yours sincerely on a cover letter

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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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How To Write a Cover Letter [Inspiring Examples]

How to End a Cover Letter: 7 Easy Ways to End on a High Note

In this guide, you’ll learn how to end a cover letter as well as 7 different ways to write a closing paragraph that leads to an interview.

First, express your gratitude by thanking the reader for their time.

Second, mention how you’d like to proceed or how you’re looking forward to taking the next steps.

Lastly, sign off with a closing salutation followed by your name.

Those are the steps required to close your cover letter on a high note. However, a closing paragraph to complement these steps would be ideal for leaving the hiring manager with a strong lasting impression.

How to End a Cover Letter: 3 Things to Include

The end of your cover letter should be professional , courteous, and convey your enthusiasm for the position, which is achieved by using closing statements like "Sincerely", "Yours truly", "Best regards", and "Thank you for your time".

Ending a cover letter is an important part of the document, as it leaves a final impression on the reader and can influence their decision to consider your application. The three steps in creating closing statements for cover letters include:

Acknowledging the reader
Imply the next steps
Signing off

Acknowledge the Reader

Acknowledge the reader by expressing your gratitude. Thank them for their time and consideration. If you’d even prefer, this can be the only cover letter closing line you need to end your application.

Here’s a few example phrases: ‍

• Thank you for your time and consideration • Thank you for reviewing my application • I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your organization • Thank you for your time

Imply the Next Steps

In other words, a call to action. This can either be direct or implicit. Let the reader know how you’re prepared to move forward in the job application process.

Here’s a few examples of a direct call to action:

• I look forward to discussing this position further with you • I am excited to discuss my qualifications in greater detail at an interview • You can reach me by phone at (XYZ) or by email at [email protected]

And here’s a few examples of an implicit call to action:

• I look forward to hearing from you • I look forward to speaking with you soon • I hope to discuss my eligibility for the role further

Directly stating the next steps works best if you’ve already spoken with the hiring manager. Or if not and you want to be more on the safe side, implying the next steps also works.

Write a formal closing followed by your first name and last name. This is also known as the cover letter closing salutation.

Here’s a few professional sign-off examples:

Sincerely, Jacob Jacquet

Yours sincerely, Jacob Jacquet

Kind regards, Jacob Jacquet

Here’s a few inappropriate sign-offs for making your exit:

Thanks, Jacob Jacquet

Cheers, Jacob Jacquet

7 Ways to Write the Cover Letter Closing Paragraph

There are 7 different types of closing paragraphs. Use the one that fits best with how you initially outlined your application . Additionally, check out our cover letter examples guide for inspiration based on successful cover letters at competitive job postings.

1. Thank the Reader and Imply the Next Steps

Sometimes, no extra words are needed since everything has already been mentioned in the opening paragraph and main body of your cover letter . Therefore, simply end your cover letter in one line.

See the example below.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. ‍ Yours sincerely, [First and last name]

2. Include a Direct Call to Action

Make a specific call to action on how the next steps should be taken.

As opposed to implying the next steps, be direct when stating how you’d like to move forward to radiate enthusiasm and confidence. This can be a good approach when your cover letter revolves around your passions or interests or when you’re applying for an internship opportunity .

See the examples below.

I am now ready for a more impactful role in a larger firm, which is what motivated me to apply for the position you advertised. I will be happy to answer any questions you have in person or online, at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at (phone number) and (email). ‍ Sincerely, [First and last name]

I would love the opportunity to meet you, and I am excited to continue helping people on their path to recovery by becoming a member of [Company]’s team. I am happy to discuss the position in more detail, and you may contact me by phone at 1242-345-6789 or via email — [email protected] to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [First and last name]

3. Leave a Personal Note Expressing Your Interest

A personal note means making a statement that expresses how you feel about the job opportunity. Whether you’re writing a letter that expresses your interest or curiosity, share why you’re looking forward to taking the next steps.

However, keep a professional tone.

All my experience and skills would make me a great new addition to your establishment. I have attached my resume, which contains a more in-depth look at my experiences and skills. I look forward to hearing from you and would love to visit your restaurant for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [First and last name]

4. Summarize Your Cover Letter and Career Highlights

Taking into account what you’ve written in both your resume and cover letter , what’s the ultimate reason why hiring managers would want to hire you? Write an overview of the purpose of your application . Mention why your career highlights are significant factors to you being a qualified candidate.

I am very enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I am confident that my passion for social networking and digital media will allow me to contribute to your company’s success. I am available to discuss this position in more detail at a convenient time. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [First and last name]

5. Bring up the Company’s Vision

If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to refer to the company’s core values and mission statement.

Choose a particular aspect of the company culture that resonates with you the most. Share how it’s relevant to the value you can bring to the table and how you would blend in well with the company’s workplace.

This is a good approach for those of you with no work experience as it reinforces your positioning as a strong potential candidate.

See the example below.

