Landing that dream job often hinges on the details, and your email closing is no exception. A strong email sign-off can leave a lasting positive impression on a potential employer, showcasing your professionalism and enthusiasm. This guide provides an easy-to-follow approach to crafting the perfect email ending for your job application or networking outreach.
Why Your Email Closing Matters
Your email signature is more than just your name and contact information; it's your final opportunity to make a statement. A poorly chosen closing can undermine the impact of your carefully crafted message. A strong closing reinforces your key message and leaves the hiring manager with a positive feeling about your candidacy. Think of it as the final handshake in a job interview – you want it to be firm, confident, and memorable.
Key Elements of a Powerful Email Closing
1. Choose the Right Salutation:
- Formal: "Sincerely," "Respectfully," "Regards," "Cordially" are suitable for most formal job applications.
- Semi-Formal: "Best regards," "Kind regards," "Warmly," strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness, ideal for networking emails or follow-ups.
- Avoid: Informal closings like "Cheers," "Thanks," or "Talk soon" should generally be avoided in professional communication.
2. Reiterate Your Interest and Call to Action (CTA):
After your chosen salutation, briefly reiterate your interest in the position and include a clear call to action. This could be:
- "I look forward to hearing from you soon." This is a classic and effective choice.
- "Thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to discuss my qualifications further." This shows appreciation and expresses enthusiasm.
- "I've attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to speak with you at your earliest convenience." This is suitable when you're submitting a resume directly via email.
- Tailor your CTA: Always personalize your CTA to match the specific context of your email.
3. Professional Contact Information:
Ensure your contact information is easily accessible and prominently displayed in your email signature. This should include:
- Your Full Name: Use a professional and consistent name.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
- Email Address: Use a professional email address, avoiding nicknames or informal addresses.
- LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional): Including your LinkedIn profile allows recruiters to easily access your professional network and further information.
Examples of Effective Email Closings:
Example 1 (Formal Job Application):
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
Example 2 (Networking Email):
Best regards,
[Your Full Name] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
I look forward to connecting with you soon and learning more about opportunities at [Company Name].
Things to Avoid:
- Overly lengthy closings: Keep it concise and to the point.
- Generic closings: Personalize your closing to reflect your genuine interest.
- Grammatical errors or typos: Proofread carefully before sending.
By following these simple steps, you can craft a professional and impactful email closing that leaves a positive and memorable impression on potential employers, significantly increasing your chances of landing that interview. Remember, attention to detail matters!
