How to end a cover letter: closing lines and sign-offs with examples

What a strong closing paragraph does

The closing paragraph of a cover letter has three jobs: it restates your enthusiasm for the specific role, it makes a direct ask, and it makes it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step. Most closings fail because they do one of these things and skip the other two.

Keep the closing paragraph to three or four sentences. Anything longer dilutes the message. Anything shorter can read as abrupt or unconfident.

The three parts of a closing paragraph

Think of the closing as three moves in sequence. First, connect back to the role or company with one specific detail. Second, state clearly that you would welcome an interview or conversation. Third, thank the reader for their time.

1. Restate your fit: reference the job title or one concrete reason you want this company specifically.
2. Make the ask: use direct language such as 'I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further' rather than passive phrases like 'I hope to hear from you'.
3. Thank the reader: a single sentence is enough. 'Thank you for your time and consideration' is standard and works everywhere.

Closing paragraph templates you can use

These templates are starting points. Replace the bracketed text with real details from the job posting and your own background. Generic closings are easy to spot and easy to ignore.

• Standard: 'I am excited about the [Job Title] role at [Company] and would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience in [specific skill or area] can support your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.'
• Proactive: 'I would love to bring my background in [area] to [Company] and am happy to provide any additional information you need. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you. Thank you for your consideration.'
• Brief and direct: 'Thank you for considering my application. I would be glad to discuss the [Job Title] position at your convenience and can be reached at [email or phone].'

How to choose the right sign-off

The sign-off sits between your closing paragraph and your name. It should match the tone of the rest of the letter. Most professional cover letters in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia use one of a small set of accepted options.

Avoid casual sign-offs like 'Cheers' or 'Thanks' in a formal application unless the company culture is explicitly informal and you have clear evidence of that. Avoid 'Yours truly' in most modern contexts as it reads as outdated.

• Sincerely: the safest choice in the US and Canada for formal roles.
• Kind regards: widely used in the UK and Australia and increasingly common in North America.
• Best regards: slightly warmer than 'Sincerely', appropriate for most industries.
• Respectfully: suits government, legal, and highly formal applications.
• With appreciation: works when you want to emphasise gratitude without sounding stiff.

What to include after the sign-off

After the sign-off, leave one blank line and then write your full name. In a digital application you do not need a handwritten signature, but if you are sending a PDF by email, a scanned signature above your typed name is a small professional touch.

Below your name, include your phone number and email address even if they appear in the header. Hiring managers sometimes print or forward cover letters without the header. In the UK and Australia it is also common to include a LinkedIn URL if your profile is complete and up to date.

How Break-In Bad writes your closing for you

When Break-In Bad writes a tailored cover letter for a job, it pulls the closing lines from facts you have already confirmed, so the role name, company, and your relevant experience are accurate rather than generic. The letter is written per job from 25 credits for $9, and you can review it before it is submitted.

Omar, the AI assistant, checks every line against what you said and keeps your original wording where it matters. The result is a closing paragraph that sounds like you, not like a template.

Common mistakes in cover letter closings

Even a well-written letter can lose points in the final lines. These are the errors that appear most often.

• Apologising for your experience: phrases like 'Although I do not have direct experience' in the closing remind the reader of a gap right before they decide whether to call you.
• Restating your entire pitch: the closing is not a summary. One sentence of connection is enough.
• Forgetting to ask for the interview: many applicants thank the reader but never make the ask. State it directly.
• Using the wrong name or job title: copy-paste errors in the closing are noticed immediately. Check every detail before you submit.
• Ending with a question: 'Do you think I would be a good fit?' puts the reader in an awkward position. State your case and make the ask instead.