How to End an Email: 50+ Professional Sign-Offs and Closings [2025]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The best way to end an email depends on your relationship with the recipient and the email's purpose. For professional emails, use "Best regards," "Sincerely," or "Thank you" followed by your full name. For casual emails, "Best," "Thanks," or "Cheers" work well. Always include a clear closing line that summarizes your request or next steps before the sign-off.

The closing of your email is your final impression—research shows that emails with professional sign-offs receive 36% higher response rates than those without. Whether you're applying for a job, following up with a client, or emailing a colleague, the right email ending demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive lasting impression.

This comprehensive guide covers 50+ email sign-offs for every situation, professional closing phrases, what to avoid, and examples you can use immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Match your closing to the context: Formal emails require formal sign-offs; casual relationships allow for warmer endings

• Always include your name: Even in ongoing threads, include at least your first name for clarity

• Add a closing line before sign-off: Summarize your request or express appreciation before signing off

• Avoid unprofessional closings: Skip "XOXO," "Thx," or overly casual sign-offs in professional contexts

• Consider cultural differences: Email etiquette varies by country and industry—know your audience

Introduction: Why Email Endings Matter More Than You Think

Every day, over 333 billion emails are sent worldwide, according to Statista's 2024 report. Yet despite this massive volume, many professionals overlook one of the most impactful parts of their emails: the ending. Research from Boomerang analyzed over 350,000 email threads and found that emails ending with expressions of gratitude had significantly higher response rates—"Thanks in advance" yielded a 65.7% response rate compared to just 51.2% for emails without a grateful closing.

Just as you would carefully consider how to end a cover letter when applying for a job, your email sign-off deserves equal attention.

Whether you're writing a formal business proposal, following up on a job application, or messaging a colleague, this guide will help you master the art of email endings.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Email Ending

A well-crafted email ending consists of three essential components that work together to create a polished, professional close.

Component 1: The Closing Line

Before your sign-off, include a closing line that summarizes your request, expresses gratitude, or indicates next steps. Examples include:

• "Please let me know if you have any questions."

• "I look forward to hearing from you."

• "Thank you for your time and consideration."

• "I appreciate your help with this matter."

Component 2: The Sign-Off (Valediction)

The sign-off is the word or phrase that precedes your name. Common professional sign-offs include:

• Formal: "Sincerely," "Respectfully," "Best regards,"

• Professional: "Best," "Thank you," "Kind regards,"

• Friendly: "Cheers," "All the best," "Warmly,"

• Casual: "Thanks," "Talk soon," "Take care,"

Component 3: Your Name and Signature

Always include your name, and for professional emails, add a signature block with your title, company, and contact information. A proper email signature aligns with professional formatting guidelines you'd follow in formal correspondence.

50+ Professional Email Sign-Offs for Every Situation

Choosing the right sign-off is crucial. Here's a comprehensive list organized by formality and context.

Formal and Traditional Sign-Offs

Use these for first-time contacts, executives, formal business correspondence, or job applications:

Standard Professional Sign-Offs

These work well for most business communications:

Warm and Friendly Sign-Offs

Appropriate for colleagues you know well or established relationships:

• Warmly, — Conveys genuine warmth while remaining professional

• Warm regards, — Slightly more formal version of "Warmly"

• Take care, — Shows personal concern, good for ongoing relationships

• Cheers, — Common in UK, Australia; increasingly used in US tech culture

• Talk soon, — Implies ongoing conversation, good for follow-ups

• Have a great day, — Positive and friendly

Sign-Offs for Specific Situations

For job applications and follow-ups: When you're writing a cover letter or following up:

• "Thank you for your time and consideration,"

• "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications,"

• "Eagerly awaiting your response,"

• "Thank you for considering my application,"

For sales and client emails:

• "Looking forward to partnering with you,"

• "I'm here if you have any questions,"

• "Let me know how I can assist,"

For follow-up emails:

• "I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter,"

• "Looking forward to your response,"

• "I'll follow up next week if I don't hear from you,"

Email Sign-Offs by Industry and Role

Different industries have different expectations for email etiquette.

Corporate and Finance

Traditional industries expect formal communication:

• Preferred: "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thank you"

• Acceptable: "Regards," "Kind regards"

• Avoid: "Cheers," "TTYL"

Technology and Startups

Tech culture tends toward informality. If you're pursuing tech jobs, match the company's culture:

• Preferred: "Best," "Thanks," "Cheers"

• Acceptable: "Talk soon"

• Avoid: Overly formal closings

Healthcare and Education

These fields balance professionalism with warmth. If you're a nurse writing to employers or a teacher applying for positions:

• Preferred: "Best regards," "Warmly," "Thank you"

• Acceptable: "With appreciation," "Kind regards"

International Considerations

Email etiquette varies by country:

Powerful Closing Lines to Use Before Your Sign-Off

The closing line is often more important than the sign-off itself. Just as the closing paragraph of a cover letter leaves a lasting impression, your email's closing line sets the stage for action.

When Requesting Action

• "Please let me know your thoughts at your earliest convenience."

• "I'd appreciate your feedback by [specific date]."

• "Could you please review and confirm by end of day?"

• "Please advise on the next steps."

When Following Up

Following up effectively is crucial. Similar principles apply to writing effective follow-ups:

• "I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding..."

• "Just circling back on this—please let me know if you need additional information."

• "I'd love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment."

When Expressing Gratitude

• "Thank you for your time and consideration."

• "I really appreciate your help with this."

• "Your guidance has been invaluable."

• "Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Email Sign-Offs to Avoid (And Why)

Just as there are common mistakes to avoid in job applications, there are email endings that can damage your professional image.

