Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter Closing
The cover letter closing sentence is your final opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. It’s not just a formality; it’s a chance to reiterate your interest, highlight your value, and encourage the reader to take the next step. A well-crafted closing can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. This guide will provide you with five essential tips to create a cover letter closing that truly WOWs the hiring manager, leaving them eager to learn more about you and your qualifications. Let’s dive into the secrets of writing a closing sentence that shines.
Highlight Your Value Proposition
Your closing should subtly remind the reader of the key benefits you bring to the table. Focus on what makes you unique and how you can solve the employer’s problems or contribute to their goals. This isn’t about repeating your resume verbatim, but rather about synthesizing your key skills and experiences into a concise statement that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your suitability for it. Frame your value in terms of how you can benefit the company, not just what you want from the job. Consider what the company needs and show how you can deliver. Make sure that the closing sentence aligns with the key requirements outlined in the job description.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, back up your claims with quantifiable achievements. Instead of just saying “I improved sales,” say “I increased sales by 15% in one quarter.” Numbers and data make your claims more credible and demonstrate the tangible value you’ve provided in the past. Consider using action verbs to start your closing sentence to quickly grab the attention of the hiring manager. For instance, if you are an accountant, using action verbs, such as “Managed” or “Analyzed,” may emphasize skills. Adding numbers in your closing sentence provides a concrete measurement of your abilities. The more specific you can be, the better. Use metrics, percentages, or specific examples to showcase the impact you’ve made in previous roles. The more details you can provide about your accomplishments, the more persuasive your closing will be.
Emphasize Your Enthusiasm
Show genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. Expressing your excitement conveys your interest and motivates the reader to consider you seriously. Avoid generic phrases and instead, let your personality shine through. You should mention how this opportunity excites you, and why it aligns with your career goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but this specific one. Let your passion for the role and the company shine through. Tailor your closing sentence to the specific job and company, showing that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested. This will make you stand out from the competition, as well as increase your chances of being called for an interview.
Showcase Your Personality
Your cover letter is an opportunity to give the reader a glimpse of who you are beyond your resume. While maintaining professionalism, inject a touch of your personality into the closing. This helps you connect with the hiring manager on a human level and makes you more memorable. You may use an appropriate tone in your closing sentence that resonates with your style and company culture. You can also mention a personal connection if you have one, but it’s always necessary to remain professional. Try to be yourself and communicate in a way that feels natural and authentic to you, and make the closing sentence your own.
Express Gratitude and Appreciation
Acknowledge the reader’s time and consideration. A simple expression of gratitude goes a long way in showing respect and professionalism. It’s a courteous gesture that reflects well on you and sets a positive tone. Remember to be sincere and authentic in your expression of appreciation. Thank them for their time and consideration in reviewing your application. This shows that you respect their time and are appreciative of the opportunity. It leaves a good impression, indicating you are polite and well-mannered. It highlights your respect for their busy schedule, and shows you value their efforts in the hiring process.
Thank the Reader for Their Time
Thank the reader for considering your application. This simple gesture shows respect and professionalism. Expressing gratitude is a key element in any cover letter. Be genuine in your thanks, as this leaves a positive lasting impression. A sincere “Thank you for your time” or a similar phrase is often sufficient. Show that you value their time and the opportunity. Acknowledging their effort reflects well on your professional demeanor. It sets a positive tone for your application. It’s a courteous gesture that highlights your respect for their time. It is a vital part of the cover letter closing, ensuring you leave a positive final impression on the hiring manager.
Reiterate Your Interest in the Role
Reinforce your enthusiasm for the specific opportunity. Remind the reader why you’re a great fit for the role. Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity and the company’s mission. It’s a subtle way to reinforce your interest and remind the reader why you’re a strong candidate. A well-written closing sentence often restates your enthusiasm for the role, showing that you are highly interested in the position. Summarize why you are a good fit for the role. Express your genuine interest in the position. This reinforces your interest and can increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. This way the reader will be reminded of your key qualifications and motivations.
Mention Your Availability
Clearly state your availability for an interview or follow-up. Make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step. Including your availability shows you are prepared and ready to move forward in the hiring process. Providing your availability streamlines the process. Indicating you’re available immediately or within a specific timeframe shows you are proactive. Be clear and concise about your availability, making it convenient for the hiring manager to contact you. This helps the hiring manager schedule an interview or further discussion. It demonstrates your eagerness to move forward and shows your commitment to the hiring process.
Call to Action
The closing of your cover letter should include a clear and concise call to action. This is where you tell the reader what you want them to do next. A strong call to action can be as simple as requesting an interview, and it directs the hiring manager on how to proceed. A well-crafted call to action makes it easy for the reader to take the next step, which improves your chances of getting a response. A compelling call to action can be very effective. Consider using phrases that encourage a specific action. For example, you can encourage the hiring manager to contact you at their earliest convenience, as a way to make the process more efficient.
Suggest the Next Steps
Guide the reader toward the next step in the hiring process. A clear suggestion for the next step can make it easy for the hiring manager to proceed. Include a direct request for an interview, such as “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.” Make it clear that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step and schedule an interview. You want to create a smooth transition. You can suggest the next steps clearly and confidently. Including a call to action indicates your readiness to move forward. Be specific and direct with your request. This will increase your chances of getting a response.
Provide Contact Information
Ensure your contact information is readily available. Including your phone number and email address helps the hiring manager reach you. Verify your contact information is correct and easy to find. Make sure your email address is professional. It makes it easier for the hiring manager to contact you. Review your contact information, ensuring it’s complete and accurate. It makes it easier for the hiring manager to contact you promptly. It is a vital part of the cover letter. Providing this information ensures that the hiring manager can easily contact you. This is important to include in the closing to allow for a smooth communication process. It simplifies the hiring manager’s task in contacting you.
Proofread and Finalize
Before sending your cover letter, meticulously proofread it to eliminate any errors. Errors, even minor ones, can undermine your professionalism and create a negative impression. Proofreading ensures that your closing is polished, error-free, and reflects your attention to detail. Proofreading is a necessary step to ensure accuracy. Review the final version of your cover letter. Correct any grammatical errors or typos before submitting it. It’s a critical step to ensure your cover letter is free of errors. Thorough proofreading ensures your letter is polished. Errors can make the applicant seem unprofessional. Take the time to proofread to ensure it makes the best possible impression. Proofreading shows respect for the hiring manager’s time.
Check for Grammatical Errors
Carefully review your closing sentence for any grammatical mistakes. Pay close attention to punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. Errors can distract the reader and detract from your message. It’s essential to use tools like Grammarly or have a second pair of eyes review your work. Checking for grammatical errors is a crucial step in the proofreading process. Avoid mistakes that can undermine your professionalism. Make sure your writing is free of errors. Proper grammar and spelling show attention to detail. This helps ensure that your closing is professional and conveys your message effectively. Ensure your closing is grammatically correct. Doing so presents you in the best possible light. Proper grammar shows that you pay attention to detail, which is important.
Ensure Professional Tone
Maintain a professional and appropriate tone throughout your cover letter. Ensure your closing reflects the tone of your overall application. Avoid informal language, slang, or overly casual expressions. You need to use language that reflects your professionalism. The tone of your closing should align with the job and the company culture. Make sure the tone in your closing matches your overall approach. By keeping your tone professional, you show that you are a serious candidate for the role. A professional tone is vital for making a great first impression. By making sure your tone is on point, you can demonstrate you are a serious candidate.