How do you end a cover letter?
The end of a cover letter has three parts: a closing paragraph, a sign-off, and a signature block. Most of the work happens in the closing paragraph, which should be two to four sentences.
A strong cover letter closing does one job. It turns “here is why I fit” into “let’s talk.” The reader should finish your letter knowing what you offer and what you want to happen next.
The cover letter closing paragraph formula
Use three moves, in this order:
- Value. One sentence that connects your top strength to the employer’s need.
- Ask. A confident request for an interview or conversation.
- Thanks. A short thank-you for their time.
Add a fourth line only when you need it for logistics, such as a relocation date or limited availability.
Here is the formula built one piece at a time:
Value: “My five years of scheduling and vendor management would help your office keep up with the two new clinic openings.”
Ask: “I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your team.”
Thanks: “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Put together, it reads naturally:
My five years of scheduling and vendor management would help your office keep up with the two new clinic openings. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
If you struggle with the value sentence, practice your answer to why should we hire you. The short version of that answer is your value sentence.
15 cover letter closing paragraph examples
All examples use fictional people and companies. Adjust the details to match your experience.
Standard applications
1. General professional
I am confident my experience managing high-volume accounts payable would help your finance team close each month faster. I would welcome the chance to discuss the role in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
2. Short and direct
I would love to bring my customer service and problem-solving skills to Harborview Grocery. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to speaking with you.
3. Results-focused
At Northwind Logistics, I reduced late shipments by 18% by tracking carrier performance weekly, and I would bring the same focus to your operations team. Could we schedule a time to talk this week or next? Thank you for reviewing my application.
Entry level and students
4. Recent graduate
As a recent accounting graduate who completed a tax-season internship, I am ready to contribute right away and keep learning from your team. I would appreciate the chance to interview for this role. Thank you for your consideration.
5. First job or high school student
I am reliable, quick to learn and available evenings and weekends, which matches the schedule in your posting. I would be glad to come in for an interview at a time that works for you. Thank you for considering me.
If this is your first job, our high school student resume example shows how to pair this kind of letter with a simple resume.
Career change
6. Transferable skills
Eight years of teaching taught me to explain complex ideas clearly and manage competing deadlines, and I am excited to bring those skills to your training team. I would welcome the chance to talk about how my background fits this role. Thank you for your time.
7. New training completed
Having completed a data analytics certificate program and built three dashboard projects, I am ready to apply these skills in a full-time analyst role. I would appreciate the opportunity to walk you through my portfolio. Thank you for considering my application.
Referral
8. Someone at the company recommended you
Maria Lopez suggested I reach out because of my experience launching patient intake software, and after learning more about your team, I can see why. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help. Thank you for your consideration.
Internal candidate
9. Applying for a promotion
After four years on the support team, I know our customers, our tools and our standards, and I am ready to help lead the team that serves them. I would appreciate the chance to discuss the supervisor role with you. Thank you for considering my application.
Logistics and special cases
10. Relocating
I am relocating to Denver in January and will be available to start on January 12. I would be happy to interview by video before then. Thank you for your time and consideration.
11. After meeting at a job fair
I enjoyed our conversation at the regional nursing job fair last week, and this role sounds like a strong fit for my ICU experience. I would welcome the chance to continue that conversation in a formal interview. Thank you again for your time.
12. The posting asks for salary requirements
As requested, my salary expectation is $58,000 to $62,000, depending on the full benefits package. I am flexible and would be glad to discuss it further. Thank you for considering my application.
13. Cold application with no posted opening
I know you may not have an opening right now, but I would welcome a brief call to learn about your team and future needs. My resume is attached for your reference. Thank you for your time.
Role-specific
14. Customer service
I enjoy turning frustrated customers into loyal ones, and I would bring that same patience to your support team. I would welcome the chance to interview and share a few examples. Thank you for your consideration.
15. Teacher
I would be glad to bring my classroom management experience and love of reading to your second-grade team. I am available to interview at any time and happy to share a sample lesson plan. Thank you for considering my application.
How to sign off a cover letter
After your closing paragraph, add a sign-off on its own line. Pick one that matches the tone of your letter.
| Sign-off | Verdict | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerely, | Good | The safest choice for any cover letter |
| Best regards, | Good | Professional and slightly warmer |
| Kind regards, | Good | Warm and polite |
| Regards, | Good | Fine, if a little brief |
| Thank you, | Good | When your last sentence did not already thank them |
| Respectfully, | Good | Formal settings such as government or military roles |
| Best, | Use with care | Fine in email, a bit casual for a formal letter |
| Yours truly, | Use with care | Correct but old-fashioned |
| Cheers, | Avoid | Too casual |
| Thanks a bunch, | Avoid | Too casual |
| Love, or Hugs, | Avoid | Personal, not professional |
| Talk soon, | Avoid | Assumes you will get an interview |
| No sign-off | Avoid | The letter ends abruptly |
Cover letter signature block: email vs PDF
Where your contact details go depends on how you send the letter.
| Element | Email cover letter | PDF or printed cover letter |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-off | Yes | Yes |
| Typed full name | Yes | Yes |
| Handwritten signature | No | Optional, mainly for printed letters |
| Phone and email | Under your name | In the header at the top |
| LinkedIn or portfolio link | Optional, under your name | Optional, in the header |
Email signature block
When the cover letter is the body of your email, your contact details go at the bottom:
Best regards,
Jordan Lee
(614) 555-0142
jordan.lee@example.com
[LinkedIn profile URL, optional]
Use a subject line with the job title and your name, such as “Operations Analyst Application, Jordan Lee.” Skip images, quotes and colored fonts in your signature.
PDF signature block
In a PDF or printed letter, your contact information already sits in the header, so the ending is simpler:
Sincerely,
[Signature space, optional]
Jordan Lee
If you print and mail the letter, leave three or four blank lines to sign by hand. If you upload a PDF, your typed name is enough. Use the same header design as your resume so the two documents match. Our guide to resume headers shows the layout.
Cover letter ending mistakes to avoid
| Weak ending | Why it hurts | Try this instead |
|---|---|---|
| “I hope to hear from you.” | Passive and vague | “I would welcome the chance to discuss the role.” |
| “I will call you Tuesday to set up an interview.” | Presumes too much | “I am available to interview at your convenience.” |
| “Sorry this letter is so long.” | Undercuts your message | Cut the letter to one page and skip the apology. |
| “Please see my resume for details.” | Does no work on its own | Restate one strength, then ask for a conversation. |
| A recap of every job you have held | Wastes your final impression | One sentence of value is enough. |
Before you send, check that the company name and the reader’s name in your closing match the job you are applying for. Then run the letter and resume through our ATS keyword checker to confirm you used the words from the posting. If your opening still needs work, see how to start a cover letter.