The close of a cover letter is the last thing a hiring manager reads before deciding what to do with your application. It is not a throwaway line. The final sentence and sign-off carry more psychological weight than most candidates realize, because they are what the reader remembers after setting the letter down.
This guide focuses specifically on the closing words of a cover letter: the last one or two sentences before your sign-off and the sign-off itself. If you need a broader look at how to structure the entire final section, start with our guide on how to end a cover letter. For advice on building the full closing paragraph, see our cover letter closing paragraph guide.
Why the Close Matters More Than You Think
Hiring managers read dozens of cover letters per open role. Most of those letters blur together after the first few paragraphs. What separates the ones that prompt action from the ones that do not is often the closing — the final impression.
A strong close does two things simultaneously:
- It signals confidence. The way you phrase your final sentence tells the reader whether you believe you belong in the role. Confident language like "I welcome the opportunity" reads differently than tentative language like "I hope you might consider me."
- It creates momentum. A good closing sentence points forward. It makes the next step — scheduling a call, reviewing a portfolio, setting up an interview — feel like the natural thing to do rather than an obligation.
Professional Sign-Offs Ranked
Not all sign-offs are equal. Below is a ranking based on professionalism, versatility, and how they are perceived by US hiring managers across industries.
Tier 1: Safe for Any Application
- Sincerely — The gold standard. No hiring manager has ever rejected a candidate for using "Sincerely." It works for every industry, every role, every level of seniority.
- Respectfully — Carries slightly more formality than "Sincerely." Best for government roles, legal positions, military-adjacent organizations, and academic applications where deference to the institution matters.
Tier 2: Professional with Warmth
- Best regards — Widely used in corporate and tech environments. Professional enough for any application, but with a slightly warmer tone that suits client-facing or collaborative roles.
- Kind regards — Similar to "Best regards" but a touch softer. Common in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors.
Tier 3: Situational
- Thank you — Works as a sign-off only when your closing sentence does not already include a thank-you. Using "Thank you" as both the last line of your paragraph and the sign-off creates awkward repetition.
- With appreciation — Appropriate after an informational interview or when someone referred you directly to the role. Too formal for cold applications.
Avoid These
- Best — Too abbreviated. It reads like you ran out of time.
- Cheers — Casual enough to undermine an otherwise professional letter.
- Warm regards — Overly personal for a job application. Save it for existing professional relationships.
- Yours truly — Dated and overly intimate in a business context.
- Thanks! — The exclamation mark alone disqualifies it from most professional correspondence.
For guidance on structuring everything that comes before the sign-off, see how to write a cover letter.
Closing Sentence Formulas by Industry
The final sentence before your sign-off should match the expectations of the industry you are applying to. Below are formulas tailored to different professional environments.
Corporate and Finance
Keep it formal and results-oriented. Reference a business outcome or strategic priority.
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in financial modeling can support [Company]'s expansion into emerging markets."
Technology and Startups
Slightly more direct. You can reference the product, the mission, or the team.
"I am eager to explore how my background in full-stack development can help [Company] ship faster as you scale your platform."
Healthcare and Education
Warm but professional. Emphasize mission alignment and patient or student outcomes.
"I would appreciate the chance to discuss how my clinical experience and patient-centered approach align with your department's goals."
Creative and Media
Show personality without sacrificing professionalism. Reference the work or the brand.
"I would love the opportunity to discuss how my editorial instincts and production experience can contribute to [Company]'s content strategy."
Government and Nonprofit
Formal tone with emphasis on public service and mission fit.
"I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my program management experience can advance [Agency/Organization]'s mission of equitable access to housing."
For a deeper look at how to build the full concluding paragraph around these sentences, read our guide on how to conclude a cover letter.
Full Closing Examples
These examples show the last few sentences of a cover letter paired with the sign-off. For a broader look at how these fit into complete letters, visit our cover letter format guide.
Example 1: Software Engineer Applying to a Mid-Size Tech Company
Cover letter close for a software engineer
Direct, specific, and forward-looking.
Subject: Application for the Cover letter close for a software engineer position
Example 2: Nonprofit Program Director
Cover letter close for a nonprofit program director
Mission-driven language with a confident ask.
Subject: Application for the Cover letter close for a nonprofit program director position
What to Avoid in Your Closing Sentences
Apologetic Language
Sentences like "I know my background may not be a perfect fit" or "Despite my lack of direct experience" weaken your close. If you need to address a gap, do it in the body of the letter, not in the last words the reader sees.
Multiple Calls to Action
Pick one ask. "I would love to schedule a call, or feel free to review my portfolio, and I am also happy to complete a skills assessment" is overwhelming. A single, clear request is more likely to get a response.
Restating Your Entire Pitch
The close is a summary, not a second cover letter. One sentence of value reinforcement is enough. If you find yourself writing three sentences about your qualifications in the closing, move that content to the body.
Cliches Without Substance
"I am a team player with a passion for excellence" says nothing. If you cannot tie your closing sentence to a specific skill, result, or company need, rewrite it until you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most professional way to close a cover letter?
Use "Sincerely" followed by your full name. It is the most widely accepted sign-off in US job applications and works across all industries. Pair it with a closing sentence that includes a brief call to action and a thank-you.
Can I use "Best" as a cover letter sign-off?
"Best" on its own is too informal for most job applications. It reads as an abbreviation rather than a deliberate choice. Use "Best regards" instead if you want a sign-off that is professional but approachable.
Should my closing sentence mention the job title?
It can, but it does not have to. If your closing sentence references a specific company need or project, the connection to the role is already clear. Mentioning the job title is most useful when the company has multiple open positions and you want to eliminate ambiguity.
How is closing a cover letter different from ending one?
Closing refers specifically to the final sentence and sign-off — the literal last words on the page. Ending is broader and includes the full closing paragraph, the sign-off, and any post-send actions like follow-up. For the bigger picture, see our guide on how to end a cover letter.
Is it okay to use "Looking forward to hearing from you"?
It is grammatically fine but passive. The phrase puts the ball entirely in the hiring manager's court without reinforcing your value. A stronger alternative is to pair anticipation with a specific point of discussion: "I look forward to the chance to discuss how my logistics background can support your distribution expansion."