My passion for this field and desire to understand graphic design, advertising and the internet align with Company Z’s approach to understanding its customers and their complex businesses and circumstances in order to provide the most effective graphic design solutions. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this position further. Sincerely, [First and last name]

6. Share Your Career Objectives

Impart your potential employer with why you were drawn to the job opening in the first place. Mention your career goals to show that you align with the company’s interests.

However, your objectives must be relevant to the company’s vision. Including irrelevant goals that don't align with the company’s interests is a common cover letter mistake .

I am looking for a position that will allow me to continue to develop my skills and grow as an analyst. My career goals include working with a team of analysts and clients to create a positive and challenging work environment, and I look forward to the next step in my career path. Sincerely, [First and last name]

Proactive, innovative, and highly influential, I am seeking a challenging but rewarding position, which is why I was naturally drawn to this exciting opportunity. Sincerely, [First and last name]

7. Share How You Intend to Add Value

Write about how you’re going to help the company solve a problem. Share the type of results that you’re capable of bringing to the organization to position yourself as a valuable asset.

When considering what to include , be specific about how you intend to make a positive difference. To not sound arrogant though, be sure that you’ve discussed your work history in detail earlier on in your cover letter.

I strongly believe that my strengths in organizing profitable events and driving company revenues will readily translate to your environment. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss my qualifications and your requirements in detail. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [First and last name]

4 More Factors to Consider For a Good Cover Letter Ending

Here’s a few more cover letter tips for ending your cover letter.

Use Emotive Language

Emotive language means using words that express an emotion. Including this in your closing paragraph makes your job application feel more personal, engaging, and convincing.

Here’s some examples:

• I would love to… • I am confident that my passion… • I would very much appreciate…

Never Use Postscript Text

Postscript text (P.S.) isn’t bad but it's not necessary on a cover letter .

Rather than writing a single personal note towards the end, personalize every application you send. Tailor your cover letter to the job description. This is more effective than sending a generic cover letter with only a single personal note saved until the end.

Include an Electronic Signature

Again, this isn’t necessary but it’s an extra step you could take to stand out from the hundreds of applications that the company is getting. That said, it's not a dealbreaker. Many of Rezi’s users who have used the AI cover letter generator have secured interviews despite not including an electronic signature.

Maintain a Professional Tone

Writing in a conversational, friendly tone is important for creating an engaging cover letter. But it must be professional and not in an overly friendly manner. Think of it as speaking to your manager at work.

3 Cover Letter Examples With Strong Closing Paragraphs

If your job title isn’t listed below, you’re more likely to find it in our library of 180+ cover letter templates .

Personal Assistant

Software Engineer

Video Editor

Generate a Cover Letter Closing Paragraph Within 60 Seconds Using Rezi’s AI Writer

Instead of trying to write your cover letter from scratch, let Rezi’s AI cover letter writer do the work for you. All Rezi’s AI writer needs is a few details about you so that it can generate a tailored cover letter based on your work history and the job you’re applying to.

Here’s how it works.

Enter the company name.
Write the job position/title you’re applying for.
Select a previous job position/title to highlight.
Press “AI Writer Ready”.

From there, either edit what's been created or send it as it is if you're happy with the result.

Or watch the video below to see how Rezi AI works.

Always End on a Positive Note

You don’t always need a flashy exit.

Unless you’re going to add something new to the conversation, it’s enough to just thank the hiring manager for their time and sign off from there. Otherwise, adding fluff reduces the impact of a well-written cover letter.

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

How to End a Cover Letter [w/ 4 Examples]

How you end your cover letter is an important part of the process.

You’ve managed to make a good impression with your cover letter and now you want to “exit” on a good note with an equally impactful conclusion.

This is where this article comes in.

We’ll show you how to end your cover letter effectively and leave the right impression on the recruiter reading it!

6 Ways to end a cover letter for a job (with examples)
Ways NOT to end a cover letter
How to sign off a cover letter
Signature lines NOT to use

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

6 Ways to End a Cover Letter for a Job (With Examples)

Your cover letter ending consists of your closing paragraph and your signature line.

As your official “parting” from the recruiter, your closing paragraph should be an on-point summary of your cover letter’s highlights and a chance to reaffirm your strong points.

To guide you in the right direction, we’ve put together our favorite tips on how to end a cover letter effectively.

So, let’s see what they’re all about!

#1: Show Confidence

First things first—make sure you end your cover letter on a confident note.

All your skills, qualifications, and strengths will lose a bit of their value if you don’t confidently show the recruiter that you can apply them to the company’s benefit.

Say, you mentioned a bunch of noteworthy achievements and skills as you were writing your cover letter . Your cover letter ending is your chance to confidently reiterate them.

For example, you might have mentioned in your cover letter how you helped your previous company exceed its sales target by 30%. That’s an achievement you can use to conclude your cover letter confidently.

For example:

I believe my ability to generate sales and drive results will be a significant contribution to your company’s goals and KPIs.

#2: Sum Up Your Skills (For the Position)

Another way to effectively end your cover letter is to sum up your top skills.

