How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, where numerous candidates vie for the same position, every aspect of your application must make a lasting impression. An ineffective closing section can diminish your professionalism and undermine your entire application.

This article will guide you on how to sign and conclude your cover letter effectively, ensuring that you leave a positive impression.

Key Takeaways:

• The conclusion of your cover letter is crucial for creating your final impression. Summarize your suitability for the job, convey confidence, and express gratitude to the reader.

• Avoid overly casual phrases and exclamation points; you can express enthusiasm while maintaining a professional tone.

• If submitting a hard copy of your cover letter, consider signing it physically. For digital submissions, a digital signature is a professional touch.

How to End a Cover Letter

Your cover letter should maintain a formal tone throughout, particularly in the closing section, which leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A formal tone does not mean being cold; you can be friendly and positive while avoiding casual language. Phrases like “thanks” or “cheers,” and acronyms should be avoided.

Every effective cover letter closing achieves three objectives:

• Summarizes your strengths. Restate your relevant skills and qualifications, explaining how you can add value to the company. Be sure to summarize your strengths concisely without merely repeating previous points.

• Demonstrates confidence and initiative. Generic closings like “I look forward to your reply” come off as empty. Instead, use action-oriented phrases like, “I look forward to discussing how my skills can provide value and solutions for the team.” This expresses urgency and initiative while remaining polite.

• Thanks the reader. Show appreciation to the reader for their time and consideration, maintaining a professional tone. Use closings like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.” More examples will follow in this article.

Examples of How to End a Cover Letter

As you read the following examples, note how they effectively meet the three objectives:

• Summarize strengths

• Convey initiative and confidence

• Thank the reader

1. Example 1.

   “My six years of experience as a marketing specialist in the food industry align perfectly with this role. I look forward to discussing how my skills can add value to the team. Thank you for considering my application.”

2. Example 2.

   “With my extensive software engineering experience, I am confident I can develop effective technical solutions for your firm. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications can contribute to the team’s success. Thank you for your time.”

3. Example 3.

   “With eight years of experience as a managing director of similar projects, I am confident I can provide valuable insights to achieve your firm’s goals. I would appreciate the chance to discuss the position and how my skills could contribute. Thank you for your consideration.”

4. Example 4.

   “I admire your firm’s approach to creating effective user experiences. I would be thrilled to discuss how my ten years of UX experience can enhance your solutions further. Thank you for considering my application.”

5. Example 5.

   “I look forward to discussing how my extensive experience in the medical research field aligns with your organization’s mission. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Examples of How NOT to End a Cover Letter

Identify the subtle errors in the following examples:

1. Example 1.

   “I believe my eight years as a commercial trucker, especially in long-haul, make me a great fit for this role. I look forward to speaking with you about how my skills can add value to the team.”

   This example does well in summarizing strengths and showing enthusiasm but fails to thank the reader.

2. Example 2.

   “I look forward to discussing the position with you. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.”

   This closing expresses gratitude and looks ahead but does not remind the recruiter of the applicant’s qualifications.

3. Example 3.

   “With two years of experience as a sales representative, I am confident I can provide the necessary skills. Thank you for considering my application.”

   While this example thanks the reader and summarizes abilities, it lacks a call to action for the reader to follow up.

   Now that we’ve covered the contents of your cover letter closing, let’s discuss how to add your signature to finalize your letter.

   Does Your Cover Letter Need a Written Signature?

   Many wonder if a handwritten signature is necessary at the end of a cover letter. The answer depends on the format of your letter.

   For cover letters submitted on paper, always include a handwritten signature. This is a standard business practice, and omitting it may appear unprofessional to recruiters.

   Even if the specific reader may not care, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

   For cover letters sent via email, a signature is not required, but adding an electronic signature can enhance professionalism.

   Continue reading to learn how to sign both emailed and printed cover letters.

   How to Sign an Uploaded or Printed Cover Letter

   While most cover letters are emailed, you may occasionally need to upload or mail a printed cover letter. In such cases, include a handwritten signature between the sign-off and your printed name. Ensure you leave enough space for this.

   Your signature should always be in black ink, and the sign-off should use professional language. Maintain the same font as the rest of your letter and avoid italics. Consider these options:

   • “Sincerely,”

   • “Sincerely Yours,”

   • “Best Regards,”

   • “Most Sincerely,”

   Refrain from using casual sign-offs such as:

   • “Thanks,”

   • “Cheers,”

   • [Nothing]

   • [Your Name]

   There’s no reason to use a sign-off other than the appropriate four listed above. Just as with greetings like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Sir Or Madam,” using uncommon sign-offs carries unnecessary risks.

   Ensure your cover letter is formatted single-spaced throughout, with an additional space between sections, including between your closing paragraph and sign-off. If your contact details are not in the header, include them after your name.

   Cover Letter Signature Examples

   Here, we provide both a template and a visual example to help you sign your printed cover letter. Note the spacing used in these examples.

   Template Example:

   “…thank you for considering my application.”

   [Sincerely, Best Regards]
   [Written signature in black ink]
   [Your full name (typed)]
   [Your e-mail address]
   [Tel:(including country/area code)]

   Visual Example:

   “…thank you for considering my application.”

   Sincerely,
   Alex Loizos
   aLoizos1234@gmail.com
   (555) 333 2222

   How to Sign an Emailed Cover Letter

   Emailed cover letters do not require a handwritten signature, but including one can add a professional touch.

   An emailed letter with a signature will look the same as a printed one, except that your signature will be electronic. Research how to generate an electronic signature for your email service.

   If you opt not to include a signature, the rest of the sign-off remains unchanged. Maintain single-spacing, consistent font, and avoid italics.

   Signature Examples for Emailed Documents

   Template Example:

   “…thank you for considering my application.”

   [Sincerely, Best Regards]
   [Written signature in black ink]
   [Your full name (typed)]
   [Your e-mail address]
   [Tel:(including country/area code)]

   Visual Example #1:

   “…thank you for considering my application.”

   Sincerely,
   Alex Loizos
   aLoizos1234@gmail.com
   (555) 333 2222

   Visual Example #2:

   “…thank you for your time.”

   Best Regards,
   Stacy Smith
   sSmith22@gmail.com
   (321) 412 2552

   Final Thoughts

   The significance of sending a well-crafted cover letter is often underestimated. Even with an impressive resume, hiring managers see you as just a name and a list of accomplishments.

   Cover letters communicate two essential qualities that resumes alone cannot convey: professionalism and initiative. A detailed discussion of your qualifications and achievements, followed by an invitation for further dialogue, will encourage recruiters to reach out to you.

   Articles In Cover Letter Guide

   • Special Sections
     • How To Sign A Cover Letter
     • Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
     • Referral In Cover Letter
     • Cover Letter Body
     • Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
     • Use Mrs. Or Ms.?
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   Author

   Chris Kolmar

   Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

   Expert

   Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

   Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.