So, you've crafted the perfect opening, showcased your skills and experience, and now you're staring at the blinking cursor, wondering how to end your cover letter. The closing is crucial! A weak ending can undo all the good work you've done. A strong closing, however, can leave a lasting impression and significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. This guide will walk you through creating a cover letter closing that makes you shine.
Beyond the Generic "Sincerely": Crafting a Compelling Conclusion
Avoid the tired, generic closings. They're forgettable and don't showcase your personality or enthusiasm. Instead, aim for a closing that reiterates your interest, emphasizes your key qualifications, and leaves the hiring manager wanting more.
Key Elements of a Powerful Cover Letter Closing:
-
Reiterate Your Enthusiasm: Briefly restate your interest in the specific position and company. Show you've done your research and are genuinely excited about the opportunity. Avoid vague statements; be specific about what excites you.
-
Highlight Key Skills/Experience: Subtly remind the reader of your most relevant qualifications. Don't simply repeat what you've already written; instead, highlight a key accomplishment or skill that directly addresses a need mentioned in the job description.
-
Call to Action (CTA): Clearly state your desire for an interview. Express your availability for a call or meeting. Be proactive and confident.
-
Professional Closing: Choose a professional closing that aligns with the tone of your letter. "Sincerely," "Regards," and "Respectfully" are all acceptable choices.
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings:
Here are a few examples to inspire you, remember to tailor them to your specific situation:
Example 1 (Focus on problem-solving):
"I am confident that my experience in streamlining operations and improving efficiency, as detailed in my resume, aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing how my skills can benefit your team. I am available for a call at your earliest convenience."
Example 2 (Highlighting a specific accomplishment):
"My success in increasing sales by 15% at my previous role demonstrates my ability to achieve ambitious targets, a skill I am eager to leverage at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number]."
Example 3 (Emphasizing future contributions):
"I am excited about the prospect of contributing my expertise in [area of expertise] to [Company Name]'s continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [email address]."
What NOT to Do in Your Cover Letter Closing:
- Don't be overly demanding: Avoid phrases like "I expect to hear from you soon."
- Don't be apologetic: Don't apologize for anything in your cover letter.
- Don't be too casual: Keep the tone professional and avoid slang or informal language.
- Don't forget proofreading: Carefully proofread your entire cover letter, including the closing, for any typos or grammatical errors.
Optimize Your Cover Letter for Search Engines (SEO)
While the primary focus is on impressing the hiring manager, consider incorporating relevant keywords subtly into your closing. Mention specific skills or technologies listed in the job description. This can help your cover letter appear in searches if the company uses applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Conclusion: Make Your Closing Count!
Your cover letter closing is your final opportunity to make a strong impression. By following these tips and crafting a compelling conclusion, you can significantly improve your chances of getting that all-important interview. Remember to tailor your closing to each specific job application for optimal impact. Good luck!
