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How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Closings not to use, how to sign a cover letter, set up an email signature, more cover letter writing tips.

Hugo Lin / The Balance

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your letter in as professional a manner as possible. End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature.

As with any job-related correspondence, it's best to opt for a more formal language and tone—a cover letter is no place for "XOXO," “Cheers,” or even a casual "take care" as a closer.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence, such as thank-you notes and/or emails to schedule interviews or pass along references.

• Sincerely yours
• Best regards
• With best regards
• Kind regards
• Yours truly
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully
• Respectfully yours
• Thank you for your consideration

A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it. Here are some letter closings that are fine to use when emailing or writing to a friend, but are not appropriate to use in a cover letter. 

• Affectionately
• Best wishes
• Eagerly waiting for a response
• Warm regards
• Warmest regards
• Take it easy
• Have a great day
• Have a nice day
• Yours faithfully
• Abbreviations (Thx or any other abbreviated word isn't appropriate)
• Any emoticon (no smiley faces)
• Sent from my phone (if your phone automatically includes it, you can remove it in the settings)

For a printed letter, follow the closing with a comma. Then, on a new line, put your name. Leave a space above your typed name for your written signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

If you're sending an email, you can add your contact information below your name. For example:

Best regards,

Your Name Your Email Address Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL

Whichever sign-off you choose, make sure always to capitalize its first letter.

To simplify, you can set up an email signature that includes your contact information.

An email signature will make it easy for correspondents to readily see how to get in touch and saves you the time of typing the information repeatedly.

Use a Professional Email Account

It’s a wise idea, when conducting a job search, to set up an email account (and accompanying address) dedicated. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t miss emails from potential employers who might be interested in interviewing you. It also will allow you to provide a professional-sounding email address on your resume and cover letter. This email address should be comprised simply of your name (examples: “John.T.Smith@gmail.com or marjoriejones@email.com).

Too often, job candidates use their personal email accounts to apply for jobs, often using “cute” email names such as “Crafty_catlady@yahoo.com” or OrcWarrior100@gmail.com.” This casual practice often raises hiring managers, eyebrows, raising red flags about whether a candidate is a serious, qualified applicant for the job to which they are applying.

It’s better to err on the side of safety and separate your professional and personal email accounts.

What To Include in Your Signature

In your signature, include your email address and phone number. You can add your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easy for your recipients to view your skills, accomplishments, educational background, and work history. Depending on your field, you may also want to include a link to your Twitter account; if you do so, make sure that your account is professional and appropriate for viewing by potential employers. 

Find out how to set up a professional email signature, including formatting style and links to help you save a signature in your preferred email program.

Cover letters, whether submitted through email or traditional mail channels, are always the first impression you provide a potential employer. Make sure that this impression is a good one by following the “best practices” outlined in these links so that your cover letter shines.

Having an appropriate close is just one of the many steps required to craft a winning cover letter.

Review how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, typical cover letter formats, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

How to Close a Cover Letter: 60 Examples of Strong Closing Statements

By Status.net Editorial Team on December 12, 2023 — 16 minutes to read

A strong cover letter closing is essential in making a great impression and reinforcing your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. It provides a final opportunity to emphasize your relevant skills, experiences, and personal attributes that make you an ideal candidate. A compelling closing also encourages the employer to take action, such as inviting you for an interview. Consider these examples:

• Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences in this exciting role.
• I am eager to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s goals and how I can contribute to your company’s growth.
• I am confident that my expertise in social media marketing makes me well-suited for this position, and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Positive Impact on Employers

Your cover letter closing is crucial, as it leaves a lasting impression on the employer and influences their perception of you as a candidate. A positive and engaging closing helps you stand out among other applicants and increases your chances of being selected for an interview. Here are a few key points that can create a positive impact:

• Express gratitude : Show appreciation for the time the employer has spent reading your cover letter, and thank them for considering your application.
• Be enthusiastic : Reiterate your excitement about the job opportunity and the prospect of joining their team.
• Include a call to action : Encourage further engagement, like scheduling an interview or discussing your qualifications in more detail.

For example:

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am highly enthusiastic about joining your team and discussing my potential contributions to your ongoing projects. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at your earliest convenience.

Crafting Your Final Paragraph

Summarizing your enthusiasm.

To leave a lasting impression, summarize your enthusiasm for the role in your closing paragraph. Highlight your excitement about the opportunity and express gratitude for the potential connection with the company. For instance:

I’m thrilled about the prospect of joining the (…) team and contributing my marketing skills to drive innovative campaigns. Thank you for considering my application.

Reaffirming Your Best Fit for the Role

Before signing off, reinforce why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. Briefly recap your relevant experience, skills, or accomplishments that set you apart. Be concise yet confident in your message. For example:

With my five years of experience in international sales and my proven ability to develop long-term client relationships, I am confident in my ability to excel as your next Sales Manager.

Choosing the Right Sign-Off

Professional sign-off options.

Selecting the appropriate closing for your cover letter can leave a lasting impression. Here are some professional sign-off options to consider:

• Sincerely : This classic sign-off is appropriate for most scenarios and conveys professionalism.
• Best regards : A versatile and slightly more casual option, ideal for a variety of industries.
• Kind regards : This friendly sign-off is suitable when you have developed a rapport with the receiver, like the hiring manager.

You can also try other options such as Yours truly , Respectfully , or Yours faithfully , depending on your preference and the nature of the job you are applying for.

Matching the Company Culture

Try to tailor your sign-off to match the company culture. Researching the company’s website, social media, or reviewing employee testimonials can help you get a better understanding of the company culture. For example:

• Innovative or creative industries : Feel free to express yourself with a casual yet professional closing, like Warm Regards or Cheers .
• Traditional or formal industries : Stick to more formal options such as Sincerely or Best Regards .

Incorporating a Call to Action

Proposing the next steps.

A well-crafted cover letter should inspire the reader to take the next step. This could include scheduling an interview, discussing your application further, or even simply reviewing your attached resume. To encourage this action, incorporate a call to action (CTA) at the end of your cover letter that guides the hiring manager.

Some examples of CTAs in the context of cover letters include:

• Schedule a meeting : “I’m excited about the opportunity to discuss my experiences and how they align with the [job title] position. Let’s set up a time to chat!”
• Ask for a callback : “I’d be thrilled to further discuss my application and the value I bring to the table. Give me a call at your earliest convenience to chat more.”
• Direct them to your portfolio : “I’d love to showcase my recent work, which you can find at [website link]. Let’s discuss how my skillset aligns with the [job title] role.”

Remember to tailor these examples to your specific application and the company to which you’re applying.

