Cover Letter Closing Paragraph: Examples + Closing Builder
How to close a cover letter: a closing paragraph that asks for the next step, sign-off examples, what to avoid, and a free builder that writes four closings for you.
By Onward ScoutPublished 2 min read
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Cover letter closing paragraph builder
Choose how direct you want to be and add one thing you'd contribute. Get four closing paragraphs that end with a clear next step and a sign-off that fits.
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A cover letter closing paragraph does three things in two or three sentences: restates what you would contribute, asks for a conversation, and thanks the reader. The builder above writes four closings in direct, warm or formal tones, with a sign-off to match.
How should you end a cover letter?
In short
Name the first thing you would contribute, ask clearly for the next step, thank the reader, and sign off simply. Keep it to two or three sentences; the closing should feel like a handshake, not a second summary.
The ask is what most letters miss. "I'd welcome a conversation about how I could help open the mid-market segment" gives the reader an obvious next action. "I hope to hear from you" gives them nothing to do.
Does a thank-you line in the closing matter?
In short
Yes, more than it seems. Gratitude makes people more willing to help, and replying to you is a form of help. One sincere line is enough; three effusive ones read as nervous.
Two pieces of evidence point the same way. In Boomerang's analysis of about 350,000 email threads, closings that thanked the reader got replies 62% of the time, against 46% for messages without one[Boomerang, 2017]. And in Grant and Gino's experiments on helping with a cover letter, more than double the share of people who had been thanked went on to help again[Harvard Gazette, 2013]. Neither is about hiring directly, but both say the same thing: thank people.
What are good closing paragraph examples?
In short
Direct: "I'm confident I can open your mid-market segment within my first months; I'd welcome an interview to show you how." Warm: "Thank you for reading this far. I'd love to help and would be glad to talk whenever suits you." Formal: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute."
| Tone | Sign-off | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Direct | Best regards | Sales, startups, most roles |
| Warm | Warm regards / All the best | Nonprofits, education, creative work |
| Formal | Sincerely / Yours sincerely | Law, government, finance, academia |
What should you avoid in a cover letter closing?
In short
Summarizing the whole letter again, sounding unsure ("I hope I might be considered"), demanding a reply by a date, and casual sign-offs. Also avoid ending on salary or availability unless the posting asks.
The closing is also a writing sample, and employers notice: written communication is one of the skills at least 70% of employers in NACE's Job Outlook 2025 survey said they look for[NACE, 2025]. Endings and openings work as a pair: a specific first line earns the reading, a clear last line earns the reply. Build both with the cover letter opening builder and this tool, or start from a complete draft in the free cover letter generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to end a cover letter?
With one sentence about what you would contribute, a clear request for a conversation, and a short thank-you. Then a simple sign-off such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely".
Should I say "I look forward to hearing from you"?
It is fine but passive. "I'd welcome a conversation about how I could help" asks for the next step more directly.
Which sign-off should I use on a cover letter?
"Sincerely" or "Yours sincerely" for formal letters, "Best regards" or "Kind regards" for most others. Avoid "Cheers", "Thx" and anything you would only use with friends.
Should I mention salary or availability in the closing?
Only if the posting asks for it. Otherwise save salary for the recruiter conversation.
Every letter ends with the right next step
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