Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter Ending
The ending paragraph of your cover letter is your last chance to make a lasting impression and secure that coveted interview. It’s the final opportunity to reiterate your value proposition, demonstrate your genuine interest, and guide the reader toward the next step. A weak or generic ending can undermine all the hard work you’ve put into crafting a strong cover letter. A well-crafted closing, on the other hand, can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, the job. This section should be concise, impactful, and forward-thinking, leaving the hiring manager with a clear understanding of why you’re the perfect fit and what action you expect from them. Mastering the art of the cover letter ending is crucial for success in the competitive job market.
Summarizing Your Key Qualifications
Before you wrap up, briefly summarize your most relevant qualifications. This is not the time to repeat everything you’ve already said, but rather to distill the core skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the specific role. Focus on the points that directly align with the job description’s requirements. This concise summary serves as a quick reminder of why you are a good fit, reinforcing the key reasons the hiring manager should consider you further. Keep it brief, typically one or two sentences, ensuring that each word carries weight and reinforces your suitability for the position. This strategic recap ensures that the hiring manager remembers your key strengths just before they make their final assessment.
Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experiences
Within your summary, emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you are applying for. This focused approach demonstrates that you have carefully considered the requirements and are not just sending a generic cover letter. Pinpoint the specific achievements or experiences that directly address the employer’s needs. This targeted approach shows that you have not only the qualifications, but also a clear understanding of how you can contribute to the company’s goals. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying you have ’experience in project management,’ state that you ‘managed projects resulting in a 15% reduction in costs.’ Highlighting relevant skills and experiences showcases your ability to meet their specific needs.
Emphasizing Your Enthusiasm for the Role
Expressing your genuine enthusiasm for the role is essential in the closing paragraph. Show the hiring manager that you are genuinely excited about the opportunity and eager to contribute to the company. Enthusiasm can be conveyed through carefully chosen words, conveying your interest in the company’s mission, values, or recent achievements. Be specific about why this particular role and company appeal to you. Avoid generic statements, such as ‘I am excited about this opportunity.’ Instead, tailor your enthusiasm to demonstrate that you understand and appreciate the position and the company. Showing that you are genuinely interested in the role increases your chances of making a positive impression.
Restating Your Interest in the Company
Reiterate your interest in the company itself to emphasize that this is more than just a job application. This can be done by mentioning specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. This shows that you have done your research, and are not just applying for any open position, but genuinely want to be a part of their team. Demonstrate that you understand and align with their mission, values, or recent achievements. This level of personalization helps to build a connection with the hiring manager and makes you stand out. This shows your long-term goals are aligned with the company’s. Doing your research, shows your initiative and genuine interest.
Expressing Confidence and Professionalism
The ending paragraph is a great opportunity to express your confidence in your abilities and maintain a professional tone. This doesn’t mean boasting or being arrogant; rather, it means confidently stating your belief that you are a good fit for the role and that you would be a valuable asset to the company. Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure that there are no errors. Your cover letter should always reflect a level of professionalism. This demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the hiring manager’s time. A polished, error-free cover letter increases your chances of a positive outcome, and reflects a strong first impression.
Using a Strong Call to Action
A strong call to action is crucial for guiding the hiring manager towards the next step. Tell them exactly what you want them to do after reading your cover letter. Do you want them to contact you for an interview? State this directly and clearly. Make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step by providing a clear instruction. This direct approach ensures that they know what action you expect from them and keeps the application process moving forward. A well-placed call to action encourages the hiring manager to contact you. Avoid vagueness, and state your expectations clearly, such as ‘I am eager to discuss my qualifications further in an interview,’ or ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon.’
Requesting an Interview
The primary goal of a cover letter is to secure an interview. Therefore, your call to action should explicitly request one. Phrase your request professionally and politely. Avoid being presumptuous, but also ensure that you leave no doubt about your interest in moving forward in the hiring process. State clearly that you are available for an interview at their earliest convenience and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail. This helps to take the initiative, expressing confidence and demonstrates your commitment to the role. A clear request increases the likelihood of being contacted.
Providing Contact Information
Always provide your contact information, and make it easily accessible for the hiring manager. Include your phone number and professional email address. Double-check your email address to make sure it’s correct. If you have a professional online presence, such as a LinkedIn profile, include a link to it. Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date and that your voicemail greeting is professional. Making it easy for the hiring manager to reach you removes any barriers to communication and shows that you are committed to the hiring process. This ensures that they can easily follow up with you and schedule an interview. Make sure all your provided information is correct.
Offering Gratitude
End your cover letter by offering your sincere gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and consideration. This is a simple, yet powerful gesture that demonstrates respect and professionalism. Acknowledge the effort they have taken to review your application. A thank you reinforces a positive impression and shows that you value the opportunity to be considered. Express your appreciation without being overly effusive. A simple ‘Thank you for your time and consideration’ or ‘I appreciate your review of my application’ will do the trick. This final touch leaves a lasting impression of professionalism and gratitude.