Why Your Cover Letter Closing Matters
The closing paragraph of your cover letter is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring manager. It’s the final statement, the last thing they read before making a decision about your application. A well-crafted closing can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, while a weak or generic one can undermine the effort you put into the rest of your letter. This section reinforces your interest, summarizes your key qualifications, and encourages the reader to take the next step, demonstrating your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role. A strong closing paragraph is therefore a vital part of an effective cover letter strategy.
Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter Closing
A compelling cover letter closing paragraph incorporates several key elements designed to leave a positive impression. Firstly, it should express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Secondly, it must reiterate your interest in the specific opportunity and re-emphasize why you are a strong fit. Thirdly, it needs to thank the reader for their time and consideration, showing respect and professionalism. Finally, and crucially, it should include a clear call to action, prompting the hiring manager to contact you for an interview or further discussion. By including these elements, your closing paragraph will be concise and persuasive.
Expressing Enthusiasm
Showcasing your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity is key. This demonstrates your interest and motivation. Instead of simply stating your interest, use phrases that convey excitement about the role and the company. For example, you can express eagerness to contribute your skills or excitement about the prospect of joining the team. Mentioning specific aspects of the job or company that particularly appeal to you can make your enthusiasm more authentic and persuasive. Make sure your excitement is genuine; hiring managers can often spot insincerity.
Restating Your Interest
Restating your interest in the position reinforces your commitment and clarifies your application. In a concise way, reiterate why you are interested in the role and what motivates you to apply. Briefly summarize the key skills and experiences you have that make you a suitable candidate. This helps to remind the hiring manager of your strengths and how they align with the job requirements. Keep it focused on what you can bring to the company and what you hope to achieve in the position. Don’t just repeat information from earlier in the letter, synthesize it to make your point.
Thanking the Reader
Expressing gratitude to the reader for their time and consideration is a professional courtesy that underscores your respectful approach. This simple act of acknowledgment highlights your appreciation for their effort in reviewing your application. Use a polite and sincere tone, such as “Thank you for your time and consideration,” to convey your respect. It’s also advisable to mention how much you value the opportunity to be considered for the role. Acknowledging their time shows that you understand the effort they have to put in and that you are mindful of their workload. This creates a positive impression.
Including a Call to Action
A clear and direct call to action is essential, encouraging the hiring manager to take the next step. This might include requesting an interview, expressing your willingness to provide more information, or stating your availability to discuss the role further. Make sure your call to action is clear and specific, such as: “I am eager to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. I am available at your earliest convenience.” Avoid passive language and ensure the action is relevant to the application process. The goal is to guide the reader towards the next step, showing your proactivity and initiative in the job search.
Top 5 Cover Letter Closing Paragraph Examples
Example 1 Emphasizing Skills and Experience
“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply my marketing skills to contribute to [Company Name]’s growth. My experience in developing successful campaigns aligns well with the requirements of this role. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.” This example directly connects the applicant’s skills to the job’s requirements and provides a clear call to action, illustrating how to integrate expertise with the desired outcome of an interview, creating a concise and effective closing paragraph.
Example 2 Highlighting Company Alignment
“I am particularly excited about [Company Name]’s innovative approach to [industry or specific project]. My passion for [relevant area] aligns with your company’s values. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team.” This closing paragraph conveys genuine interest and positions the applicant as an excellent fit for the company. This example goes beyond mere skill demonstration; it underlines a shared vision, boosting the applicant’s appeal to the hiring manager and making it more likely that the application stands out from the crowd.
Example 3 Focusing on Value Proposition
“I am confident that my experience in [specific area] can significantly benefit [Company Name] by [mentioning a specific benefit, e.g., increasing sales, streamlining processes]. Thank you for your time, and I am available for an interview to elaborate on my qualifications.” This focuses on value. By pinpointing a concrete benefit, the applicant immediately highlights the advantages the company can gain by hiring them. The use of direct language assures the hiring manager of the ability to provide a tangible result for the company, strengthening the applicant’s position and increasing the chances of landing an interview.