60 Examples of Strong Closing Statements For a Cover Letter

• 1. This position seems like a perfect match for my experience, passions, and career aspirations. I would love to bring my skills and expertise to your organization.
• 2. I am confident that I can make an immediate and positive impact if given the opportunity to join your team. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s success.
• 3. My background and capabilities align well with the responsibilities of this role. I am excited by the prospect of applying my experience to this position.
• 4. I am enthusiastic about the chance to join your organization. Please contact me to further discuss my qualifications and how I can add value.
• 5. I would welcome the opportunity to showcase my abilities and help drive growth and innovation through this position. I am eager to learn more.
• 6. With my skills and experience, I am prepared to excel in this role and hit the ground running. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 7. I am confident I would thrive in this position. I am eager to bring my skills, passion, and drive to your dynamic team.
• 8. I believe I am an excellent fit for this opportunity and am excited by the prospect of contributing my talents to your organization. I welcome the chance to speak with you further.
• 9. My experience aligns well with the responsibilities of this exciting role. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply my skills to benefit your organization.
• 10. I am excited by the chance to join your team. I look forward to further discussion.
• 11. I am confident that I possess the necessary qualifications for this role and would excel if given the opportunity.
• 12. With my background and passion, I am prepared to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact through this position. I would love to join your team.
• 13. I am eager to apply my expertise to help drive success and innovation for your organization. Please contact me to arrange a time to talk.
• 14. My experience has fully prepared me to excel in this role. I am excited by the prospect of bringing my skills to your dynamic organization.
• 15. I am enthusiastic about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to your company’s continued growth and innovation. I look forward to elaborating on my qualifications.
• 16. I am confident I can perform exceptionally well in this position. I am excited by the prospect of joining your team and organization.
• 17. With my proven track record, I am prepared to dive in and deliver results through this role. I would be thrilled to join your organization.
• 18. I am eager to join an organization where I can utilize my expertise to create meaningful impact. This role seems like an excellent fit.
• 19. I am excited by the prospect of joining your innovative company. My skills would enable me to contribute to your team’s success right away.
• 20. I am confident my background makes me a competitive applicant for this opportunity. I am excited to further discuss my qualifications with you.
• 21. With my experience and passion, I know I would thrive in this position. I hope to have the chance to join your talented team.
• 22. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my skills and experience to your dynamic organization.
• 23. I am eager to apply my expertise to help drive innovation and success in this role. I would be thrilled to join your team.
• 24. I am confident my abilities make me a strong candidate for this opportunity. I am excited by the chance to contribute to your company’s growth.
• 25. I believe I possess the necessary skills, experience, and drive to excel in this position.
• 26. With my background, I am prepared to dive in, roll up my sleeves, and immediately begin adding value in this role. I am excited by this opportunity.
• 27. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I am confident my experience would allow me to thrive in this position.
• 28. I would welcome the opportunity to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team in this role. Please contact me to further discuss my qualifications.
• 29. I am excited by the chance to apply my skills and experience to help drive innovation and success for your company. I hope to speak with you soon.
• 30. I am eager to bring passion, expertise, and a strong work ethic to this position. I am confident I would excel on your team. I look forward to further discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s success.
• 31. I am confident that I have the necessary qualifications to excel in this role, and I am excited by the prospect of contributing my skills to your organization. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.
• 32. With my experience and capabilities, I know I would be a great asset to your team through this position. I am eager to bring my passion and expertise to your dynamic organization.
• 33. I am enthusiastic about the chance to apply my background in a way that drives meaningful impact and innovation. This role seems like an ideal fit for my skills.
• 34. I am eager to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team to deliver exceptional results.
• 35. I am prepared to hit the ground running and make immediate contributions in this role. My experience aligns well with the responsibilities, and I am excited by the prospect of joining your company.
• 36. I am confident that I possess the ideal qualifications for this opportunity. I would love to join your organization and contribute my skills to help drive future success.
• 37. With my proven track record and expertise, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin adding value through this position. I am excited by this opportunity and welcome further discussion.
• 38. My background and capabilities make me confident that I can perform exceptionally well in this role.
• 39. I am eager to apply my skills in a high-impact position with a respected organization like yours. I am confident I would thrive on your team. Please contact me to arrange a meeting.
• 40. I believe this role is an excellent match for my qualifications. I am excited by the opportunity to contribute my experience and talents to your innovative company.
• 41. I am confident that my background has prepared me well to excel in this position. I would be thrilled to join your talented team and organization.
• 42. With my passion, expertise, and proven ability to deliver results, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin driving value through this role. I am excited by this opportunity and look forward to further discussion.
• 43. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my skills in a challenging and rewarding position at your respected company. I am eager to learn more about this opportunity.
• 44. I am excited by the chance to join your dynamic team. My experience has fully prepared me to thrive in this position and help drive your organization’s continued success.
• 45. I am confident I possess the ideal qualifications for this opportunity. I would welcome the chance to join your team and contribute to future growth and innovation.
• 46. With my background and capabilities, I am prepared to excel in this role. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my experience to benefit your organization. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 47. I am eager to utilize my expertise. Please contact me to arrange a meeting to discuss my qualifications.
• 48. I am excited by the prospect of joining your team. I am confident my skills and experience make me a competitive applicant for this opportunity. I look forward to further discussion.
• 49. This role seems like an excellent match for my background. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s success and future growth.
• 50. I am confident I possess the necessary experience and qualifications to excel in this position. I would be thrilled to join your talented team. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 51. I am excited by this opportunity and welcome the chance to further discuss my qualifications.
• 52. I am eager to apply my expertise in a challenging role that enables me to create meaningful impact. I am confident I would thrive in this position on your team.
• 53. I believe I am an excellent fit for this opportunity. I would be honored to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team. I look forward to further discussion.
• 54. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing my experience to help drive innovation and continued success. I am excited by this opportunity and confident in my ability to excel.
• 55. Thank you for reviewing my application. I am eager to bring my background and capabilities to this exciting role on your team. I am confident I can perform exceptionally well if given the opportunity. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 56. With my proven skills and expertise aligned with this position’s responsibilities, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin adding value to your organization.
• 57. I am confident that my experience, capabilities and passion for excellence would allow me to thrive in this role. I would welcome the opportunity to join your respected organization and am eager to further discuss my qualifications.
• 58. I am excited by the prospect of utilizing my background to help drive innovation and success in this position. I am confident in my ability to excel on your team and look forward to learning more.
• 59. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this opportunity. I am enthusiastic about applying my experience to contribute to the continued growth and success of your esteemed organization.
• 60. With my proven track record and expertise, I know I would thrive in this role. I am eager to bring my skills and passion to your dynamic team. Thank you for your consideration – I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

When choosing a closing statement, make sure it matches the overall tone of your cover letter and reflects your personality. Also, take into consideration the company culture and position you’re applying for.

Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings

Formal closings.

• Respectfully,
• Yours faithfully,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Yours sincerely,
• Yours truly,

Semi-Formal Closings

• Warm regards,
• Best wishes,
• With appreciation,
• Looking forward to your response,
• Yours in professional success,
• Many thanks,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Eager for the opportunity to connect,

Casual Closings

• Have a great day,
• All the best,
• Thanks so much,
• Excited to chat soon,
• Grateful for your time.

Polishing Your Cover Letter Ending

Proofreading for errors.

