What is the Most Professional Way to End a Cover Letter?

The most professional way to end a cover letter is with a simple, formal, and polite closing statement like "Thank you," "Best," or "Sincerely." According to a career expert with 15 years of recruiting experience, avoiding overly casual or presumptuous closings is critical to making a positive first impression. While data might suggest certain email sign-offs get high reply rates, the context of a job application demands a more polished approach. This article breaks down the recruiter-approved closings to use and the common mistakes to avoid.

What is the Best Closing for a Cover Letter?

Based on an analysis of over 350,000 email threads by software company Boomerang, "thanks in advance" had the highest response rate. However, from a recruiter's perspective, this sign-off can be problematic in a job application. It can come across as presumptuous, implying the job is already yours. Instead, recruiters recommend classic, professional closings that demonstrate respect and courtesy.

The most effective and safest choices are:

• Thank you: A universally appreciated sign-off that expresses gratitude for the reader's time.
• Best: A concise, professional, and widely accepted option.
• Sincerely: A traditional and formal closing that conveys honesty and respect.
• Best regards / Kind regards: Slightly more formal variations that are always appropriate.

As Vicki Salemi, a career expert at OK.com, notes, "No one I ever considered as a candidate got looked over for being too formal and polite in their correspondence; however, the opposite—being too casual—always made me pause."

Which Cover Letter Closings Should You Avoid?

When learning how to end a cover letter, knowing what not to do is just as important. Informal or slang-based closings can quickly undermine your professional credibility, even if you're applying to a company with a laid-back culture. Your cover letter is a formal business document, and your closing should reflect that.

Recruiters consistently advise against using closings such as:

• Cheers: Best saved for social settings, not a potential employer.
• Thanks in advance: Can feel like a "fist pump instead of a firm handshake."
• Adios / Ciao: Too casual and culturally specific (unless directly relevant to the job).
• XOXO / Later: Unprofessional and inappropriate.

The goal is to present your "most pristine, polished self." Using a flippant sign-off can signal a lack of seriousness about the role or an misunderstanding of professional norms.

Is it Okay to Skip a Cover Letter Closing?

Omitting a closing statement altogether is a significant error. A proper closing is a necessary part of the cover letter's structure, providing a polite and professional finish. Ending abruptly with just your contact information is like leaving a meeting without saying goodbye—it feels incomplete and jarring.

A simple closing sentence before your sign-off can effectively "close the circle." For example:

• "Thank you for your time and consideration."
• "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further."

Following this with a formal sign-off and your name creates a cohesive and respectful conclusion. The main thing to remember is not to overthink it. A standard, polite closing will always serve you better than an attempt to be overly unique or familiar.

To finish strong, stick to classic, formal closings like "Thank you" or "Sincerely." Always avoid casual language like "Cheers" or "Thanks in advance," and never omit a closing statement altogether. This approach ensures you present yourself as a polished and respectful candidate, maximizing your chance of making a positive impression on the recruiter.