More specifically, sum up exactly how your skills will bring value to the team or company, or how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Here’s an example of how you can do this:

To conclude, I can confidently say that my 5 years of experience as a researcher have made me detail-oriented, patient, and able to connect smaller pieces of information to see the bigger picture. I believe these skills will be of use in this position.

#3: Be Enthusiastic

You may be highly qualified and justifiably confident in your skills, but employers also want to see that you will be a motivated and engaged employee.

So, make sure to express your enthusiasm! This will show that you care about this job and that you will put passion and energy into your work if you’re hired.

Employees who are enthusiastic about their work are also far more likely to stay on board long term, which means that you’ve got more chances to get (and stay) hired! It’s no wonder that 71% of executives say that employee engagement is critical to their company’s success .

As such, sometimes, the deciding difference between two equally qualified candidates is just their level of interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Being able to apply all of my skills and previous experience to this project is an ideal and exciting opportunity for me.

#4: State Your Goals and Set Expectations

Another great way to end your cover letter is by stating your professional goals and giving the recruiter a general idea of what they should expect from you as a potential employee.

This will show that you are proactive and that you have clear objectives for your career.

Keep in mind though—when stating your goals and expectations, focus on mentioning how you’ll contribute to the company and benefit the employer, not just the other way around.

And remember—what can set you apart from other candidates is expressing exactly what connects you to the company (other than just wanting to be hired). This can make your claims more believable and attract recruiters more easily.

Here’s an example of how you can make that work:

My goal is to be counted among the top professionals in the field, not only due to my skills but also because of my appetite for innovation. Your company’s mission to innovate some basic aspects of our daily lives is an inspiration for my work and I’d be happy to contribute my skills to achieve this common mission.

#5: Don’t Forget to Say “Thank You”

Don’t forget to end the letter with gratitude.

After all, recruiters go through countless applications daily, so just the fact that they took the time to read yours is enough of a reason to be thankful.

Because it is expected that you will say “thank you” (and would be considered rude if you don’t), genuine gratitude is what will make you instantly more likable and win you extra points.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I truly appreciate your consideration and hope to have the chance to prove through my dedicated work for your company.

#6. Keep It Professional

This last piece of advice is quite simple. Keep your cover letter professional. You’ll have plenty of chances to express the more fun side of your character.

There will be plenty of time to express your more “casual” side once you’re hired. At this stage, though, employers want to see that you are professional, reliable, and serious about your work.

So, it’s better to use academic language and a clean, simple style.

Liked the tips we covered in this article? There’s more where that came from! Check out our complete guide with the top 21 cover letter tips .

Ways NOT to End a Cover Letter

And now that we covered the best ways to end your cover letter, let’s go over what you should NOT do when you’re writing your cover letter ending.

Do not appear desperate for the job. There is a fine line between expressing enthusiasm and being desperate. If you step over that line, you might blow your chances at getting a callback.
Don’t be cocky and entitled. Avoid rhetoric that implies that the company would be foolish not to hire you and avoid speaking as though you’ve already been hired.
Do not use overly familiar language or slang. That is unless you are working in the comedy industry.
Don’t forget to proofread. Forgetting to proofread your cover letter (including the ending) is a big no-no. Typos and grammar mistakes can come across as unprofessional, so make sure to double-check for mistakes or use software like Grammarly .
Don’t be sloppy! Pay attention to how you structure your closing paragraph just as much as the rest of your cover letter. This is the last thing the recruiters will read and it is what they will remember from the cover letter.
Do not skip the closing! Not including a final paragraph in a cover letter is a huge mistake. This is your opportunity to summarize your strong points, enthusiasm, and gratitude memorably.

Want to know what mistakes you should avoid when you’re writing your cover letter? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know.

How to Sign Off a Cover Letter

Signing off your cover letter is a pretty straightforward task. All you have to do is use a signature line, followed by your full name. Something like this:

And since “sincerely” has become overused, consider these signature lines to use instead:

Kind regards,
With best regards,
Most sincerely,
Respectfully yours,
Best regards,
Respectfully,
Thank you for your consideration,

Signature lines not to use

You probably know better than to use any of the signature lines below, but we thought to go over them just in case. So, whatever you do, refrain from using any of the following:

Warm Regards
Yours Truly
Have a wonderful day
Affectionately

Do I Sign a Cover Letter?

Whether you should sign a cover letter depends on how you are sending your cover letter.

Nowadays, most cover letters are sent electronically. If that’s the case with you, there is no need to add an electronic signature.

Simply add your full name at the end of the cover letter, using the same font as the rest of your letter.

If you are sending a good old-fashioned printed cover letter, on the other hand, include the same details and add your signature underneath your name.

Having a matching resume and cover letter is a great way to make a good impression on the hiring manager! We make that super easy for you - just pick one of our matching pairs of resume & cover letter templates and start writing yours!

Key Takeaways

How you end your cover letter is extremely important. If you manage to get it right, your application will make an impression and most surely earn you a callback.