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-proofread cover letter. Before sending it off, give it a thorough read-through, and look closely for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Consider using a grammar tool to help catch mistakes you might have missed. Also, ask a friend, family member, or even a professional to review your cover letter. Their fresh perspective can provide valuable insights and catch anything you might have overlooked.

Ensuring Consistency with Your Resume

To make your application seamless, double-check your cover letter and resume to ensure consistency. Pay special attention to details such as job titles, dates, and company names, as inconsistencies can raise concerns from potential employers. It’s also a good idea to match the formatting and fonts across both documents to give your application a polished and cohesive look. Make sure the skills and experiences you highlight in your cover letter are complementary to those mentioned in your resume, so they work together to make a strong case for your candidacy.

Sending Your Cover Letter

Email versus hard copy.

When sending your cover letter, you’ll usually have two options: email or hard copy. Each has its benefits and considerations:

• More convenient and faster
• Allows for easy tracking and organization
• Often preferred by employers
• Be sure to use professional language and an appropriate subject line
• Formal option, which may be required for certain industries or applications
• Neatly print and sign your cover letter
• Use quality paper and a matching envelope

It’s crucial to consider the preferences of the employer when deciding which method to use. If they haven’t specified a preference, feel free to choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

Following Submission Guidelines

No matter how well-written your cover letter is, failing to follow submission guidelines can hurt your chances of being considered for the position. Pay close attention to these key details when preparing your cover letter:

• Deadline: Be punctual in submitting your application – submit on time or even earlier.
• Formatting requirements: Follow any formatting requirements mentioned explicitly, such as font type, font size, and margins.
• File format: Save and send your cover letter in the requested file format, like PDF or Word Document (.docx).
• Contact information: Don’t forget to include your up-to-date contact information, such as your email address and phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strong closing statements for a cover letter that stand out to employers.

A strong closing statement should reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and demonstrate your confidence in your qualifications. Here are some examples:

• “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team and look forward to discussing my qualifications further.”
• “Thank you for considering my application. I believe my expertise aligns well with the role, and I am eager to contribute to the success of your organization.”
• “I’m confident that my skills make me an ideal candidate for the position, and I’m eager to discuss how I can add value to your company.”

What’s the best way to format the closing section of my cover letter?

To format the closing section of your cover letter, you should:

• Leave a space between the last paragraph and your closing.
• Use a closing phrase like “Sincerely” or “Kind regards.”
• Add your full name and contact information, such as email address and phone number.
• If applicable, include any relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.
• Leave a space between your closing phrase and your name so you can add a digital or printed signature.

Should I use ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ to finish off my cover letter?

Both ‘Kind regards’ and ‘Yours sincerely’ are acceptable and professional ways to end a cover letter. You can choose which one you feel most comfortable with or suits your individual style. In general, ‘Kind regards’ is a safe and widely used option, while ‘Yours sincerely’ is considered a bit more formal.

How can you make a cover letter feel personal and engaging without being too casual?

To make your cover letter personal and engaging, try these tips:

• Address the recipient by name, if possible, to create a connection.
• Start your cover letter by mentioning a specific detail about the company or role to show you’ve done your research.
• Share anecdotes from your experience that directly relate to the requirements of the job and showcase your unique qualities.
• Focus on the value you can bring to the company, rather than just listing your qualifications.
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07 about endings and avoiding sincerely.

• All best wishes,
• Best wishes for your future,
• With confidence,
• Just to keep in touch with you,
• More shortly,
• Warmest greetings to all, or
• Yours always.

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Brilliant Cover Letter Examples: How to Write Guide

8 Minutes read

“Why, a cover letter? My resume will speak for itself!” may be the thought running through your mind right now. 

Well, the best way to help you understand the vital role played by a great cover letter, in ensuring your resume actually gets an opportunity to speak for itself, is through an analogy.

Picture this: It is the festive season and gifts from friends and acquaintances have started pouring in. While opening these gifts, which are the ones that you would automatically reach out for first? 

The ones which have personal handwritten notes, right! 

Well, that is exactly the role played by a cover letter.

Amidst the hundreds of resumes which are received by the hiring manager of an organization, a personally addressed cover letter is just what might make the difference between your resume getting to the ‘To be Read’ pile rather than being rejected outright.

Here we will take you through the entire process of writing a cover letter with examples; starting with understanding exactly what a cover letter is, right up to creating a brilliant cover letter.

What is a Cover Letter?

A ‘Cover Letter’ in the simplest terms, is a one-page letter which is sent along with any document (in this case, your resume), in order to explain its contents. 

A cover letter, also known as an application letter, is a document that you send together with your resume to provide additional information about your relevant abilities and experiences. 

It normally consists of three to four paragraphs that emphasize your relevant abilities, expertise, and accomplishments.

Because resumes are condensed fact sheets, submitting a cover letter with your resume can help hiring managers understand more about you, your accomplishments, and how you can benefit their organisation. 

Employers frequently utilise cover letters to screen job candidates prior to moving on with the recruiting process.

Importance of Cover Letter

A cover letter is vital since it expands on the information in your resume and serves as the hiring manager's initial impression of you. Employers use cover letters to whittle down the applicant pool and choose the applicants for an interview. 

Some positions demand a cover letter, while others do not, to determine whether candidates will make the extra effort.

Cover Letter Format for Job Applications

When it comes to job applications, the correct cover letter format should contain the following 6 mandatory segments:

Personal Details – Personal Details in your cover letter will contain your name, email id etc.

Addressee – Addressee in the cover letter will include the name and designation of the person who is the hiring manager/in-charge, for the role you are applying for.

Opening Paragraph -    Opening Paragraph in cover letter is a couple of lines to catch the attention of the hiring manager and make them want to read more. 

Main Body – Main Body in the cover letter should be c onvincing the hiring manager that, you are the right person for the job.

Closing CTA (Call To Action) – Call CTA (Call To Action) in a cover letter is a closing paragraph which should be a call to action like asking for an opportunity to be interviewed.

Formal Salutation – Formal Salutation in the cover letter is the words like pointed out in the Example: Sincerely, sincerely yours, Yours sincerely or Yours truly.

Using this correct format in cover letter will certainly make your resume good enough to cross the first hurdle and get on to that ‘To be Read’ pile, we mentioned. However, in that very same pile, will be a long line of other applicants (around 40%), having cover letters following the very same, correct format! 

You most certainly do not want to be stuck in this generic pile, indefinitely. The sooner your cover letter catches the attention of the hiring manager, the better your chances of impressing them and ensuring you get that interview call. 

For this your cover letter needs to be better than good, it needs to be brilliant! 

The AIDA Technique Of Cover Letter

Now, this is where the popular marketing model AIDA comes into play. An acronym for:

A – Attention

I – Interest

It is the perfect tool to ensure your cover letter grabs the attention of the hiring manager. Once you have their attention, you then work to impress them with your credentials and professional accomplishments. 

As they keep reading more about you, the desire to hire you increases and converts into an interview call.

