In the past three Cover Letter Workshop segments, we’ve reviewed the best way to address a cover letter and make it appear as professional as possible, the best way to hook a hiring manager’s attention with a catchy opening paragraph, and the best way to sell your unique skills in the body of the letter. In this final Cover Letter Workshop section, we take a look at the best way to close a cover letter in a way that best inspires a hiring manager to want to pick up the phone and schedule an interview.

At the very minimum, a closing paragraph should direct the hiring manager’s attention to the accompanying resume, politely encourage the hiring manager to get in touch, and to thank the hiring manager for their time. This is an example of an appropriate closing paragraph:

Additional skills are listed in the enclosed resume. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss this with you further, and I thank you for your consideration of my credentials.

However, to make your cover letter shine as much as possible, it is a good idea to show great ambition and take steps to ensure that you speak with a hiring manager within a couple of weeks of their receipt of your resume.

I once received a resume from a qualified candidate that was accompanied by a cover letter with this closing sentence:

“I look forward to receiving your telephone call within two weeks.”

This is not the best way to go about impressing a hiring manager. Instead of conveying enthusiasm, this one sentence ruined the effect of an otherwise promising cover letter and resume, and made the applicant seem pushy and disrespectful. A better approach is something like this:

Additional capabilities are listed in the enclosed resume. To discuss the position further, I will be contacting you within the next few days to see if we could schedule a time to meet personally. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss this with you further, and I thank you for your consideration of my credentials.

This approach demonstrates great initiative by suggesting that the applicant will initiate contact, and shows the applicant’s eagerness without being inappropriate or domineering.

In order to use this approach, it’s important to make certain of two things. First, check the job posting and make sure that it does not include language such as “No phone calls.” Secondly, make sure that you will have the time and gumption to make the telephone call to make good on the statement that you intend to call.

Finally, close your letter with a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.” Then, leave enough room above your typed name to sign your name in ink. Using blue ink will ensure that the hiring manager can tell that the letter was signed personally, rather than photocopied.

By closing your letter with a blend of professionalism and enthusiasm, you can demonstrate your eagerness to take on the position and impress the hiring manager. Employers can receive dozens, or even hundreds of resumes and cover letters for a single opening. By taking a few extra steps to stand out from the crowd, you can greatly optimize your chances of getting and interview, and ultimately, the job you’re hoping for.



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