To make sure you got it right, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article:

Your cover letter ending should contain a captivating closing paragraph and a signature line.
To write a good closing paragraph, do some of the following: convey enthusiasm, recap your skills and qualifications, show gratitude, and state your goals and expectations.
Things NOT to do when you’re writing your cover letter ending are: appearing cocky, being sloppy, forgetting to proofread, and ignoring the ending altogether.
Signature lines to consider in addition to sincerely are: kind regards, respectfully, and most sincerely.

English Editing Blog

How to Start and End a Cover Letter

Now that you’ve written your resume in English , and you’ve found a job advertisement, here are a few tips on how to write a respectable cover letter. I consider these tips to be the ‘good manners’ you’d want to extend to your potential new company.

When we’re editing cover letters at English Trackers , I’ve come to realise that many people don’t know how to start or finish a letter in English.

Compared to some of the flowery endings you find in other languages, English is incredibly simple and the salutation and sign off should be learned in pairs.

Let me explain.

The Salutation – How to start a cover letter

There are three possible choices:

You know the person’s name – then use it:

Dear Mr Parker

You don’t know the person’s name – but have been told to write to the HR department:

Dear HR Manager

You don’t know the person’s name and don’t want to offend either gender:

Dear Sir or Madam

NOTE : Do not use ‘To Whom It May Concern’

This should only be used on letters of reference, certificates etc. These kinds of documents are submitted over and over again, and are therefore addressed to many different people – whom ever it may concern.

The Sign Off – How to end a cover letter

There are only two choices: Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully

Here’s a very simple way of remembering whether you end with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully.

“You can never have more than one ‘ S ’ in a salutation and signoff.” Therefore – Dear S ir & Yours s incerely – should never appear together.

If you know the person’s name, you ALWAYS sign off with Yours sincerely. For every other salutation, you sign off Yours faithfully.

Dear Mr Parker – Yours sincerely
Dear Ms Little – Yours sincerely
Dear Sir – Yours faithfully
Dear Madam – Yours faithfully
Dear HR Manager – Yours faithfully

I said it was simple! If you want more info on coping with letter etiquette, download the English Trackers Email Etiquette Tips – we’ve covered just about every eventuality in there.

Setting the tone

Tone is not an easy thing to master in another language. You need to write in such a way that you don’t presume anything – that the person will call you for an interview, that the company will hire you etc. – but you do want to show you’re a good fit for the position.

Endings are very hard – as hard and important as the beginning of a cover letter, and they merit a fair amount of time. You want to end on a positive note that points to the future – the possibility of an interview, the submission of further information.

In the edited version below, these two points are merged together into one fluid and positive last sentence.

I thank you for taking the time to consider my application, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail.

In the following unedited example, the first sentence is not too bad in terms of tone, but the second sentence is basically an order; there is not even a please or a thank you!

In case this application together with my attached CV has paid your attention I will be happy to elaborate on the value I can bring xxx company.

As I am permanently employed it is very important that you treat this application with full discretion and confidentiality.

Below, is a polite, edited version of those two sentences:

Should you wish, I would be very happy to discuss the contents of this letter and the enclosed CV in person. I would also request that in light of my on-going permanent employment this application be treated with full discretion and confidentiality.

And don’t forget, when you’ve finished writing – edit, edit, edit .

Re-read it and then if possible, leave it for a night. Come back to it fresh and go through it again. Ask someone else to read it – preferably a native English speaker – and only when you are sure it’s error free and ready to represent you politely – then push SEND!

Good luck with your job applications.

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Resources > Unitemps Career Advice > Cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them

Cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them

Cover letters seem straightforward enough but there is an art to making them stand out – find out what to avoid if your cover letter is to have the impact you want it to.

1. Don’t write a personal statement

A cover letter should give a brief indication of why you think you are right for this role. You will also want to showcase your passion for the work involved but be wary of writing a statement that is all about you – a personal statement would be a more appropriate document to tell your story and only some employers will want this as part of the application process. A cover letter, on the other hand, ‘covers’ the skills detailed on your CV by going into more detail and demonstrating your ability and how these skills have been put into practice.

2. Keep it succinct

It’s tempting to overload your cover letter with multiple examples of your skills and how you have utilised these in your work so far but the employer needs a short and snappy summary to get through a lot of applications. Instead, save some of your examples and scenarios for the interview stage, where you will be able to talk about your work in much more depth. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page.

3. Don’t repeat your CV

A cover letter shouldn’t simply list your achievements and work to date as this is the task your CV takes care of. Instead, you should reflect your skills and experience using specific examples to back up the information on your CV. Your cover letter is all about proving you’re the right person for the job through clear scenarios, so think about what qualities the employer is looking for and then instances of when you have shown these qualities at work.

4. Format it correctly

Be sure to present the information on your cover letter in the correct style and layout. It’s professional to include your address in the top right column and the address of your employer in the top left column of your letter, regardless of it being sent electronically. You should start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or even by name if you have this information to hand. If you have addressed the receiver as sir or madam, you should sign off with ‘Yours faithfully’. If you have addressed the receiver by name, then ‘yours sincerely’ is best. Check our the Unitemps cover letter template for an example of what to do.