Let us now take a relook at the cover letter format and see how incorporating the AIDA technique into it gives you a winning combination. 

Relevant Personal Details Within Cover Letter

There are certain details like your name, email, LinkedIn profile and maybe even links which showcase your work, which should go on the cover letter. Adding your photo, hobbies, legal declaration etc in cover letter is a big no-no. 

Correct and Incorrect Examples of Cover Letter:

Now comes the part where you get the ‘Attention’ of the hiring manager.

Cover Letter: The Right Way of Addressing

While salutations like ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To Whomsoever it may Concern’ were the norm before the onslaught of social media networking, it does not hold good now. 

In the current scenario, it is far better to address the hiring manager by name, for not only does it ensure that their attention is grabbed at the very onset, but also goes to show that you have gone the extra mile, by reading up all about the organization and the advertised position. 

To get the hiring manager’s name you can either look up the job posting details on the company website/LinkedIn careers or even use your friends/colleagues network to access the information.  

Correct and Incorrect Examples in a Cover Letter:

Grabbing Attention via the Opening Paragraph

To generate interest in you as a potential candidate, you would first need to show the hiring manager, how interested you are in joining the organization. So go ahead and personalize your opening paragraph of your cover letter, by:

Strategically incorporating keywords from the organization’s mission statement (which will be readily available online)

Showing that you have the core skill required for the advertised position.

Simultaneously highlighting how your core skill will be in keeping with the organization’s mission.   

Let us go through a cover letter example, to help you better understand this process.

This is the mission statement of ‘Aflac – An American insurance company’. 

 Here the keywords in the above cover letter are:

Strategic Marketing, Quality Products, Quality Services, Competitive Prices, Best Insurance Value, Consumers 

Now imagine you are applying for the post of Customer Service Representative, in this company. For you the relevant keywords to be added in this cover letter would be ‘Quality services’ and ‘Best insurance value’. 

So, let us look at an opening paragraph in the cover letter, which will incorporate the two aspects, namely these keywords and your core skill:

Here in the above cover letter, you are indicating how your core skill, namely ‘Top-notch customer communication’ will definitely ensure that the company delivers on its mission of providing ‘Quality services’ and the ‘Best insurance value’. Now, what better way, to catch the interest of the hiring manager! You are off to a good start.

Now that you have got the hiring manager interested in reading more about you, here comes the part, where you invoke the desire to hire you.

Establishing Interest via the Main Body:

Here you need to convince the hiring manager that you are the right candidate for the advertised job. To do this:

First check the job description and find out the top 3 skills required by you for this job

For each skill give proof from your past work experience or academic qualifications

Closing CTA (Call To Action) In Cover Letter

End the cover letter by asking for an opportunity to be interviewed. An example of the appropriate closing statement to be used is given below, a couple of outdated closing examples are also provided.

Correct and Incorrect Examples CTA in Cover Letter:

Including the final salutation, these are the mandatory segments your cover letter should have. However there is one additional segment you will need to add, and that is when there has been a gap in your career.  

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

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A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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"Yours sincerely", "Yours faithfully," and "Yours truly"

When to use "yours sincerely", "yours faithfully," and "yours truly".

The Quick Answer

• If you know the recipient or use their name, end your letter with 'Sincerely yours' (US) or 'Yours sincerely' (UK).
• If you don't know the recipient or don't use their name, end your letter 'Yours truly' (US) or 'Yours faithfully' (UK).

Starting and Ending Letters

"Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"?

Use "yours faithfully" ( ) or "yours truly" ( ) for unknown recipients.

Use "Yours sincerely" ( ) or "Sincerely yours" ( ) for Known Recipients

With "yours sincerely" and "yours faithfully" give only the first word a capital letter.

Follow "Yours sincerely" and "Yours faithfully" with a Comma

Write the salutation, postamble, and your name by hand, top tip: don't use "s" twice.

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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How to Close a Letter in American English

How many times have you spent considerable thought and effort writing a letter, only to reach the closing and then wonder how you should end it? And does it really matter whether you choose "sincerely" or "best" or "thanks" to close out your message?

While much of letter closing choices are based on personal style and attitude, there are slight differences in how different letter endings come across to the recipient of your writing. For this post, we'll discuss several common letter closings, more formally known as a valediction from the Latin vale dicere , which means "to say farewell." We will also discuss the situations for which each are best used, the connotations each might bring, and how to choose which one fits your overall intent or is complimentary with the letter you've written.

Sources we've used

Keep in mind that as with much of the advice you'll read online, ours might differ from that of another source. However, since it is important in business or formal communication to follow best practices set by respected organizations, we have used two American authorities— Barron's Educational Series and American Management Association —as our primary sources.

Closings for formal and business correspondence

Yours truly,.

According to Barron's, this is a formal closing and AMACOM states that this should be used when there is no personal connection between writer and recipient. Another version of this you'll see often is "Very truly yours," which again denotes a lack of personal connection between the writer and recipient of the letter. Despite the seemingly intimate associations with this phrase, it is very commonly used in business communication as a formal closing, whether you know the recipient intimately or not.

Respectfully yours,

Barron's also lists this as a formal closing and AMACOM suggests that it should be used when the letter is sent to someone either with acknowledged authority or when great formality should be used. Again, as with "Yours truly," this is a commonly used closing that connotes formality and can be used with formal business communication that is written to associates—whether they are typically on your contact list, or not.

Sincerely (yours),

Often shortened to just "Sincerely," Barron's suggests that this is a less formal closing while AMACOM states that it should be used when there is both a personal and business relationship between the writer and recipient. In general, this is a commonly used closing in American business correspondence that covers both well-known associates and those who are not well known. It is also a great choice for letters such as cover letters for a job posting, introductory letters for academic admission, or complaint letters in which the sender wishes to close with a conciliatory yet polite tone.

Cordially (yours),

Often shortened to just "Cordially," Barron's lists this as another less formal closing while AMACOM takes issue with "Cordially yours," stating that it is often used but incorrect.

So, in essence, consider this a great choice for closing business communication as long as the "yours" is not added. It works for both well-known acquaintances (in business) as well as recipients who are not regularly on your contact list. It is considered to be "proper" in both situations.

Regards, Personal regards, Kindest regards,

AMACOM doesn't list either of these choices in its preferred business letter closings, but Barron's lists them as potential personal closings. What this means is that if you plan to use them as business communication closings, or closings of letters written as cover letters or letters to admissions committees, they are acceptable yet slightly less formal than "Sincerely" or any of the versions of "Sincerely" (such as "Sincerely yours,").

This closing is an example of using your own attitude and personality to determine which closing to use in a letter.

Best, Best regards,

While not as formal as closings like "sincerely," "best" is a polite, semi-formal letter ending that could work in both a business context and when writing to acquaintances or friends. It is a polite way to let your letter's recipient know that you wish the best for them. "Best regards" makes the closing a bit more formal if you feel that "Best" is not quite formal enough for the situation.

