A weak, halfhearted ending to a cover letter can leave the employer wondering whether you're really the right fit for the job. On the other hand, a well-written, positive final note can lead straight to an interview. The final paragraph should include a word of thanks, a strong closing sentence, and information about the next steps. Read on to learn how to write a great cover letter ending.
Steps
Writing a Good Final Paragraph
- Consider including a highlight or two from the previous paragraphs. What information from your cover letter most qualifies you for the job? The final paragraph is your last chance to proclaim how perfect your skills are for the company to which you're applying.[1] Don't just repeat the same information, though. Be a bit more specific about the experience or qualifications that make you right for the role.
- Get a little more personal. Think deeply about why you want this job. What true statement can you make about why you think this is the right place for you to work, and why the company should hire you? Authenticity is key when it comes to helping your cover letter stand out from everyone else's. There's no need to get too personal or emotional, but a heartfelt line about why you're right for the job is appropriate. Saying something like "The chance to join your office would be a tremendous opportunity" isn't going to hurt your chances.
- You might refer to the mission of the company. This is a good strategy because it demonstrates you understand what the company does and that you want to be a part of the organization. Referencing the company's outstanding reputation does not hurt your changes either.
- Some people also take a risk and add some flair to their cover letter ending. If you're going to crack a joke or use colorful language, you stand the chance of turning off the potential employer. But on the other hand, being funny might be just the ticket.
- No matter what, make sure your cover letter's ending matches the overall tone of your cover letter.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm and confidence. The conclusion is your opportunity to repeat your excitement about the job and your ability to do the job well.[2]
- For example, you might write: “I am very excited about the opportunity to make an immediate and valuable contribution to your company.”
- Reiterate how you will contribute to the company. Remind the employer how your skillset will transfer to the company and be put to use. What will you bring to the company? Focus on how the company will improve by hiring you, rather than how you will benefit.[3]
- For example, you might write: “My professional skills in marketing, coupled with my passion for your products, will enable me to help grow the business segment.”
- Mention any enclosures. Your application may require that you send a resume, writing samples, or other materials with your cover letter. Mention that you are enclosing them in the envelope or attaching them to the email you're sending. "My resume is enclosed" or "I am enclosing my resume" are both fine ways of putting it.
- If you are including recommendation letters that will be sent separately by your references, you might write: “Recommendation letters from Dr. Patricia Smith and Dr. Joseph Johnson will arrive under separate cover.”
- Ask for an interview. Most applicants don’t explicitly state that they would like an interview for a job. But some experts think that you’re more likely to get an interview if you ask for one.[4]
- For example, you can write: “Please call me at (your phone number) to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.”
- Outline the next step. Depending upon the contact information you have for the company, write that you will follow up next week with a phone call or email to ensure your application was received. Tell the employer that you can also answer any preliminary questions at that time. Include this kind of action that you'll be taking in order to demonstrate initiative. This will also help move your application forward.[5]
- For example, write: “I will follow up my application with a phone call next week.”
- It is very important that you follow through on the promise you make in your cover letter. If you say you’re going to follow up on your application, do so.
- It is also important to note if a company requests no phone call inquiries. If this is the case, email instead.
- Thank the employer. Always thank the reader for her time and consideration. It shows that you are polite and respectful of her time, something of great value in a busy work environment.[6]
Finishing Off the Letter
- Choose a closing word or term. When you're writing a business letter, your closing word or term options are limited, but you should still choose carefully. Be sure the closing is in keeping with the tone of your letter and appropriate for the type of company to which you're applying.
- "Sincerely," and “Regards,” are old standards that are fine to use for any employer.[7]
- "Best regards," or "All the best," are commonly used in business situations these days, and both are safe bets.
- "Warmly yours," or "With gratitude," are less common, but if you know the person who is reading your letter, you might choose one of these options. Don't use them if you're writing to someone you've never met.
- Capitalize only the first word in the phrase, and end the phrase with a comma.[8]
- Type and sign your name. Leave four lines blank and then type your name. If it’s appropriate, include your title as well. Include your signature above your typed name. Sign with a good quality pen in blue or black ink.
- If you are sending an electronic cover letter, it’s still a good idea to include your written signature. You can create a digital signature by signing a piece of paper, scanning it into the computer, and creating a digital image file. Paste this image into the signature area of your letter.[9]
- Add your phone number and email address. Include your phone number and email address again underneath your name. While you have included your contact information in the header of your cover letter, you should repeat this information so the employer can find it easily.[10]
- It’s especially important to include a contact number or email address if you have written more than one page. Then, your number will be right next to your name and will be easily found.
- Make note of enclosures under the signature block. For a formal business letter, you need to tell the reader that the letter has enclosures. You should make mention of them within the body of the letter, but you should also make note by typing “Enclosure” or “Encl.” underneath the signature block.[11]
- Standard business letters typically describe each enclosure: “Enclosures (2): Resume, Writing Sample.”
Finalizing Your Cover Letter
- Proofread your letter. It is essential to ensure that your cover letter is free from errors. You will not convey that you have attention to detail and professionalism if your cover letter has spelling and/or grammatical errors. Carefully comb through the letter for mistakes.[12]
- Ask someone else to read through your letter as well. This person might catch an error that you didn’t see.
- Convert your file to a PDF. Many job applications require that you send the letters via email or through a job application website. It’s a good idea to convert a word processing document to a PDF. This way, you will embed all formatting and your document won’t risk looking incorrect when it’s opened.
- Send your cover letter in the manner requested. The employer will specify how she wants to receive materials. This may be in hard copy through the mail, or through a job application website, or via email. Whatever the delivery method, be sure to follow the employer’s instructions closely.
- If you are sending the job application via email, you can choose to either include your cover letter in the body of the email, or you can include it as an attachment. If you do attach it as a separate document, write a brief cover letter in the body of the email to explain yourself briefly.[13]
Tips
- Keep the length of the letter to one page, unless it is your industry standard to write a longer cover letter.
Related wikiHows
- How to Upload an Existing Resume on CareerBuilder
- How to Write a Cover Letter
- How to Make a Resume
- How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- How to End a Letter Sincerely
Sources and Citations
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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Je8PsX
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