5. Write a new cover letter for every job role

Writing cover letters shouldn’t be rushed – and this means it can be time-consuming and the temptation to copy and paste from previous covering letters is strong. The problem with doing this is that it is often obvious to the employers that you haven’t tailored your skills to the job description. It appears lazy and you can come across as unmotivated straight away – so, if you want your covering letter to have an impact, put the time in and explicitly link your skills and experience to the person specification.

Last updated on 12 December 2022

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Sincerely or Faithfully?

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to (‘Dear Jane…’) use sincerely . If you don’t know the name of the name of the person you’re addressing then you should use faithfully .

Emails tend me be less formal than traditional letters so you could always keep it simple and use regards/kind regards .

Yours sincerely and Yours faithfully are both traditional ways to end a letter. Letter writing over the years has been an art form and signing off has a long history with conventions attached to it. When you sign off a letter at the end, phrases such as Yours sincerely are known as valedictions . Take a look at these examples :

Yours truly
Kind regards
Yours hopefully

For our American readers there is little fuss over the sincerely/faithfully question because there it is common to use sincerely and not muddle things by adding faithfully to the equation.

But for the rest of us the question arises about how to sign off a letter and make sure that we are using the correct valediction.

Here is how we do it (and how to remember which one to use: faithfully or sincerely).

Yours sincerely

This is used if you know the person’s name (perhaps the job advertisement has told you to send letters to a Mr J. Fox). You know their name so you will be addressing the letter to them and signing off Yours sincerely.

Yours faithfully

This is used where you do not know the name of the person to whom you are sending the letter. You may have seen a job advertised but you have not been given a name to address your cover letter to. You may start your letter, Dear Sir or Madam and end it with Yours Faithfully.

Sincerely or faithfully: How Do I Remember Which One To Use?

This is how I remember it: if you are writing a letter to someone and you do not know their name you are writing to them blindly and you must have blind faith that they will reply and be helpful. With this faith in mind you must use faithfully.

If you know the name of the person you are writing to then you are in a stronger position to be sincere in your letter to them: use sincerely

Sincerely or faithfully: another way to remember which one to use.

Many people remember it like this:

Never use Sir with Sincerely

So if you open with Dear Sir or Madam you will never end with sincerely; you will use faithfully.

Remember that a covering email is usually a little less formal and frequently uses less stuffy ways to sign off ; you may use lighter language to sign off such as Regards.

Perhaps you have your own ways of remembering valedictions. Leave your own ideas in the comments section.

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Cover Letter , CV , Jobsearch

3 Responses to Sincerely or Faithfully?

The usage of “sincerely” and “faithfully” as described above is nonsense. If you only know a person’s name you clearly do not know the person so “faithfully” is the only valediction that can be used. The meanings of the nouns “person” and “name” are not synonymous but in the above criteria they have been used as such.

Person : A human being regarded as an individual

Name : A word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to i.e. label

One then has to clarify what is considered to be the meaning of to know a person. As the noun “person” in this case is the object the word “know” has the following meaning:

[WITH OBJECT] Have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with:

It would therefore seem that “faithfully” is the only valediction unless one has met the addressee! It would seem that the above guide to usage is pretty much useless. I was taught if you know the person “sincerely” and if you don’t know the person “faithfully”. KNOWING A NAME IS NOT KNOWING A PERSON! I’m not a scholar of the English language but I do understand that “person” and “name” mean different things. I would seem that English guidelines have been adulterated to allow the one size fits all American usage.

Oxford University Press does not agree that this is nonsense:

“The wording at the end of a business letter follows a standard format: If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with Yours sincerely. If your letter begins with Dear Sir or Dear Madam, it should end with Yours faithfully.”

Citation: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/business-letters

Regardless of your sensible, laudable, logical, and probably better suggestion, the convention is as the Job Fox describes, namely (pun intended) “Sir doesn’t go with sincerely”.

To use faithfully where you know the name, but have otherwise no knowledge of the person, will look odd to most people and distract from the purpose of the letter.

Having said that, language changes. Maybe when you were at school, your definition was more generally accepted, but since then the custom has changed. Maybe in a couple of generations, the distinction between sincerely and faithfully will be less known and so widely disregarded that it becomes irrelevant. Maybe we’ll just put a smiley and hit send.

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Yours Sincerely | Meaning, When to Use & Examples

Yours Sincerely | Meaning, When to Use & Examples

Published on 16 December 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 27 June 2023.

Yours sincerely is a standard sign-off, used to end an email or letter, followed by your name on the next line. ‘Sincerely’ is an adverb meaning ‘genuinely’ and is used to emphasise your honest intentions toward the person addressed.

This sign-off is relatively formal, but it should usually only be used when writing to someone you already know, not a complete stranger. An alternative like ‘Yours faithfully’ should be used with someone you’ve never written to before.