While not overly formal or overly informal, "Thanks" is a closing that works well for business letters across the board—whether you are writing to someone not on your contact list, or to an acquaintance or peer within your organization. However, compared to how the other closings we've listed "sound" to the recipient, "Thanks" can fall a little flat or seem abrupt. To avoid this, choose "Best regards" or "Sincerely".

You should also hesitate to use "Thanks" if you've made a request in your letter, and rather choose "Thanks for your time," since the former assumes that the request will be granted, and the task will be accepted. Again, as with all the letter closings we have mentioned in this article, choose the best considering the type of relationship you have with the recipient and how formal or informal you want the letter to be.

Informal closings

Your friend,.

Obviously, this is not the best closing to choose for a formal business letter or cover letter. "Your friend," should be reserved for letters written to friends, as the closing implies. Putting this closing at the end of a letter to someone who is not your close friend will seem overly informal and assumptive.

While "Cheers," or "Cheers!" might be a light-hearted and casual way to end a letter in British English, for American English, make sure that you only use it for close friends or business associates that you know on a deeply personal basis. The primary reason for this is it is an expression used in relation to alcohol, or imbibing alcoholic drinks, so it can be interpreted as too informal by many American business associates unless you know them on an informal basis.

As with "Your friend," ensure that any time you use this closing, you are only doing so in a letter that is written to someone with whom you have an intimate and familiar relationship. Using this closing in a business letter or letter written to anyone else will be off-putting and potentially offensive to your reader. Therefore, ensure that you reserve this closing for only the most intimate recipient to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

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Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of the letter. Consider using the same format as your resume. Your name and contact information can be placed at the left margin, the center or the right margin. A NOTE ABOUT YOUR ADDRESS: If you are applying in St. Louis, use your school address. If you are applying in your hometown, include both your school and home address to show the connection.

The address block should be left justified and include a contact name, if possible.

Do not use first names. Do not use Miss or Mrs. The salutation should be followed by a colon, not a comma.

In this paragraph: \(1\) identify your class year and school; \(2\) mention any geographic ties to the area; and \(3\) include information about why you are interested in the specific employer. If you are applying to multiple offices, indicate that here. For example: "In addition to your Washington, D.C. office, I am also applying to your Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York offices."

The second paragraph \(and if applicable, the third\) is an opportunity for you to market yourself. Do not regurgitate your resume. Talk about the skills and abilities you possess and back it up with examples from your prior work experience and academic studies. If you do not have prior work experience, look to your extracurricular activities to convey your skills. The skills you reference can be legal in nature and/or general \(e.g., research and writing, attention to detail, communication, diligence, work ethic\). If you are a 2L, you should lead with your legal experience - both your 1L summer position and your law school performance.

The last paragraph should thank the employer and provide for future contact. For example, if you are direct applying in a city where you are not located for the summer, if possible, offer a date you will be in town for a potential meeting. Alternatively, simply state "Please feel free to contact me at the phone number listed above." If you are direct applying and applying through OCI, state that here or in the first paragraph.

Use standard business closings, such as Sincerely, Truly, Regards, and Respectfully. The signature block can be centered, left justified or closer to the right margin.

If you are enclosing only your resume, use "Encl." If you are enclosing more than one other document \(e.g., resume and transcript\), use "Encls."

The date can be centered or left justified and should be placed above the employer's address block.

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Effective Business Letters

The old-fashioned personal business letter—written on pristine, high-quality paper, sealed in an envelope, and delivered by post or by hand—remains the single most impressive written ambassador for your company.

A letter has a dignity that cannot be equaled by electronic mail. E-mail has a spontaneous, off-the-cuff quality akin to a phone call. A letter, by contrast, says that someone has planned, written, edited and typed their message. In other words, the sender has expended time—that most precious commodity—to communicate with the recipient.

It's a shame, then, that so many businesspeople regard writing business letters as a chore. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you aim for accuracy, clarity, and coherence, and follow the basic rules of form and grammar, you can master the craft of writing business letters.

Business Letter Format

The format of a standard business letter includes these parts:

This consists of the month, day, and year. The month is spelled out in full, and all numbers are written as numerals (January 1, 2010, not Jan. 1 or January 1st). The date is typed two to six lines below the letterhead, usually on the right side of the page, although flush-left and centered datelines are also perfectly acceptable.

Reference Line

Some letters require specific reference to file, account, invoice, order, or policy numbers. These references are usually typed below the dateline, but they may also be centered on the page. When the letter runs longer than one page, the reference line is repeated on each subsequent sheet.

Special Notations

When necessary, letters may include notation of the means of delivery ("Certified Mail" or "Registered Mail") or on-arrival instructions, such as "Personal" (to be opened and read by the addressee only) or "Confidential" (for the addressee or other authorized personnel). These lines are typed in all capital letters and placed flush left, four or five spaces below the dateline, and two lines above the inside address. On-arrival notations are also printed in capital letters on the face side of the envelope. 

Inside Address of the Recipient

The inside address is usually typed three to eight lines below the dateline. When a letter is addressed to an individual, the inside address includes the following:

• Addressee's courtesy title and full name. When writing to a woman who you don't know, you address her as "Ms." For unisex names like Pat, Jan, Leslie, Alex, Hillary, and Lynn, however, a phone inquiry to the recipient's firm to confirm his or her gender will save potential embarrassment. Names from other cultures can pose the same problem. If you cannot discover the sex of the person, drop the courtesy title in the address and salutation: "Jan White"; "Dear Jan White". It's awkward, but better than risking an unintended insult. For physicians, either "Dr. Smith" or "Jane Smith, M.D." is acceptable; and for academics, "Dr. Smith" or "Jane Smith, Ph.D." are correct.
• Addressee's business title, when required. When an individual holds more than one position in a company, your decision to use all titles or just one will depend on the purpose of the letter and the recipient's preference. Do not substitute a business title for a courtesy title, however. Address your letter to "Mr. Richard Lambert, President, Alpha Company," not "President Richard Lambert."
• Name of the business. It is equally important to write the name of the company or organization exactly. Look for details: Is "Company," "Corporation," or "Incorporated" spelled out or abbreviated? Does the company name include commas, hyphens, periods, or ampersands? Are words run together? Which letters are capitalized? Find out by checking the firm's website, letterhead, corporate publications, or a phone book.
• Full name of the company, firm, or organization
• Department name, if necessary
• Full address
• To the attention of. If you are writing a company or company department, you may also want to include an attention line that directs your letter to a specific individual ("Attention: Mr. Benjamin Hayes" or "Attention: Director of Health Benefits"). The attention line is placed two spaces below the address and two lines above the salutation. The salutation itself is directed to the company or department.

Your salutation is your greeting. In most cases, it is a simple "Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Dr. _____:", followed by a colon. It is the standard to salute a person in a business letter with the same name form you use in person; so use a person's first name only when you know the addressee well or have agreed to correspond on a first-name basis. If in doubt, start with a formal address and wait to be invited to use a first name.

