Your cover letter is your first impression on a potential employer – a crucial step in landing your dream job. While the body of your letter showcases your skills and experience, the closing is your opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact. A strong closing statement can make the difference between getting an interview and your application ending up in the rejection pile. This guide will walk you through how to write a compelling cover letter closing that leaves recruiters wanting more.
Beyond the Generic: Crafting a Compelling Conclusion
Forget the tired, overused closings! Phrases like "Thank you for your time and consideration" are bland and fail to leave a memorable mark. Instead, aim for a closing that reinforces your enthusiasm and reiterates your key qualifications.
Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter Closing:
- Reiterate your interest: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the position and the company. This reinforces your genuine interest and commitment.
- Highlight your key selling points: Briefly touch upon one or two of your most relevant skills or experiences that directly address the job description. Don't repeat everything from the body, but highlight a key strength.
- Call to action: Clearly state your desire for an interview and express your availability.
- Professional closing: Use a professional closing salutation, followed by your contact information.
Example Closings: From Bland to Brilliant
Let's look at some examples of how to transform a weak closing into a strong one:
Weak: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you."
Strong: "My experience in project management, coupled with my proven ability to exceed targets, makes me confident I can significantly contribute to your team's success. I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit Acme Corporation, and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience."
Weak: "I hope you'll give my application serious thought."
Strong: "My passion for innovative marketing strategies, as demonstrated in my previous role at Beta Solutions, aligns perfectly with Acme Corporation's forward-thinking approach. I'm confident I can make a significant contribution to your team's ongoing success. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview."
Professional Closing Salutations and Contact Information
Choose a professional closing salutation that matches the tone of your letter. Avoid overly casual closings. Suitable options include:
- Sincerely,
- Respectfully,
- Cordially,
- Regards,
Always include your:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile URL (optional, but recommended)
The Power of Proofreading
Before submitting your cover letter, meticulously proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A single error can significantly detract from your professionalism and diminish your chances of securing an interview.
Keyword Optimization for Search Engines
To improve your chances of your cover letter example appearing in search engine results, consider incorporating relevant keywords throughout your document. For example, if you're applying for a marketing manager position, include terms like "marketing strategy," "digital marketing," "social media marketing," "campaign management," etc., naturally within the context of your writing. Don't overdo it though; natural language is key.
By following these guidelines, you can craft a compelling cover letter closing that leaves a lasting impression and significantly increases your chances of landing that interview. Remember, the closing is your final opportunity to shine!