I am writing to inform you …

Yours sincerely,

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Yours sincerely or sincerely yours, sincerely on its own, sincerely, truly, or faithfully, frequently asked questions.

The order in which you write the two words depends on whether you’re writing in US or UK English :

In US English , Sincerely yours is the normal word order.
In UK English , Yours sincerely is used instead.

Sincerely yours, / Yours sincerely,

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A popular alternative, particularly in the US, is to write Sincerely on its own, without including ‘yours’ at all. This usage is now more common than the version with ‘yours’ in US business correspondence. It conveys a slightly less formal tone, although still not casual.

Use this sign-off in US correspondence if you want to tone down the formality slightly without becoming overly informal. In the UK, where it hasn’t gained as much popularity, it’s still safest to stick with Yours sincerely .

Sincerely can also be replaced with either faithfully or truly in formal correspondence. Both these alternatives are supposed to be used when writing to a person you haven’t interacted with before, especially if you addressed them as ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Their popularity again varies between US and UK English:

Yours truly is more popular in US English .
Yours faithfully is standard in UK English .

Note that the rules of when to use each one are followed less strictly in US correspondence. Yours truly is often used whether you know the person or not, and people are unlikely to object to it.

Yours truly, / Yours faithfully,

Sincerely is an adverb meaning ‘genuinely’ or ‘honestly’. It’s related to the adjective ‘sincere’. It’s commonly used on its own or in combination with ‘yours’ as a sign-off at the end of an email message or letter. It’s a formal way of ending a message that emphasises your honest intentions toward the recipient.

It’s also used in other contexts to emphasise the genuineness of a feeling (e.g., ‘I am sincerely sorry for my comments’).

‘Your sincerely’ is a mistake; the correct spelling of the phrase used as a sign-off for email messages and letters is Yours sincerely .

The possessive pronoun ‘Yours’ is needed, not the possessive determiner ‘Your’. A determiner like ‘your’ doesn’t stand on its own but modifies a noun.

Traditionally, the sign-off 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 faithfully 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 ’.

Cite this Scribbr article

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Caulfield, J. (2023, June 27). Yours Sincerely | Meaning, When to Use & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/strong-communication/yours-sincerely/

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Sincerely Yours | Meaning, When to Use & Examples

Sincerely Yours | Meaning, When to Use & Examples

Published on December 16, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on June 27, 2023.

Sincerely yours is a standard sign-off, used to end an email or letter, followed by your name on the next line. “Sincerely” is an adverb meaning “genuinely” and is used to emphasize your honest intentions toward the person addressed.

This sign-off is relatively formal, but according to some authorities it should only be used when writing to someone you already know, not a complete stranger. An alternative like “ Yours truly ” should be used with someone you’ve never written to before.

I am writing to inform you …

Sincerely yours,

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Yours sincerely or sincerely yours, sincerely on its own, sincerely, truly, or faithfully, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

The order in which you write the two words depends on whether you’re writing in US or UK English :

In US English , Sincerely yours is the normal word order.
In UK English , Yours sincerely is used instead.

Sincerely yours, / Yours sincerely,

Check for common mistakes

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A popular alternative, particularly in the US, is to write Sincerely on its own, without including “yours” at all. This usage is now more common than the version with “yours” in US business correspondence. It conveys a slightly less formal tone, although still not casual.

Their popularity again varies between US and UK English:

Yours truly is more popular in US English .
Yours faithfully is standard in UK English .

Note that the rules of when to use each one are followed less strictly in US correspondence. Yours truly is often used whether you know the person or not, and people are unlikely to object to it.

Yours truly, / Yours faithfully,

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

Sincerely is an adverb meaning “genuinely” or “honestly.” It’s related to the adjective “sincere.” It’s commonly used on its own or in combination with “yours” as a sign-off at the end of an email message or letter. It’s a formal way of ending a message that emphasizes your honest intentions toward the recipient.

It’s also used in other contexts to emphasize the genuineness of a feeling (e.g., “I am sincerely sorry for my comments”).

“Your sincerely” is a mistake; the correct spelling of the phrase used as a sign-off for email messages and letters is Yours sincerely .

The possessive pronoun “Yours” is needed, not the possessive determiner “Your.” A determiner like “your” doesn’t stand on its own but modifies a noun.

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, June 27). Sincerely Yours | Meaning, When to Use & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/effective-communication/sincerely-yours/

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Jack Caulfield

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Careers advice
Cover letters

There is a problem

How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application.

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV.

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

their website
recent news articles
talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to.

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one.

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for.

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
double check spelling and grammar before you send it
keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

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affect vs effect
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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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“Yours Faithfully” or “Yours Sincerely”? Best Choice In Formal Letters

When signing a letter, you can use a few options to end it. “Yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are two such options, and this article will look at which is best in formal letters. There are certain rules to follow when using both, so we’ll cover those as well.

Is “Yours Faithfully” Or “Yours Sincerely” The Best Choice For Ending Formal Letters?

