Friday, July 16, 2010

Close Your Cover Letter on a Strong Note

The goal of a cover letter is to introduce and sell yourself to a prospective employer and to direct them to your attached resume. The right tone and word choice throughout your letter is important, but if it’s done correctly, the closing is likely to be what the recipient remembers about you. A lot of thought needs to go into how to end your cover letter on a strong note. In addition to grabbing and holding the reader’s attention, your close also needs to accomplish the following:

  • Thank the recipient for his/her time
  • Briefly restate your interest
  • Convey confidence that you’re a great fit for the position
  • Ask for an interview
  • State your intention to follow up on your application (be sure to note a timeframe, such as next week)

The complimentary closing to a cover letter typically makes use of “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” but for a warmer closing you might consider “Kindest Regards” or “With Warm Regards.” Then, leave blank space for your handwritten signature or an electronic signature that you have previously handwritten, scanned, and saved on your computer. On the line below the handwritten signature, include your name in type.

Remember a cover letter is, in most cases, a prospective employer’s first impression of you. Be sure to communicate enthusiasm and an eagerness regarding the specific job opportunity at the company where you’re applying. Then, make an impressive first impression by ending on a strong note.

No comments:

Post a Comment