The close of your cover letter is the last thing a recruiter reads and the part most people get wrong. A weak close undoes a strong opening. A confident, specific close can be the thing that tips a recruiter from maybe to yes.
Do Not End With a Passive Hope
The most common cover letter close is some version of “I hope to hear from you soon.” This puts all the power in their hands and signals that you are waiting rather than driving. It is not wrong, but it is forgettable. You can do better.
Make a Specific Ask
The best closes ask for something concrete: a call, a meeting, or a conversation about the role. Something like: “I would love the chance to discuss how my background aligns with what you are building, and I am happy to make time around your schedule this week.” This is professional, direct, and shows initiative. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter vs. no cover letter.
Reference Something Specific You Want to Discuss
An even stronger close names something specific you are looking forward to talking about: “I am particularly excited to learn more about the expansion into the Southeast region and how this role would contribute to that initiative.” This signals that you have thought beyond the job description.
Keep the Final Paragraph to Two or Three Sentences
The closing paragraph should be short. One sentence thank you for their time, one sentence making the ask, and optionally one sentence with your contact info or a note that your resume is attached. That is it. Do not cram more substance into the close.
End Professionally, Not Effusively
Closes like “I am incredibly passionate about this opportunity and would be absolutely thrilled to join your incredible team” read as desperate. Keep the tone warm but measured. “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.” is clean, confident, and professional. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter opening lines that get you noticed.
Read next
- How to Write an Internship Cover Letter That Stands Out
- How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter That Works
- Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always include a cover letter?
Include one when requested, when writing ability is core to the role, or when you need to explain context your resume cannot. For high-volume technical roles, it is often not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, 200-300 words maximum. If you are writing more, you are probably repeating your resume.
What should the first sentence of a cover letter say?
Start with something specific. “I have spent four years doing exactly what this role requires” beats “I am excited to apply for this position.”
What should I leave out of a cover letter?
Do not restate your resume, explain why you need the job, apologize for gaps, or use clichés. Every sentence should add information not already in the resume.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you. For more on this, see our guide on end a cover letter that gets you the interview.
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