Both choices are good for ending formal letters. You should use “yours faithfully” when starting the letter with “dear sir/ madam ” or when you don’t know the recipient’s name. You should use “yours sincerely” when using a personal name or if you know the recipient.

We refer to both of these statements as “complementary closes.”

They are present at the end of almost every formal email or letter, and we use them to close off before writing our name. Both are correct, and it only depends on how well you know the person you’re writing a letter to that determines which of them you should use.

When To Use “Yours Faithfully”

We’ll start by going through how “yours faithfully” works.

You should use “yours faithfully” when you don’t know the name of the recipient of your letter. Instead, you’ll write “dear sir” or “dear madam” to address them, meaning you “faithfully” sign off at the end.

We use “yours” here to show that we’re pleased that they’ve allowed us the time to read our letter. It means “this is now yours” and works well to show formality in most cases.

You might see “yours faithfully” in the following ways:

I hope this letter finds you well, as I have much to share with you.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Tidings
Dear ma’am,
I am writing this letter to share my displeasure with you, and I hope you will read the contents thoroughly.
Mrs. Simmons
To whom this may concern,
I hope my letter reaches you well. It has been brought to my attention that my concerns raised in the previous meeting have yet to be addressed.
Harry Hubert

“Sir,” “madam,” and similar titles are correct to use in this case. We do this when we’re not sure who might receive the letter or want to keep our formalities appropriate.

We can also use phrases like “to whom it may concern” when we have no idea who is going to receive our letter. “Yours faithfully” still applies in these cases, too.

When To Use “Yours Sincerely” And “Sincerely Yours”

“Yours sincerely” works when we do know the name. Some people also sign it backward and use “sincerely yours,” though this isn’t a common trope.

You should use “yours sincerely” when addressing someone by their name or with a personal title. Addressing some like “Mr. Smith” or “Daniel Webster” are appropriate times to use “yours sincerely” at the end of your letter.

Whether we only know the surname or the full name doesn’t matter. As long as we know an element of their personal name, we are able to use “yours sincerely” to sign off the letter.

The content of the letter will be much the same as what you can expect from “yours faithfully.” Nothing changes in the contents. It’s simply related to who you address and whether you’re familiar with them.

Some examples might help to make sense of this:

Dear Mr. Jackson,
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m more than happy to take you on board as a new client.
Yours sincerely,
Freddy Jones
Dear Jackie Paulson,
I am writing this letter to tell you all about the discoveries I made when I was abroad.
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Tomkins
Dear Mrs. Harrison,
I am writing a letter to you now to ask that you reconsider your decision before the council meeting!
Milo Mikkelson

“Sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are interchangeable. As long as we address the recipient by name, we can use either closing statement to end our letter.

It’s much more likely that you’ll see “yours sincerely” at the end of a letter than “sincerely yours.” Most native speakers put “yours” first because it stays more in line with other phrases like “yours faithfully” and “yours truly.”

Is It Right To Say “Sincerely Yours”?

There is nothing wrong with using “sincerely yours” in your letters, even though it’s not the most common choice for native speakers.

It might help to look through common usage across American and British English. Sometimes, this helps us to understand whether the phrase is worth learning at all.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are used almost identically in American English. However, neither phrase is particularly popular, as you can see from the rapid decline over the last 200 years.

Sincerely yours vs Yours sinerely - American English

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours sincerely” is much more popular in British English, and it’s rare that British speakers will ever use “sincerely yours” in their letters or emails.

Sincerely yours vs Yours sinerely - British English

While American English doesn’t have a preference between the two, British English clearly favors “yours sincerely.”

The exact reason why this is the case is unclear, though it’s taught that “yours sincerely” is the only correct option in British schools. American English like to sway away from standardized rules, so they might have introduced “sincerely yours” as their own unique language construct.

When To Use “Yours Truly”

There is another option that we haven’t covered yet. “Yours truly” is a fairly popular phrase, and seeing how we use it in different languages will show you why.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is vastly more popular than both “sincerely” and “faithfully” in American English. That’s because “yours truly” is the equivalent of “yours faithfully” to most American English speakers.

yours sincerely vs yours faithfully vs yours truly - American English

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is still more popular than the other two choices but much less popular overall in British English. It seems that all three phrases are used almost to the same degree, and British English has no particular preference.

yours sincerely vs yours faithfully vs yours truly - British English

You should use “yours truly” when you do not know the name of the recipient of your letter, just like “yours faithfully.” However, it’s much more likely that you’ll come across this in American English rather than British English.

Some examples might help you to understand it better:

I hope this letter reaches you in time, as what I have to say is of high value.
Yours truly,
Madam Lopez
To whoever receives this letter,
I hope that I’m not out of line here, but I have many issues that I’d like to raise before the next government meeting.
Dear sir/madam,
I am writing this formal letter to criticize the abysmal performance of the staff I’ve noticed in your establishment in recent times.
Karen Sinister

Why Is It “Yours Faithfully” And Not “Your Faithfully”?

