A strong cover letter introduction grabs the reader's attention, but a powerful conclusion seals the deal. It's your final opportunity to reiterate your value and encourage the hiring manager to move forward with your application. Don't squander it! This guide will walk you through crafting a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Beyond the "Sincerely": Crafting a Compelling Conclusion
The closing of your cover letter is more than just a simple "Sincerely" and your signature. It's a strategic summary and a call to action. Here's how to make it count:
1. Reiterate Your Key Qualifications:
Briefly summarize your most relevant skills and experience as they relate to the job description. Don't simply restate everything; instead, focus on the 2-3 most impactful points that showcase your fit for the position. This acts as a powerful reminder of your value proposition. For example:
Instead of: "As you can see from my resume, I have extensive experience in marketing."
Try: "My proven track record in digital marketing, specifically in SEO and social media campaigns, aligns perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description, and I'm confident I can significantly contribute to your team's success."
2. Express Enthusiasm and Reiterate Interest:
Show your genuine excitement for the opportunity and reaffirm your strong interest in the specific role and company. Avoid generic statements; demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and how your skills can help them achieve their goals. For example:
Instead of: "I'm interested in this position."
Try: "I'm incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s innovative work in [Industry]. Your commitment to [Company Value] resonates deeply with my own professional values, and I'm confident I can make a significant impact."
3. Call to Action:
Clearly state your desire for an interview and make it easy for the hiring manager to contact you. Specify your availability for a phone call or meeting. For example:
Instead of: "Thank you for your time and consideration."
Try: "Thank you for your time and consideration. I am available for a call at your earliest convenience to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Please feel free to reach me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address]."
4. Maintain Professionalism:
Even in a confident conclusion, maintain a professional tone. Avoid overly familiar language or excessive enthusiasm. Keep your language concise, clear, and impactful.
What to Avoid in Your Cover Letter Conclusion:
- Generic closings: Avoid clichés like "Thank you for your time and consideration." While polite, they lack impact.
- Negative statements: Never apologize for anything in your conclusion.
- Repeating information: Avoid simply restating everything from your resume or the body of your letter.
- Typos and grammatical errors: Proofread meticulously! A single error can undermine your professionalism.
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Conclusions:
Example 1 (For a Marketing Role):
My experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, coupled with my proven ability to manage budgets and deadlines, makes me a strong candidate for this role. I am eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills can benefit [Company Name]. Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a conversation.
Example 2 (For an Engineering Role):
My expertise in [Specific Engineering Field], combined with my proven ability to solve complex problems and work effectively in team environments, aligns seamlessly with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can make significant contributions to [Company Name]'s ongoing projects. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. You can reach me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
By following these guidelines, you can craft a cover letter conclusion that leaves a lasting positive impression and significantly improves your chances of securing an interview. Remember, your conclusion is your final opportunity to shine—make it count!
