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Cover Letter Closing Salutations

Closing your cover letter with a professional sign-off and salutation leaves a strong final impression.

Common Sign-Offs

  • Sincerely: Safe and professional. "Sincerely," or "Sincerely yours,"
  • Best regards: Professional and warm. "Best regards,"
  • Kind regards: Polite and professional. "Kind regards,"
  • Respectfully: Formal. "Respectfully," or "Respectfully yours,"

What to Avoid

Avoid casual closings like "Cheers," "Thanks," or "Best" unless the culture is very informal. Avoid "Yours truly" unless it fits the tone. Do not use multiple exclamation points or emojis.

Salutation (Opening)

Use "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [Name]," if you know the hiring manager. "To Whom It May Concern" is acceptable but less personal. "Dear Sir/Madam" is formal but less common.

Example

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my fit for this role further.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best way to close a cover letter?
    Use a professional sign-off like "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your name. End with a brief line thanking them and expressing interest.
  • Should I use "Sincerely" or "Best regards"?
    Both are professional. "Sincerely" is very safe; "Best regards" is slightly warmer. Choose based on the tone of the role and company.
  • What salutation should I use in a cover letter?
    Use "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [Name]," if you know the hiring manager. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" when you can.
  • Can I use "Thanks" to close a cover letter?
    "Thank you for your time and consideration" in the last paragraph is fine. For the sign-off, "Sincerely" or "Best regards" is more professional than "Thanks."