Updated September 26, 2026.
In short: end a cover letter with a two- to three-sentence closing paragraph that (1) restates in one line why you fit the role, (2) asks for the next step — a conversation or interview — and (3) thanks the reader. Then add a professional sign-off such as "Sincerely," or "Best regards,", your full name, and, in an email, your phone number and LinkedIn URL. UW–Madison's career center describes the same shape: restate your interest, thank the employer, and close with "Sincerely," or "Regards," and your name (UW–Madison).
How do you end a cover letter?
Use this structure for the last paragraph:
1.One-line fit statement tied to the job: "My experience running month-end close for three entities matches what your team needs this quarter."
2.A clear, confident next step: "I'd welcome the chance to discuss how I could support the finance team."
3.Thanks: "Thank you for your time and consideration."
Optional: add availability or logistics if they matter to the employer — a start date, relocation plans, a graduation date, or when you are free to interview.
What are good closing lines for a cover letter?
These are templates; fill in the bracketed parts with specifics from the posting.
- "I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my [skill] could help [team/company] [goal from the posting]. Thank you for your consideration."
- "I'm excited about the chance to bring [experience] to [company] and would be glad to talk at your convenience."
- "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing the [job title] role with you."
- "I'm available to start on [date] and would be happy to share more about my work on [project] in an interview."
- "I'll be in [city] the week of [date] and would be glad to meet in person if that's helpful."
- "If it would help, I'm happy to share samples of [work type] before we speak."
- "Thank you for your time. I'd love to learn more about the team's plans for [initiative mentioned in the posting]."
- "I'm confident my background in [area] would let me contribute from the first week, and I'd welcome a conversation."
Which sign-offs should you use?
| Sign-off | Tone | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerely, | Formal, neutral | Default for any cover letter |
| Best regards, | Professional, slightly warmer | Email applications, most industries |
| Kind regards, | Polite, common in the UK and Europe | International or UK applications |
| Regards, | Brief, neutral | Fine, though a little clipped |
| Respectfully, | Very formal | Government, military, legal |
| Thank you, | Warm, direct | When your last sentence doesn't already thank them |
| With appreciation, | Warm | After a referral or someone's help |
Which sign-offs should you avoid?
- "Cheers," "Thanks!," "Take care," "Warmly," — too casual for a first contact.
- "Love," "Hugs," — personal, not professional.
- "Yours truly," "Yours faithfully," — not wrong, but old-fashioned in the US.
- No sign-off at all — the letter looks cut off.
- "Best," — acceptable in email, but brief to the point of seeming rushed in a formal letter.
What goes after the sign-off?
- Uploaded or attached letter: sign-off, a blank line (or a scanned signature if you like), then your typed full name.
- Email: sign-off, full name, phone number, and a LinkedIn or portfolio link. Your email address is already in the header.
Best regards, Priya Shah (312) 555-0187 · linkedin.com/in/priyashah
The name and number above are placeholders.
What are common mistakes when ending a cover letter?
- Sounding unsure: "I hope you'll consider me" or "Sorry for the long letter." State your interest confidently.
- Being pushy: "I will call you on Monday to schedule an interview." Offer the next step; do not assign it.
- Repeating the whole letter. One sentence of fit is enough.
- Generic closings that could end any letter — tie at least one phrase to this job.
- Mismatched tone: a formal letter that ends "Cheers!".
Most closing problems come from a letter that is too long; the fix is often to cut. See how long a cover letter should be, and for the opposite end of the letter, how to start a cover letter. To draft a full letter from your resume and the posting, use the AI cover letter generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is "Sincerely" still okay to end a cover letter?
Yes. It is the most common and safest sign-off for a cover letter in any industry.
Should I say "I look forward to hearing from you"?
It is fine, but it is passive and common. "I'd welcome the chance to discuss…" does the same job and puts the focus on the conversation.
Should I mention salary at the end of a cover letter?
Only if the posting asks you to state your salary requirements. Then give a range in one sentence before the closing line.
Do I need to sign a cover letter by hand?
No. A typed name is standard for uploaded and emailed letters. A handwritten signature is only expected on printed letters you mail or hand in.
Should I end with a question?
It's unusual. A clear statement of interest and a request for a conversation works better than a question the reader has to answer.