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You only have a few precious paragraphs at the end to recap the advertised role, reinforce your qualifications and enthusiasm, prompt the next step, and motivate hiring managers to learn more. So how exactly should you conclude your cover letter to optimize impact? This comprehensive guide covers proven strategies, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions when crafting the critical closing paragraph. Follow these best practices for endings that compellingly resonate without rehashing entire content.
Why the Closing Matters
A strong cover letter close is vital because:
- Last Impressions Count - Readers best remember content at opening and closing of letters, so emphasize unique value
- Stand Out - Many applicants end weakly with generic statements. Creatively highlight differentiators here instead for greater influence
- Guide Next Steps - Proactively shape what happens post application submission to boost response rates
When done right, your final paragraph can be the deciding factor pushing the reader to advance you to the next round. So carefully craft it to optimize positive outcomes.
What an Impactful Closing Achieves
Effective concluding cover letter paragraphs:
1. Recap Core Strengths
Briefly call attention again to your most relevant qualifications or competencies aligned with the target job's needs
2. Express Appreciation
Thank the reader genuinely for their time and consideration of your backgrounds. Praise the company's work or mission they support if appropriate.
3. Include Next Steps and Follow Up
Guide the process forward asserting you look forward to an interview, will follow up, are open to further discussion, etc. This proactiveness can accelerate response.
Now that you know the objectives, let's explore examples, mistakes to avoid, and proven tactics to incorporate.
Closing Paragraph Examples
Here are excerpts from cover letter closings showcasing some best practices:
Entry Level Close
"In closing, I am confident my academic training in predictive analytics and passionate interest in healthcare access optimization equip me to add value to critical initiatives your team drives. I greatly appreciate your time reviewing my qualifications. Please expect my call next Tuesday to inquire about the possibility of scheduling an interview. I look forward to learning more about potential application of my skills to elevate evidence-based care." Strengths Highlighted:
- Reiterates relevant academic background
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and proactive follow up
- Seeks interview to discuss aligned objectives
Manager Close
"In sum, with a decade track record optimizing global retail supply chains through analytics-based process upgrades most recently recognized by our CEO's award for $15M+ savings annually, I am confident in my ability to boost logistics performance and shrinkage reduction goals your team outlined during the recent shareholder briefing. I sincerely appreciate your valuable time reviewing my qualifications, and welcome the opportunity to discuss further in a formal interview." Benefits Illustrated:
- Boasts related industry and function expertise
- Quantifies past cost savings results achieved
- Seeks interview to detail transferable strengths
Executive Close
"In closing, leading dynamic organizations through accelerated growth phases requires keen understanding of vision, metrics, and culture cultivation - areas I excel within. I sincerely appreciate your consideration and welcome further discussion on how my track record strategically scaling cloud disruptors globally may align with key goals for your India expansion plans. Please expect my enthusiastic call next Monday to inquire about interview availability. I greatly admire your mission empowering underserved groups worldwide." Impact Created by:
- Summarizes key leadership strengths showcased
- Makes relevant personalized connection
- Follows up promptly to advance candidacy
Common Ending Mistakes to Avoid
Be sure your closing avoids these frequent cover letter conclusion missteps:
1. Sounding Too Demanding or Pushy
While proactively guiding next steps, maintain politeness. Never insist on an interview or make assumptions.
2. Introducing New Topics or Details
Only briefly recap already stated qualifications. Don't convolute with new stories losing key focus.
3. Using Casual Language
Continue formal and professional tone. Don't conclude conversationally saying "Well that's my background. Let me know! Thanks."
4. Making it Too Long
Keep it concise - 3-5 lines tops. Don't restate everything already conveyed earlier.
5. Sounding Too Generic
Avoid formally signed off platitudes like "I look forward to hearing from you." Personalize content instead.
Finesse your word choice, length, and tactfully direct next steps while avoiding above frequent faux pas.
Read Why Cover Letter Are Important
Tips for Writing a Memorable Close
Implement these expert recommendations elevating your cover letter conclusion:
1. Reference Specific Job Elements
Connect strengths directly to unique goals, use cases, responsibilities outlined in the job description targeted.
2. Include Optional Contact Info
Reiterating contact channels reassures them on avenues to easily follow up.
3. Set Proactive Follow Up Expectation
Politely asserting planned follow up contact by X date projects confidence and interest.
4. Offer to Provide References
Citing available references upon request can furtherbacker your qualifications.
5. Express Gratitude and Praise
Thank them for considering your background and commend work aligning with your values when relevant. Be specific.
Key Takeaways
Your cover letter's final paragraph cements the case for your candidacy and motivates engagement in the hiring process moving forward. Strategically incorporate the right balance of professional gratitude, concise qualifications recap, and politely taking charge of next actions where feasible. Avoid common concluding missteps like inappropriate casual tone or introducin new topics. Follow these recommendations to masterfully wrap up your cover letter punctuating why you deserve an interview arranged at the employer's earliest convenience. A compelling close can be the ultimate differentiator making you the top applicant they pursue meeting to further explore synergistic potential.
Read How to Write a Cover Letter