You know how to start a cover letter, but just when you think you’ve got it in hand, you reach the final stretch: the closing paragraph. This is the moment where your message needs to be confident and professional but also memorable and proactive—i.e., you need to leave a lasting impression and request an interview. Your cover letter might be the only thing a recruiter reads before making a decision, which can feel intimidating.
The end of your cover letter should include a thank-you, a call to action, and a reiteration of why you’re the best fit for the job. In this guide, we’ll tackle a critical aspect of cover letter writing: how to end it with authority and enthusiasm. We’ll explore what a cover letter should include, cover letter endings you can try, and examples of cover letter endings.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a formal document submitted with a job application and résumé. A cover letter should make a case for why an applicant is a good fit for the role, and it can be more detailed and personalized than a résumé. A cover letter includes an applicant’s interest in a specific job and their qualifications, skills, and relevant experiences.
The end of a cover letter also includes a call to action, a polite and enthusiastic expression of an applicant’s interest in an interview. It’s the job seeker’s last chance to make an impression on the employer and persuade them to move forward with the application.
What should you include in the final paragraph of a cover letter?
The final paragraph of your cover letter should be about three to five sentences long. Here are the three main things to include.
Enthusiastic statement
Reiterate what you admire about the company. Then, using different words, explain briefly why you think you’re a good fit and how you would contribute to the mission or goals of the team or organization you’re applying to.
Call to action
Next, politely and proactively ask for the next step in the hiring process, which is usually an interview. You can say something like this: “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”
Thank-you
Express gratitude for the employer’s time and consideration. A simple “Thank you for considering my application” usually works well.
5 ways to end a cover letter
Here are five compelling ways to end a cover letter.
1 Excitement
“I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss why I am a great fit for [Company Name].”
2 Passion
“I believe this is a position where I can develop my passion for [industry/skill] while contributing to the team.”
3 Enthusiasm
“If offered the position, I will be ready to hit the ground running and help [business] meet its goals and milestones for success.”
4 Benefits
“I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications could benefit your organization’s strategy and long-term vision, as well as the daily operations that contribute to [organization’s] business model.”
5 Follow up
“I will call next Tuesday to follow up on my application and answer any further questions you may have.”
Examples of how to end a cover letter
Need inspiration for how to close your cover letter? Here are four examples of these cover letter endings in action.
Software engineer cover letter ending example
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your company. I believe my background as a scrum manager and experience with your unique tech stack align perfectly with the company’s mission to optimize and expand enterprise applications. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview and explore how my skills can benefit your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to collaborate with your talented team soon.
Teacher cover letter ending example
I am eager to join the Middle School team as my passion for education in chemistry and biology aligns with your goal of fostering the growth of girls in STEM fields. I look forward to discussing how my qualifications can contribute to the continued success of Middle School, and I would appreciate the chance to explore this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Nurse cover letter ending example
I am excited about the prospect of becoming part of the Clinic team. I admire the Clinic’s prioritization of patients and care for its employees. I believe that my dedication to patient care and my experience in a cardiac surgery unit make me a natural fit for your organization. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications can enhance and support the ongoing achievements of the Clinic, and I look forward to discussing this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I appreciate the time you’ve taken to review my credentials.
Editor cover letter example
Joining your Reviews team is a prospect I’m keen on. With my marketing experience and background in SEO analytics, I’ll be ready to grow organic traffic to your blog from day one. I’d love the opportunity to discuss my plan to contribute to the growth of the Reviews blog in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. To facilitate our discussion, I plan to follow up on my application next week and arrange an interview.
How to end a cover letter FAQs
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a formal document that accompanies a job application. It introduces the applicant to the employer, expresses their interest in the job, and highlights their qualifications and experiences to strengthen their candidacy.
Why is the ending of a cover letter important?
The ending of a cover letter is crucial because it’s your last opportunity to leave a strong impression on the employer. It’s also a way to encourage them to set up an interview with you, making you more likely to get hired.
What should the last paragraph of a cover letter include?
The last paragraph of a cover letter should include a call to action, expressing your interest in an interview, and a note of gratitude to the employer for their time and consideration. It should leave a positive final impression and encourage the next steps in the hiring process.
