Cover letter
How to End a Cover Letter: Closing Lines and Sign-Offs
End a cover letter with a short closing paragraph that says what you'd focus on or bring, asks for a conversation and thanks the reader, then a sign-off such as "Best regards," and your full name. Keep the close to two or three sentences.
Key takeaways
- A cover letter's closing paragraph should be two or three sentences: what you'd bring or focus on, a request for a conversation, and thanks.
- "Best regards,", "Kind regards,", "Sincerely," and "Thank you," are all safe sign-offs for a cover letter.
- Asking for a conversation directly, as in "I'd welcome a conversation about the role", reads as confident without being pushy.
- Your full name goes under the sign-off, with your phone number and a LinkedIn or portfolio link if they aren't already in the header.
- Lines like "I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience" add length without adding anything the reader needs.
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How do you end a cover letter?
End a cover letter with a two- or three-sentence closing paragraph, then a sign-off and your name. The closing paragraph does three small jobs: it connects you to what the company needs, it asks for a conversation, and it thanks the reader. That’s all; the proof is already in the paragraphs above.
What goes in a cover letter’s closing paragraph?
A cover letter’s closing paragraph should include one line on what you’d focus on or bring, a direct request for a conversation, and a short thank-you. Pick whichever version fits your letter:
| Closing approach | When to use it | Example line |
|---|---|---|
| What you’d do first | You found a specific opportunity or gap | “I’d start by [first step], because [reason].” |
| What you’d bring | The role is a clear match for your experience | “I’d bring [skill] to [team goal in the posting].” |
| Why now | You’re changing direction or stepping up | “This is the work I want to do next, and your team is where I want to do it.” |
| The call to action | Every letter | “I’d welcome a conversation about the role.” |
| Thanks | Every letter | “Thank you for your time.” |
Cover letter closing paragraph examples
These closings are written for marketing roles. Rewrite them so they sound like you; a closing in your own voice is the last impression the reader gets, so let it be yours rather than a template’s.
When you have a clear first idea
Your posting mentions [their goal, e.g. growing organic traffic in new markets]. I'd start by [one concrete first step, e.g. auditing which existing pages already rank there], because [short reason]. I'd welcome a conversation about how I could help. Thank you for your time.
When the match is your experience
I'd bring [number] years of [area, e.g. building creator programs] to a team that's [what they're doing, e.g. scaling its creator content]. I'd be glad to talk about the role and what you need in the first six months. Thank you for considering my application.
When you’re changing careers or stepping up
This role is the next step I've been working toward, and [Company]'s focus on [area] is where I want to take it. I'd welcome the chance to talk about how my background in [previous field] would help your team. Thank you for your time.
When you have a portfolio or work to show
You can see examples of my [campaigns / writing / social content] at [portfolio URL]. I'd love to talk about the role and walk you through how I'd approach [their focus area]. Thank you for reading.
What are the best sign-offs for a cover letter?
The best sign-offs for a cover letter are short and plain: “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Sincerely,” and “Thank you,”. Any of these is safe. Pick one and follow it with a comma and your full name on the next line.
| Sign-off | Tone | Use it |
|---|---|---|
| Best regards, | Warm and professional | Almost always |
| Kind regards, | Warm and professional | Almost always |
| Sincerely, | Formal | Formal companies, document letters |
| Thank you, | Warm | Good when you’ve just thanked them in the closing |
| Best, | Relaxed | Fine in an email to a recruiter you’ve spoken to |
| Cheers, / Thanks! / Talk soon, | Too casual | Avoid on a first application |
| Yours faithfully, / Respectfully, | Very formal | Unusual in US marketing roles |
What goes under your name?
Under your sign-off goes your full name, then your phone number and a LinkedIn or portfolio link if they aren’t already in the header. In an email or form, put them under your name, because there’s usually no header.
Best regards, [Your full name] [Phone] · [Email] [LinkedIn URL] · [Portfolio URL]
For creative, content and social roles, a portfolio link here is often the first thing the reader clicks.
How do you end a cover letter confidently without sounding pushy?
Ask for a conversation directly and leave the timing to them: “I’d welcome a conversation about the role” reads as confident and polite. Avoid promising to call them on a set day, or saying you’ll “follow up next week”; if you want to follow up, do it by email after a week or two. Our guide to following up after an interview covers timing that also works after an application.
Closing lines to avoid
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.” | “I’d welcome a conversation about the role.” |
| “Please do not hesitate to contact me.” | Nothing. Your contact details are already there. |
| “I hope to hear from you soon.” | “Thank you for your time.” |
| “I am confident I am the best candidate.” | One line on what you’d focus on first. |
| “Thank you for your consideration in this matter.” | “Thank you for considering my application.” |
For the rest of the letter, see how to write a cover letter and how to start a cover letter.
FAQ
Is “Sincerely” too formal for a cover letter?
No. “Sincerely,” is standard and safe for any cover letter. “Best regards,” is a slightly warmer alternative that works just as well.
Should you say thank you at the end of a cover letter?
Yes. A short “Thank you for your time” or “Thank you for considering my application” is polite and expected. One thank-you is enough.
Should you include your contact information at the end?
Include it under your name if it isn’t in the header, which is common in emails and application forms. If it’s already in the header, your name alone is enough.
Should you sign a cover letter by hand?
No. For a cover letter sent as a PDF, by email or through an application form, a typed name is standard.
How long should the closing paragraph be?
Two or three sentences. If it runs longer, it’s probably repeating proof from earlier in the letter.