What to write when you are addressing a company rather than an identifiable person? The old-fashioned "Gentlemen" is obviously unacceptable unless the organization includes no women. "Sir and Madam" and "Ladies and Gentlemen" sound stilted. "To whom it may concern" is acceptable but rather formal and cliched. The best solution is probably to address the company ("Dear Blue Sky Investments") or department ("Dear Investor Relations") or to direct your salutation to a specific position ("Dear Human Resources Director","Dear Sales Representative").

Whether your letter consists of a single paragraph or several, the chief rule here is brevity. Business letters should never go beyond one page unless absolutely necessary. The trick is to be concise and to the point, while thoroughly covering the topic.

When ending your message, stay friendly and brief. If you know the recipient, it's fine to end on a personal note: "I enjoyed seeing you at the trade show and hope your trip home was pleasant." Even if you don't know the person, your closing can be friendly and helpful: "I look forward to talking with you soon." or, "Please call me directly at 555-1212 if you need additional copies of the report." It is always polite to say thank you for a service or attention. Do not, however, thank someone for something they have not yet done: "Thank you in advance" is presumptuous.

Complimentary close

A complimentary close is used on most letters, typed two lines before the last line of your message and usually positioned flush left on the page. In most business letters, you want to end on a friendly but not too familiar note. Use variations of "truly" ("Yours truly," "Yours very truly," "Very truly yours") or "sincerely" ("Most sincerely" "Very sincerely," "Sincerely yours," "Sincerely"). "Cordially" and its variations are proper closings for general business letters, especially when the writer and recipient know each other. If you are on a first-name basis with your addressee, informal closings are appropriate ("As ever," "Best wishes," "Regards," Kindest regards," "Kindest personal regards"). Closings such as "Respectfully and "Respectfully yours" indicate not only respect but also subservience; they're mostly used in diplomatic and ecclesiastical writing, not business letters.

Your handwritten signature will appear below the complimentary close, followed by the typed signature. Your business title and company name may be needed, but don't repeat information that already appears in the corporate letterhead. Your name is typed just as in your handwritten signature. A courtesy title "Ms.","Mrs.", and, less commonly, "Miss,"may be added to indicate the writer's preference. Academic degrees (Ph.D., LL.D.) and professional ratings (CPA) may also be included in the typed signature. If more than one writer is signing a letter, the written and typed signature blocks can be placed either side by side or stacked vertically.

Final Notations

If your letter is typed by someone else, the typist's initials may be included two lines below the signature block. Once standard in business letters, the use of initials is now a matter of corporate style.

When you are enclosing materials with your letter, the notation "Enclosure," "Enc.," or "Encl.", sometimes with an indication of the number of enclosed pieces—"Enclosures (2)"—is typed below the signature block. The notation "Separate mailing" or "Under separate cover" followed by the name of the piece or pieces ("Separate mailing: 2004 Annual Report") appears when materials are being sent separately.

Courtesy copies—notated as "cc:" or "Copies to"—indicate that your letter is to be distributed to other people. The names of these recipients are listed alphabetically, and you may also include their addresses if this will be helpful to your recipient.

A postscript, or P.S., can be added below the last notation and should be initialed by the letter writer. Postscripts are a common tactic in contemporary direct-mail advertising, as if the writer had one last brilliant reason for you to buy the product. With word processing, however, P.S.'s are rarely necessary and may signal to the reader that you did a poor job of organizing your thoughts if you left important information out of the body of your letter.

For information on Emily Post Business Etiquette Programs contact Renee DeBell at [email protected] .

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How to End an Email

With business communication evolving into shorter, quicker messages, people wonder about long-standing formalities like complimentary closes (for example, Sincerely and Best wishes ). Do we still use them? If so, which ones belong where? Here are answers to frequently asked questions about complimentary closes for letters, notes, emails, and texts.

Question: Aren’t Sincerely  and  Best wishes  actually salutations? 

Answer:  No, salutations are greetings. They come at the beginning of the message. Endings for messages are called “complimentary closings” or “complimentary closes”–or sometimes just “closes.”

Maybe the expression “Greetings and salutations” made people think that those are two different things, but they aren’t. They both start a message.

When do I need to include a complimentary close?

Business letters. Closes are standard in business letters, so you need to use them there.  One style of letter, the simplified style, leaves out both the greeting and the close. But most writers don’t follow that style.

Notes. At the end of a handwritten message such as a thank-you note or a condolence message, include a closing.

Email used as a letter. You also need to include a close when you use email like a business letter–that is, as a professional communication to customers, clients, and others outside  your company.

Internal company emails. Normally you don’t need a close in emails within your organization, but you may want to end with one, especially if you are writing to someone you don’t know or don’t regularly email. Also, some closings help you end on a friendly note.

Texts. As with emails, if you use texts to communicate with customers and clients, you may want to include a closing to come across as polite and professional. Otherwise, you don’t need them.

What are acceptable closes these days?  

Many complimentary closes are right for a variety of communications. For letters and notes, these are acceptable, listed in order generally from formal to warm and friendly:

Letters and Notes

Very truly yours, Respectfully, Yours truly, Sincerely yours, Sincerely, Best regards, Kind regards, With thanks, Best wishes, With thanks and best wishes, Cordially, Warm wishes, Warm regards, Warmly,

Sympathy Cards and Notes

In deepest sympathy, With sympathy, With our condolences, Very sincerely, Wishing you peace, Sincere regards,

Emails If you use email to clients and others the way you would use a business letter, choose from the closes above for letters. For less formal emails, try any of these:

Best, Regards, All the best, All best, Cheers, Ciao,

Thanks works especially well in a closing sentence such as “Thanks for your help” or “Thanks again for your interest.” By itself, it may seem incomplete as a complimentary close, but many people use it.

Texts Texts do not need complimentary closes. But you may wish to use a close if it is to a client, customer, professor, or another individual whose professional relationship you value. Do not use abbreviated closes such as KR or BW, which make readers do the work (Kind regards, Best wishes). Consider these brief closes:

Best, All best, Cheers,

If two people will sign a letter, should I include two complimentary closes? 

No, even with two people signing, use just one complimentary close. As shown below, you can type the names side by side or one above the other. Of course, the individuals sign above their names.

In my first email to a potential customer, I use Sincerely . In my subsequent emails should I continue to use it? How do I know when to switch the level of formality to a friendlier close? 

Change to a friendlier close when you have had friendly interactions with the individual. For example, if you have a phone conversation that helps you get to know someone or if you exchange emails that build your rapport, you can move from Sincerely  to Best wishes, Best, or All the best.  Also, pay attention to how the other person signs off and consider matching that tone.

In my inbox today, I have emails from customers, clients, colleagues, and vendors that close with Sincerely, Thanks, Thank you, Best regards,  Thanks and regards, Best, Kind regards, and no close. The people I know best among these ended their emails with Thanks, Sincerely, and no close.

I have seen closings with all the important words capitalized, for example, Best Wishes and Sincerely Yours . Is capitalizing the second word optional?