Example 4 Expressing Proactive Initiative
“I am eager to bring my skills in project management and problem-solving to [Company Name]. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s goals. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.” This approach shows initiative. Expressing a willingness to engage further directly indicates the candidate’s engagement. The concise statement ensures the hiring manager has the needed information to contact the applicant quickly, providing a sense of proactivity and enthusiasm for the position, which can set the applicant apart.
Example 5 Directly Addressing the Hiring Manager
“Thank you, [Hiring Manager Name], for considering my application. I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and believe my passion for [specific field] aligns perfectly with your company’s mission. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.” This personalizes the closing. Addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates that the applicant paid attention to the details. This personalized touch adds a layer of engagement that can boost the applicant’s appeal. This helps to form a more personal connection with the hiring manager, making the applicant seem more approachable and increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
How to Customize Your Closing Paragraph
Tailoring to the Job Description
Customizing your closing paragraph to the specific job description is essential. Read the job posting carefully to identify the key skills, experiences, and values the employer is seeking. Then, tailor your closing to directly address these requirements. Mention relevant skills and experiences and provide specific examples of your successes that align with the job’s demands. Your customized approach showcases that you understand the employer’s needs and that you are a strong fit for the role. This targeted approach can boost your prospects.
Referencing Company Culture
If possible, show your knowledge of the company’s culture. Research the company and find out what they value. This will often be revealed in their mission statement, their public image, and their online content. Demonstrate that you have taken the time to understand the company. Express how you see yourself fitting into the culture and how your values align with those of the company. Show that you understand the company’s values. By referencing the company’s values, you can underscore your understanding of what the company wants and need. This is a vital approach for a successful application.
Proofreading and Editing
Always proofread and edit your closing paragraph carefully before submitting your cover letter. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos. Errors in your application can damage your credibility and reduce your chances of getting an interview. Read your paragraph multiple times, and consider using a grammar checker or asking a friend or colleague to review it. Ensure the tone and style of your closing paragraph are professional and consistent with the rest of your letter. A well-written, error-free closing paragraph boosts your credibility and makes a positive impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter Closing
Being Too Generic
Avoid using a generic closing paragraph that could be used in any cover letter. Phrases like “Thank you for your consideration” are standard, but they should be paired with more specific details that highlight your unique qualifications and express genuine interest in the role. A generic closing paragraph lacks the personal touch and may not leave a lasting impression. To make your cover letter stand out, tailor your closing to the specific job and company, mentioning relevant skills, experiences, and your understanding of the company’s values.
Using Clichés
Steer clear of using clichés and overused phrases. Avoid using tired expressions like “I look forward to hearing from you” or “I am a team player.” These phrases are common, and they can make your closing paragraph feel uninspired and unoriginal. Use fresh and engaging language to demonstrate your enthusiasm. A well-written and original closing paragraph will make your cover letter more memorable and increase your chances of getting an interview. Use language that reflects your personality while remaining professional.
Forgetting the Call to Action
Failing to include a call to action is a missed opportunity. A strong closing paragraph should not only express your interest and thank the reader but also encourage them to take the next step. You want to make it easy for them to contact you for an interview or further discussion. Clearly state your willingness to discuss your qualifications further and provide your contact information, such as your phone number and email address. The aim is to make sure that the hiring manager is clear on the next steps. A compelling call to action significantly increases the likelihood of a positive response and a possible job interview.
Conclusion Summarizing the Importance of a Strong Closing
In conclusion, the closing paragraph of your cover letter is a crucial element that can significantly influence your job application’s success. It’s your final opportunity to make a memorable impression. By expressing your enthusiasm, restating your interest, thanking the reader, and including a clear call to action, you can increase your chances of getting an interview. Customizing your closing to the specific job description and the company culture further strengthens your application. A well-crafted closing paragraph can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of securing an interview. Avoid common mistakes, such as being too generic or using clichés. With a professional, engaging, and well-structured closing, you can maximize your chances of landing the job.