone of your final lines, and small mistakes here can undo an otherwise impressive application. Below are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
Too Generic
Many candidates end with a flat line like “Thank you for your time.” While polite, it’s vague and forgettable. Recruiters want to see enthusiasm and fit — not boilerplate.
✅ Instead: “Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills in client relations can add value to your team.”
Too Casual
Ending with “Hope to hear from you soon!” may work in a text message, but in a professional application, it feels sloppy and informal. Recruiters expect polish.
✅ Instead: “I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you about how I can contribute to your company’s goals.”
Overconfident or Pushy
Lines like “I will call you tomorrow to schedule an interview” come across as presumptive and can irritate recruiters. Confidence is good — but respect matters.
✅ Instead: “I would be glad to provide more details about my background and discuss how I can support your team in an interview.”
Forgetting Contact Info or Signature
Surprisingly, many applicants forget to add a professional sign-off, their full name, or updated contact details. Without this, even the best cover letter feels incomplete.
✅ Always include: Sincerely/Best regards, followed by your full name and contact information.
Aim for confident professionalism: thank + value + CTA + polished sign-off.
Related: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Job Application Letter in 2025
Recruiter Insights on Strong Closings (2025)
The way you end your cover letter says as much about you as the content itself. Recruiters consistently report that they skim applications quickly, and while they may not read every sentence in detail, the last few lines often stick the longest. A polished, professional ending signals confidence, attention to detail, and communication skills — all qualities hiring managers actively look for.
Why Recruiters Prefer Short, Professional Endings
Long-winded or overly flowery closings can feel forced. In 2025, recruiters emphasize clarity: 2–3 tight sentences that thank the employer, reaffirm your fit, and include a polite call-to-action. This shows you know how to communicate efficiently, which is especially valuable in fast-paced work environments.
Industry-Specific Nuances
Different fields interpret “professional” in slightly different ways:
Finance & Law: These industries tend to expect formal closings with structured, respectful sign-offs. Words like Sincerely or Yours faithfully are still the standard.
Creative & Tech: In design, media, and technology roles, a more approachable and modern tone works. Closings such as Best regards or Warm regards feel authentic without being stiff.
Academia & Research: Committees appreciate detail-oriented endings that emphasize alignment with institutional goals, even if slightly longer than average.
The Bottom Line from Recruiters
Regardless of industry, the formula remains: clear, confident, concise. Recruiters don’t want dramatic endings — they want professionalism that leaves them eager to reach out.
Recruiter Insight: “A clear and confident closing is like a handshake — it seals the impression.” — Hiring Manager, Global Tech Firm
FAQs — How to End a Cover Letter
How do you conclude a cover letter?
Conclude with a short final paragraph that thanks the employer, reaffirms your value, and includes a polite call-to-action. Follow with a professional sign-off such as Sincerely or Best regards and your full name. This keeps your ending confident, polished, and recruiter-friendly.
What should be the last thing on your cover letter?
The last element should be your professional closing signature. Use a formal sign-off like Sincerely or Best regards, then include your full name. If your contact information isn’t already in the header, list your email and phone number beneath your name to make follow-up simple.
How can I end a cover letter without being generic?
Avoid clichés like “Thank you for your time.” Instead, personalize your ending by restating enthusiasm for the role and company. For example: “I look forward to the opportunity to apply my skills in digital strategy to help XYZ Corp grow its online presence.”
What is the final paragraph of a cover letter?
The final paragraph is your chance to tie everything together. It should thank the employer, briefly reaffirm your skills or motivation, and end with a confident but respectful invitation for an interview. Keep it 2–3 sentences long for maximum clarity and impact.
Conclusion
The ending of your cover letter is more than a formality — it’s your final chance to make an impression. Done well, it can move your application from the “maybe” pile into the “interview” list.
The formula is simple: Thank the employer → Reaffirm your value → Add a polite CTA → Close with a professional sign-off. Keep it short, confident, and tailored to the role.
Remember: recruiters skim, but they always notice the last lines. A strong closing shows clarity, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm — all qualities that hiring managers want to see.
