How to end a cover letter: a clear next step and a professional sign-off.
The last paragraph is your call to action. It should thank the reader, restate in one line why you fit, and make the next step easy, without sounding pushy or unsure.
End a cover letter with a short closing paragraph that restates your interest and fit in one sentence, thanks the reader, and asks for a conversation. Then sign off with 'Sincerely,', 'Best regards,' or 'Kind regards,' followed by your full name. Avoid presumptuous lines like 'I look forward to starting' and overly casual sign-offs.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Closing paragraph
When to use: Most applications.
I'd welcome the chance to talk about how my experience with [relevant work] could help [Company] with [priority from the posting]. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]
Closing with availability
When to use: Hourly roles, shift work or relocation.
I'm available to start [date] and can work [shifts or schedule]. Thank you for considering my application; I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you. Best regards, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Sign-offs
| Sign-off | Use it? |
|---|---|
| Sincerely, | Yes: formal and safe |
| Best regards, | Yes |
| Kind regards, | Yes |
| Respectfully, | Formal settings such as government or law |
| Thanks!, Cheers, | No: too casual |
| Love, Yours truly, | No |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks! |
| Strong | I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my scheduling work could help your clinic reduce no-shows. Thank you for your time. |
Why it matters: The weak closing is passive and casual. The strong one connects back to the employer's need and asks for a specific next step.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ending without asking for a conversation.
- Being pushy, such as saying you will call to schedule an interview.
- Using a casual sign-off.
- Forgetting your full name or contact details.
- Apologising or underselling in the final line.
Build yours
Questions people ask
What is the best way to end a cover letter?
Is 'Best regards' OK for a cover letter?
Should I say I'll follow up?
Do I need to sign a cover letter?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.