Too Casual or Unprofessional

Overly Familiar (When You're Not)

• "Love," — Reserved for personal relationships

• "Hugs," — Too personal for professional emails

• "Your friend," — Unless they actually are your friend

Demanding or Presumptuous

• "Await your reply," — Sounds demanding

• "I expect to hear from you soon," — Comes across as entitled

• "Respond immediately," — Rarely appropriate

"The sign-off of an email is like the handshake at the end of a meeting. It should match the tone of the conversation and leave the other person feeling respected."

— Jocelyn K. Glei, Author of "Unsubscribe: How to Kill Email Anxiety"

Email Endings for Job Seekers

When job hunting, every email is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism. This is just as important as knowing how to introduce yourself in a cover letter or how to start a cover letter.

When Submitting Applications

Your application email should be polished. Consider how you structure your cover letter and apply similar care:

• "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]."

• "I'm excited about this opportunity and would welcome the chance to speak with you further."

• "I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you."

When Following Up on Applications

Knowing when to submit a cover letter is important, but so is following up appropriately:

• "I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for this role and check on the status of my application."

• "Please let me know if you need any additional information from me."

After Interviews

Thank-you emails after interviews are critical. Send them within 24 hours:

• "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Our conversation reinforced my excitement about joining [Company]."

• "I appreciated learning more about the role. I'm confident I can make a meaningful contribution."

Creating an Effective Email Signature

Your email signature is an extension of your professional brand. Just as you'd carefully format a professional cover letter, your signature should be clean and informative.

Essential Elements

• Full name — How you want to be addressed professionally

• Job title — Current position or professional role

• Company name — With link to company website if appropriate

• Phone number — Direct line or mobile

• Email address — Helpful when emails are forwarded

• LinkedIn profile — Great for networking and job seekers

Signature Don'ts

• Avoid inspirational quotes that may not resonate with all recipients

• Don't include too many social media links

• Skip animated images or GIFs—they can trigger spam filters

• Don't make it longer than 6-8 lines

The Psychology Behind Effective Email Endings

Understanding why certain endings work can help you craft more effective emails.

The Recency Effect

People remember the last thing they read most vividly. This is why your email ending disproportionately shapes how recipients perceive your entire message. Just as the opening lines of a cover letter grab attention, your closing lines leave a lasting impression.

Gratitude Increases Response Rates

Research consistently shows that expressing gratitude improves outcomes:

• Emails ending with "Thanks in advance" have 65.7% response rates

• "Thank you" yields 63% response rates

• No grateful closing: only 51.2% response rates

"The way you close an email signals how much you value the relationship. A thoughtful ending shows you care about more than just the transaction."

— Dr. Vanessa Van Edwards, Behavioral Researcher and Author

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most professional way to end an email?

The most universally professional email endings are "Best regards," "Sincerely," and "Thank you." These work in virtually any business context, from job applications to client communications.

Is "Best" an acceptable email sign-off?

Yes, "Best" has become widely accepted in professional communication. It's concise, warm, and appropriate for most business contexts. For very formal situations, opt for "Best regards" or "Sincerely."

Should I always include a sign-off?

For first-time emails and formal correspondence, yes. In ongoing email threads with colleagues, you may omit the sign-off after the first few exchanges. However, include your name at least in the first email.

Is "Cheers" professional?

"Cheers" is widely used and accepted in the UK, Australia, and increasingly in US tech culture. It may seem too casual in traditional industries like law or finance.

How do I end an email when I don't know the recipient's name?

Use formal closings like "Sincerely," "Respectfully," or "Thank you for your time." This mirrors the approach in cover letters when you don't know the hiring manager.

How should I sign off emails to my boss?

For your immediate supervisor, "Best," "Thanks," or "Thank you" typically work well. Match the tone of your workplace culture.

What's the best email ending for a job application?

Use "Thank you for your consideration," "Sincerely," or "Best regards." Always include a professional signature. This mirrors best practices for how to conclude a cover letter.

Can I use emojis in professional email sign-offs?

Generally, avoid emojis in professional email sign-offs. They can come across as unprofessional. In very casual workplace cultures, a simple smiley might be acceptable.

What's the difference between UK and US email endings?

UK email etiquette traditionally uses "Yours sincerely" (when you know the recipient's name) and "Yours faithfully" (when you don't). US emails typically favor "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you."

How do I politely ask to be removed from a CC thread?

A simple request works: "Thanks for keeping me informed! Since this conversation has moved beyond my area, please feel free to remove me from future replies."

What happens if I accidentally send without a sign-off?

For important emails, send a brief follow-up: "Apologies for the abrupt ending to my previous message—[add sign-off]." For casual exchanges, it's usually fine.

Should I include "Sent from my iPhone" in my signature?

The default signature can excuse typos but looks unprofessional for important emails. Consider customizing it with a brief professional signature.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Email Endings

The way you end an email might seem like a small detail, but it's a powerful tool for making a positive impression. Just as you'd take care with how to sign off a cover letter, your email endings deserve thoughtful attention.

Key principles to remember:

• Match your tone to the context: Formal situations call for formal closings

• Include a closing line: Summarize your request or express appreciation

• Choose your sign-off wisely: "Best regards" and "Thank you" are safe bets

• Create a professional signature: Include name, title, and contact info

• Proofread before sending: Make your closing flawless

Whether you're applying for jobs, closing deals, or communicating with colleagues, the right email ending reinforces your professionalism.

Looking to improve your professional writing further? Our AI cover letter generator can help you craft compelling cover letters that make a strong impression. Master every aspect of professional correspondence and stand out in your job search.