Mastery in the Art of Cover Letter Conclusions

When crafting a cover letter, especially for professional and often automated submissions, the conclusion is the culminating moment that leaves the last impression on the hiring manager. A strong conclusion can make all the difference between your application being considered and being discarded. Here's how to craft a memorable and effective closing statement.

Key Components of a Strong Cover Letter Conclusion

A well-crafted conclusion should accomplish three primary tasks:

Sum Up Your Strengths: Recast your professional strengths using fresh language to succinctly highlight why you are a perfect fit for the role. Be Polite and Confident: Request an interview in a professional and polite manner, inviting the hiring manager to consider your application further. Thank the Hiring Manager: Express gratitude and sign off with a professional salutation.

Constructing a Strong Closing Statement

After you've captured the hiring manager's attention with a compelling introduction and body, your closing statement should leave a positive and lasting impression. Here are some examples to help you draft a strong and effective closing:

1. Sum up Your Strengths:

"Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you about my in-depth experience and passion for all aspects of web development. You can reach me at [phone number and email]."

"I believe my five years of experience in user design, specifically working in the finance industry, will be an excellent match for this job. I welcome the chance to discuss how my qualifications will contribute to your firm's success. Thank you for your consideration."

2. Be Polite and Confident:

"I would love the chance to further discuss the position and what skills I'd bring to the job. Thank you for considering my application."

"With my extensive accounts payable experience, I believe I can quickly get up to speed in this position. I'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about my qualifications at [phone number and email]. Thank you for your time."

Avoid Common Mistakes in Cover Letter Closings

It's essential to avoid the following common mistakes when concluding your cover letter:

Overly Familiar Language: Avoid casual language, jokes, or expressions like "Yours," "Cheers," or "Take care." Misuse of Phrases: Some candidates make the mistake of beginning with phrases like 'All I ask' without meaningful content following. Bad Grammar and Typos: Poor grammar, punctuation errors, and typos can significantly diminish the impact of your application. Ensure your letter is proofread carefully.

Examples of cover letter closing fails include:

"All I ask is for you to consider my perspicacious aspiration to become an erudite factotum in your organization." "Finally as an overview I love to collaborate to enlighten direction based on targetted markets." "Please before you blow me off as 'overqualified' understand that what I am overqualified for is being a department-store greeter." "Making me an addition to this workforce will not be a problem." "Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you in the new future." (edited for typo: "Sincerely, Dog")

A well-written and carefully crafted conclusion can make your cover letter stand out and could be the deciding factor in landing your dream job. Remember, every word counts, so make them count!