Writing a cover letter is often laborious. It's not easy to find the right opening line. However, as the sentences start to appear on the page or on your screen, your confidence grows.
So you write the last paragraph and conclusion almost with your eyes closed... Or is it better to keep them open? The final sentence of your cover letter is in fact just as important as the opening line.
The goal of the closing sentence of a cover letter
You may be wondering whether recruiters bother to read your entire cover letter (and therefore whether they get to the final sentence). If you structure your letter well, this question won't even arise. Write it with the understanding that they will read it from start to finish: every sentence counts. And it will be the grand finale that will encourage (or discourage!) your future employer to pick up the phone and schedule a job interview.
Here are a few recommendations for the final sentence of your cover letter:
1. Do's for a good closing sentence
When drafting the last sentence of your cover letter, it is important that you always keep in mind that your closing sentence should exude self-assurance.
The last sentence must give the final push to the letter’s recipient, so make sure that you come across as self-assured in the last sentence of your letter and the recipient gets a positive image of you.
In addition, it’s always wise to stick to a standard or oft-used closing sentence when writing the letter, where you mention that you’d be delighted to discuss your cover letter in a personal interview.
2. Don'ts for a good closing sentence
If you want to be invited for a job interview, it’s best to avoid certain things when writing a good closing sentence.
Firstly, it is important that you come across as self-assured, but it is also important not to come across as too self-assured in the closing sentence of your letter. If you do so, it might seem arrogant, and that isn’t necessarily positive.
At the same time, it’s important that you not come across as too hesitant, doubtful or uncertain. And finally, because you don´t know the recipient of the cover letter, it is also recommended that you not write an overly personal closing sentence. For example, never address the reader in a too familiar manner, and obviously don’t use first names anywhere in the cover letter.
3. Avoid clichés
Whatever closing sentence or approach you choose, make sure to avoid clichés. “I look forward to your response” is an example of a generic and passive conclusion. It gives the impression that you didn’t put much effort into crafting a strong ending.
Similarly, the phrase “Thank you in advance for your time” is common but weak, and it won’t convince the reader to take action—such as calling you to schedule an interview.
4. Some examples of closing sentences
Are you writing a cover letter and looking for examples of good last sentences for it? Look at the following examples of good closing sentences and choose one that works for you.
Naturally I would be delighted to discuss my cover letter in a personal interview.
I look forward to your response.
In light of my work experience, I believe that I am the right person for your position. I would thus be pleased to be invited for a personal interview.
I would be happy to discuss my cover letter in a personal interview.
I would be delighted to be invited for a personal interview, so that I can discuss the contents of this letter face-to-face.
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