Capitalizing the second and subsequent words is wrong. Only when one of those words is a proper noun should it be capitalized. Examples:

Best wishes for a happy Christmas, Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Does a comma always follow a complimentary closing?

Most professionals in the United States and Canada use a comma after the complimentary close.  In other parts of the world, many people use no punctuation after the close. (They also use no punctuation after the salutation.) The use of no punctuation after the greeting and close is called “open punctuation.”

If you choose to close with a special phrase such as Happy new year or  Have a wonderful trip,  you can follow it with an exclamation point.

In a very serious message in which I don’t want to come across as friendly, can I leave out the complimentary close? 

Even in a serious message, it’s smart to be polite and professional. With a message such as a debt-collection letter or a job-performance warning, you can use a professional, formal close:

Respectfully, Very truly yours, Sincere regards, Regards,

Are there any closes to avoid? 

Avoid any overly mushy closes. For example, do not use Your loving student even if you have a close relationship with your professor. It’s just not appropriate. Some women who are close business friends use  XO.  It’s a very friendly close, but people who use it run the risk of being misunderstood, especially if other people receive copies of their correspondence.

Also avoid nonstandard closes. One that comes to mind is  Kindly.  Does it mean that the writer is writing kindly? A better, similar choice is  Kind regards. 

What a thoughtful comment and question! You have made me think more about my “Kindly” aversion. I’m glad to do that.

There are several things I object to about “Kindly.” In no particular order, here they are:

–“Kindly” echoes for me the sharp-tone uses I remember, either from my life or from the arts: “Would you kindly remove your wet umbrella from the doorknob?” and “Would you kindly stop calling me?”

–“Kindly” feels off to me. If I am the writer, am I writing to you kindly–that is, gently, pleasantly, agreeably? I appreciate that you want to express your kindness and respect. Respect works for me, but the kindness part doesn’t sit right–for me. “Sincerely” makes sense because one writes sincerely. “Cordially” and “Warmly” and the rest seem right because they suggest a feeling. For some reason “Kindly” doesn’t do that for me, perhaps because it is not part of my normal vocabulary. Maybe I should find ways to work it in more, as in “He kindly let me into the conference room early.”

–It’s uncommon. It doesn’t appear in any of my three go-to style guides that include complimentary closes: “Emily Post’s Etiquette,” Robert Hickey’s “Honor and Respect,” and “The Gregg Reference Manual.” I realize that fresh language is a good thing. But “Kindly” feels odd. The famous coach and educator Marshall Goldsmith ends all his messages “Life is good.” (Or at least he used to.) THAT’S an uncommon close, and you wouldn’t want to use it for your purposes at work, but it’s the kind of uncommon that strikes me as fitting.

For your messages, what do you think of “All the best”? Or even the closing sentence “Thanks so much”?

I’m happy to keep thinking about this question.

Very interesting post. In my previous job, I often used “Have a wonderful day!” as email closing, in part because my messages were usually “stand alone”, meaning there were not a lot of back-and-forth exchanges, and also because my tone was usually somewhat informal.

In my current job, my emails are frequently part of a chain discussion in which I am asking for something (documentation, information, signatures, etc.), and there is a lot of back-and-forth, so wishing a wonderful day each time seemed misplaced. I consider my boss to be a great writer, and she uses “Kindly,” as closing, so I followed suit.

I was curious to see “kindly” as your main example of closings to avoid. I do mean to express that I am writing with kindness and respect, and I am trying to not sound demanding. I do not love “kind regards”.

I am curious about your thoughts in this situation. Can you elaborate as to why “kindly” should be avoided?

Thank you! (I want to write “Kindly,”, so now I am stuck)

Good work, Patty! You have already changed.

I’m with you on using “cordial” after dinner.

It’s always good to hear from you, George. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

I agree about “Regards.” Very cold.

Thank you for elaborating. I really like “cordially”, and I think you are right – it does a better job of describing the feeling I am trying to express. I am making the change immediately. I will aspire to one day find my own unique but fitting closing.

As a side note, I may have felt comfortable using “kindly” because I use the word “kind” a lot. The only time I use the word “cordial”, is after dinner.

Cordially, Patty

Lynn, thanks for starting this discussion.

I reserve “All the best” for friends. I close almost all business emails with “Best regards”. Otherwise I would have to remember how I close emails to each person. “Kind regards” is slightly too friendly for me, even for people I know. “Warm regards” is way too friendly. “Regards” seems cold.

But none of these closings bother me in emails I receive.

I like the no-closing option for public blog comments like this. Thanks for saying it’s okay!

Roderick, thanks so much for your comment. You are right. I have corrected the title.

Hi! 🙂 This is very useful information! Thank you sharing this helpful article with us. One tiny thought if I may about “FAQs” in the title. The letter “Q” already stands for “Questions” so perhaps the extra letter “s” may not be needed. What do you think? Thank you, Roderick

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What is your sign-off on professional correspondence?

By Sarah Mui

May 25, 2016, 12:00 pm CDT

How formal should you be in business letters? This month, legal writing authority Bryan Garner takes on what he considers to be appropriate salutations and sign-offs.

Garner offers a number of appropriate—and grammatically correct—sign-off suggestions. Among them: “If the relationship is very formal and deferential, stick with ‘respectfully (yours),’ or ‘very respectfully (yours).’” If it’s less formal, without deference (as in demand letters), try ‘Very truly yours,’ ‘Yours very truly’ or ‘Yours truly.’”

This week, we’d like to ask you: What is your sign-off on professional correspondence? Regards ? Best ? Something else entirely? Do you sign off emails differently than letters sent on paper?

Answer in the comments.

Read the answers to last week’s question: How do you handle phone calls from potential clients?

Featured answers:

Posted by Solo criminal defense attorney: “This is how I get most of my clients. All calls forward to my cellphone. I pick up all calls, or call back within the hour, even if it is only to introduce myself and ask if i can call back later in the day. I may have been the fifth or 10th attorney the person called, but they hire me because I am the only attorney they were able to speak to.”

Posted by BLJ: “Seriously? I have a general practice in a small town. If I spoke to potential clients by phone, I’d probably get conflicted out of about half my cases. I do try to make sure a person answers their calls, but adding that buffer is non-negotiable.”

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• Yours Truly | Meaning, Usage & Examples

Yours Truly | Meaning, Usage & Examples

Published on June 26, 2023 by Jack Caulfield .

Yours truly is a standard sign-off that you can write before your name to end an email or letter. It combines the possessive pronoun “yours” with the adverb “truly” (be careful not to misspell it as “ truely “) to express a sense of honesty toward the person you’re addressing.

Traditionally, it’s used when you write to someone for the first time, without having interacted with them previously. “ Sincerely (yours) ” is used instead when writing to someone you’ve corresponded with before. But this distinction is not strictly observed nowadays .