So, why do we use “yours” in the phrase? We could just as easily use “your” since we’re only talking to one person, right?

You should use “yours” because it’s addressing “your” in the possessive form, meaning that the recipient now owns the contents of the letter. “Your” isn’t the possessive form, meaning it doesn’t make any sense to sign off in this way.

Does This Rule Also Count For “Yours Truly” And “Your Truly”?

The same rules apply no matter what way you choose to sign off your letters.

“Yours truly” is the only correct way to sign off because we need to use “yours” as the possessive form. There are no cases where “your truly” is correct to use.

Synonyms For “Yours Faithfully” And “Yours Sincerely”

While “yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are great ways to end a letter, there are still plenty of synonyms out there. We’ll include a good number of them, and we’ll finish off this section by telling you whether any of them are better to use than the original two.

Best wishes
Kind regards
Kindest regards
Respectfully
Best regards
Yours truly

The best options are “yours faithfully” or “yours truly” when you don’t know the name of the recipient and “yours sincerely” when you do know it. In formal writing, these are the only options you should consider.

With that said, we’d like to point out that “kind regards” is a great formal choice, but we mostly use it in emails. You’ll rarely (if ever) see it used in a letter, so you should avoid doing so.

Also, if you’re looking for informal options, we believe “best wishes” is your best choice. It’s a great way to sign a letter or email for someone that you know and trust, and you don’t mind too much about the professional tone of the letter.

Of course, you’re free to use whichever of the synonyms you prefer, but there really is no comparison worth being made over “yours faithfully,” “yours truly,” or “yours sincerely.”

You may also like: 12 Better Ways To Say “Sincerely” In Formal Emails

Final Thoughts

“Yours sincerely” and “yours faithfully” are great ways to end a formal letter and work based on whether you know the name of the recipient or not. “Yours truly” is another valid option, but you should stick to one of those three in all cases regarding formal letter writing.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

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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 to End a Cover Letter? Closing Examples & Tips
Select an appropriate formal closing: Best regards, Sincerely, or Thank you. End your cover letter on a high note. Show that you feel enthusiastic about the position, too. Offer value to the manager in your cover letter ending. Be direct and strong. Use "P.S." to draw attention to your cover letter closing.
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How to end a cover letter (4 writing tips) There are four things you should do when writing a cover letter ending: Include a strong concluding paragraph. Connect your experience to the company's goals. Remember to thank the employer. Write a compelling CTA. 1. Include a strong concluding paragraph.
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How to write a cover letter ending. The following are key elements to consider for an excellent cover letter ending: 1. Make sure you offer value to the company. Let your closing remark summarize the value you will bring to the company. It doesn't have to be very long, but rather succinct, realistic and measurable.
How to Start and End a Cover Letter
The Sign Off - How to end a cover letter. There are only two choices: Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully. Here's a very simple way of remembering whether you end with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully. "You can never have more than one ' S ' in a salutation and signoff.". Therefore - Dear S ir & Yours s incerely - should ...
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The cover letter sign-off, or closing salutation, is the single line that says "Sincerely" or some equivalent phrase, like "Best regards" or "Thank you for your time." Sort of like the greeting "Dear," the closing "Sincerely" is never inappropriate and makes a good default.
How to End a Cover Letter (With Tips and Templates)
Include a professional signoff. Follow the conventions of letter writing by providing a formal ending to your letter. If your salutation was either 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam,' end your letter with 'Yours faithfully.'. If you addressed the recipient with their name at the beginning, you should sign off with the phrase 'Sincerely.'.
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If you have addressed the receiver as sir or madam, you should sign off with 'Yours faithfully'. If you have addressed the receiver by name, then 'yours sincerely' is best. Check our the Unitemps cover letter template for an example of what to do. 5. Write a new cover letter for every job role. Writing cover letters shouldn't be ...
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By JobFox UK on March 24, 2012 in Cover Letters. If you know the name of the person you're writing to ('Dear Jane…') use sincerely. If you don't know the name of the name of the person you're addressing then you should use faithfully. Emails tend me be less formal than traditional letters so you could always keep it simple and use ...
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Revised on June 27, 2023. Sincerely yours is a standard sign-off, used to end an email or letter, followed by your name on the next line. "Sincerely" is an adverb meaning "genuinely" and is used to emphasize your honest intentions toward the person addressed. This sign-off is relatively formal, but according to some authorities it ...
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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). So, if your letter starts "to whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir," end the letter with "Yours ...
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If you have used the name of the person you are writing to at the start of the letter, the formal sign-off is "yours sincerely". If you have used a generic term, it's "yours faithfully".
"Yours Faithfully" or "Yours Sincerely"? Best Choice In Formal Letters
Both choices are good for ending formal letters. You should use "yours faithfully" when starting the letter with "dear sir/ madam " or when you don't know the recipient's name. You should use "yours sincerely" when using a personal name or if you know the recipient. We refer to both of these statements as "complementary closes