In the realm of job seeking, a cover letter can be the lynchpin that secures your dream role. But crafting a compelling cover letter goes beyond explaining who you are and what you can do; it's about closing it off effectively.

Learning how to end a cover letter, or a 'covering letter' as it's commonly known in the UK, can be the difference between catching an employer's interest and being overlooked.

This article provides the ultimate guide to closing your cover letter powerfully and professionally, ensuring you leave a lasting impression.

Why Ending Your Cover Letter Matters 

Understanding how to close a cover letter is vital for a successful job application. Your ending paragraph serves as your final pitch, succinctly summarising why you're the ideal candidate and reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the position and the value you'd bring.

Like the concluding chapter of a good book, the ending of your cover letter leaves the reader with a final impression.

A strong, confident conclusion makes your application memorable, setting you apart from a sea of generic sign-offs.

Conversely, a lacklustre or rushed closing can undermine all the good work achieved in the body of your letter.

But it's not just about signing off; the way you end a cover letter also signals your professionalism. An effective closing respects the reader's time, succinctly summarising your key points and expressing your desire for further dialogue.

How to End a Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Conclude your story. Start by summarising your main points and linking them back to the job requirements. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with what the company seeks, and reaffirm your interest in the role.

Step 2: Include a call to action. Next, encourage a response or further action. You might request an opportunity to discuss your qualifications further or express your interest in proceeding to the next stage of the hiring process.

Step 3: Show gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Showing appreciation is a professional courtesy that leaves a positive impression.

Step 4: Add professional closure. Finally, close your letter formally with "Yours sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Ensure your contact details are easily found either here or in the header of your letter.

Mastering how to end a cover letter involves balancing assertiveness and courtesy, leaving your potential employer with a clear understanding of your suitability and eagerness for the role. However, be cautious not to let common mistakes undo your efforts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ending a Cover Letter

Ensuring a powerful conclusion to your cover letter means sidestepping certain pitfalls. Here are some of the common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Being Too Vague: Generic phrases like "I look forward to hearing from you" don't showcase your enthusiasm or compel the hiring manager to action. Be specific in your call to action.
2. Overconfidence: While it's important to highlight your suitability, be careful not to come off as arrogant. Keep your tone professional and humble.
3. Not Including Contact Information: This may seem like a no-brainer, but forgetting to provide contact details is surprisingly common. Make sure your email address and phone number are easy to find.
4. Forgetting to Proofread: Grammatical errors or misspellings can undermine the entire message. Always proofread your letter or consider using tools to check for mistakes.

Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings 

To wrap up, here are some examples of how to close a cover letter effectively:

1. "With my experience in [specific area], I am confident I can contribute significantly to your team. I am eager to discuss how my skills align with [company name]'s goals. Thank you for considering my application."
2. "I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences to [company name]. I look forward to potentially exploring next steps."
3. "Thank you for your time and consideration. I am keen to further discuss how I can contribute to [company name]'s ongoing success."

How Cv Wallet Can Help 

To perfect your cover letter and increase your chances of landing your dream job, consider Cv Wallet. Our free career management app provides AI-powered support for cover letter writing, alongside tools for automating job applications and tracking. Start your professional journey with Cv Wallet today!