I am reaching out to inquire about …

Yours truly,

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Table of contents

Truly, sincerely, or faithfully, “yours truly” in conversation, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

There are various options for letter or email sign-offs that start (or end) with “yours.” They’re used somewhat interchangeably, but some traditional and regional distinctions are made:

• Yours truly is used in US English as a formal sign-off in correspondence with someone you don’t know.
• Yours faithfully   is used instead for the same purpose in UK English.

Yours truly, / Yours faithfully,

• Sincerely yours is used in US English in formal correspondence with someone you have interacted with before.
• Yours sincerely is used for the same purpose in UK English.

Thanks for your reply. I would like to follow up …

Sincerely yours, / Yours sincerely,

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You might also encounter “yours truly” outside the context of a letter or email. The phrase is often used in a facetious way to refer to oneself, essentially replacing a first-person pronoun like “I” or “me.”

This usage is a way of placing special emphasis on oneself, usually in a humorous way—being either self-deprecating or ironically boastful. It’s considered quite informal and almost never used in a serious context.

Note that when using the phrase in this way, it’s usual to combine it with third-person , not first-person, pronouns and determiners (e.g., “ Yours truly slept through  his  alarm this morning”—not “ my alarm”).

Dinner is served, courtesy of yours truly . Bon appetit!

If you want to know more about commonly confused words , definitions , and differences between US and UK spellings , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

Confused words

• Affect vs effect
• Further vs farther
• Loose vs lose
• Whose vs who’s

Definitions

• Bear with me
• Presumptuous

US vs. UK spellings

• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Yours truly is a phrase used at the end of a formal letter or email. It can also be used (typically in a humorous way) as a pronoun to refer to oneself (e.g., “The dinner was cooked by yours truly ”). The latter usage should be avoided in formal writing.

It’s formed by combining the second-person possessive pronoun “yours” with the adverb “ truly .”

There are numerous synonyms for the various meanings of truly :

Traditionally, the sign-off Sincerely or Yours sincerely is used in an email message or letter when you are writing to someone you have interacted with before, not a complete stranger.

Yours truly is used instead when you are writing to someone you have had no previous correspondence with, especially if you greeted them as “ Dear Sir or Madam .” But the difference is no longer strictly observed in US English, and you can generally use Yours truly for someone you know without any issues.

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Fill in the form below and receive news in your email box, truly yours: definition, meaning, and origin.

The idiom "truly yours" is a common way of ending a letter or an email. It is used to show respect, sincerity, and affection to the person you are writing to. A comma and your name or signature often follow it.

In short: It is a polite and sincere way of ending a letter or an email.

What Does "Truly Yours" Mean?

"Truly yours" is often used as a letter or email sign-off. It implies that you are honest and genuine with the person you are writing to. You are expressing your respect, gratitude, or affection for them. You also imply that you have a close or personal relationship with them. This meaning is similar to other expressions such as "Sincerely yours" or "Yours faithfully."

Where Does "Truly Yours" Come From?

The idiom "truly yours" may have evolved from the older expression "Your humble servant," which was a common way of ending a letter in the 17th and 18th centuries. This expression was used to show respect and deference to the person you were writing to, especially if they were of higher rank or status than you. However, over time, this expression became less sincere and more informal and was often used in casual conversations.

10 Examples of "Truly Yours" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• I appreciate your support. Truly yours , Tony.
• With warm regards and best wishes, truly yours.
• Take care and stay in touch . Truly yours , Mandy.
• With heartfelt appreciation, I sign off as truly yours .
• You are indeed an inspiration to me. Truly yours , Jack.
• I hope you enjoyed reading my novel. Truly yours , Mark.
• I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Truly yours , Mary.
• I appreciate your kindness and generosity. Truly yours , Alice.
• It was a pleasure meeting you at the conference. Truly yours , Tom.
• I am sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you. Truly yours , Lisa.

Examples of "Truly Yours" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• " Truly Yours " is a song by the Spinners, a soul group from Detroit, Michigan. The song was released as a single by Motown Records in 1966. The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the narrator's devotion to his lover.
• Yours Truly is a 2018 Indian romantic drama film directed by Sanjoy Nag, based on a short story by Annie Zaidi. The film explores the theme of loneliness and longing through the life of a middle-aged woman who falls in love with the voice of a railway announcer.
• In the book "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, writes a letter to his sister Phoebe, ending it with "Truly yours, Holden." This shows his affection, concern for her, and loneliness and isolation.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Truly Yours"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

• Best wishes
• Kind regards
• Sincerely yours
• Yours faithfully
• Yours sincerely
• Respectfully yours

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Truly Yours"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "truly yours" mean?
• What is the origin of the phrase "truly yours"?

The idiom "truly yours" may have evolved from the older expression "Your humble servant," which was a common way of ending a letter in the 17th and 18th centuries.

• Is "truly yours" formal or informal?

The idiom "truly yours" can be formal and informal, depending on the context and the tone. It is usually formal and polite when used as a letter or email sign-off. It is generally relaxed and humorous when used as a self-reference in a conversation.

• What is the difference between "truly yours" and "yours truly"?

The difference between "truly yours" and "yours truly" is mainly in the word order and the usage. "Truly yours" is more commonly used as a letter or email sign-off, while "yours truly" is more widely used as a self-reference in a conversation. However, both idioms can be used interchangeably in some cases.

• Can you use "truly yours" in a business letter?

You can use "truly yours" in a business letter if you have a close or personal relationship with the person you are writing to. However, if you want to be more formal and professional, you may want to use other expressions such as "Sincerely yours," "Respectfully yours," or "Kind regards.

• Can you use "truly yours" in an essay?

You should not use "truly yours" in an essay unless quoting someone else who used it. The idiom "truly yours" is too informal and colloquial for academic writing. Instead, you should use more appropriate expressions such as "In conclusion," "To sum up," or " In summary ."

• Is it considered outdated to use "truly yours" in modern communications?

While it may be less common in very informal and casual communications, "truly yours" is not considered outdated and can still be used appropriately in various contexts.

• Can "truly yours" be used in personal correspondence?

While it's more commonly associated with formal or professional communication, you can use "truly yours" in personal letters or emails if you wish to express a high level of sincerity and formality. However, in personal contexts, more casual closings like "sincerely" or "with love" are often preferred.

• Is it necessary to use "truly yours" in every formal letter?

No, it is not necessary to use "truly yours" in every formal letter. The choice of closing phrase can vary depending on your personal style, the recipient, and the nature of the communication. Use it when it feels appropriate.

• Is there a gender-specific connotation to "truly yours"?

"Truly yours" is a gender-neutral closing phrase and can be used by anyone in any situation. It does not carry any gender-specific connotations.

Final Thoughts About "Truly Yours"

The idiom "truly yours" is a versatile and expressive way of ending a letter or an email. It may have originated from older expressions such as "Your humble servant," "Please accept my sincere regards," or "Farewell."

Here are some key points to remember about this idiom:

• It can be used in various contexts and situations.
• It has some synonyms and related expressions that can be used interchangeably.
• It has also appeared in many forms of pop culture, such as movies, songs, books, and TV shows.

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