Understanding the Closing Statement Cover Letter
The closing statement in a cover letter is a critical, often overlooked, component of your job application. It’s your last opportunity to make a positive impression on the hiring manager and to solidify your candidacy. A well-crafted closing statement can be the difference between getting an interview and having your application filed away. It’s the final piece of the puzzle, the last chance to influence the reader, and to leave a lasting impression that will set you apart from other candidates. It is more than just a formality; it is a strategic tool that can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and, ultimately, landing the job.
What is a Closing Statement Cover Letter
The closing statement is the final paragraph of your cover letter. It summarizes your interest in the position, reiterates your qualifications, and includes a call to action. This section should reinforce why you are the ideal candidate and make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step, such as contacting you for an interview. Think of it as your final, persuasive pitch. It’s your chance to leave the reader with a strong, positive impression and encourage them to move your application forward. The closing statement is not merely a formality; it is a strategic opportunity to strengthen your position and increase your chances of success.
Why is a Closing Statement Important
A strong closing statement is important because it can significantly influence the hiring manager’s perception of your application. A well-written closing demonstrates your enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail. It shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position. In a competitive job market, this can be the deciding factor. It allows you to leave a final, positive impression. It also provides a clear call to action, making it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step and contact you. It also reinforces key qualifications and reiterates your value proposition, ensuring the reader remembers why you are a good fit for the role.
Key Elements of a Closing Statement Cover Letter
Expressing Enthusiasm and Gratitude
Begin your closing by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration. This shows you value the opportunity and respect the hiring manager’s time. A simple statement like, “Thank you for considering my application,” or “I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team,” sets a positive tone. Avoid sounding generic; personalize your message to show genuine interest in the specific role and company. These initial phrases should convey sincerity and create a favorable first impression. Highlighting your excitement shows that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and are eager to learn more about the position and the company.
Reiterating Your Interest
Briefly reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Refer back to the specific aspects of the role or the company that appeal to you. This reinforces that you’ve thoroughly researched the role and are genuinely interested. Highlighting your specific interests helps the hiring manager see how your goals align with the company’s needs. Tailor this section to the specific company and position, demonstrating that you’ve given careful thought to how your skills and experiences align with their requirements. Keep it concise, but make sure you emphasize your eagerness to contribute to their team and the company’s success.
Highlighting Key Skills and Qualifications
Use this opportunity to quickly summarize your most relevant skills and qualifications. Remind the hiring manager of the key reasons why you are a strong candidate. Focus on the skills and experiences that directly align with the job requirements. This can be a concise recap of your most impressive accomplishments and your ability to meet the job’s expectations. Don’t just repeat information; highlight the value you bring to the company. This reinforces your key selling points and leaves the hiring manager with a clear understanding of your capabilities. This section should be brief, focusing on the most critical qualifications that make you an ideal fit.
Call to Action The Importance of Next Steps
Include a clear and direct call to action, such as, “I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your team” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Provide your contact information if it’s not already included in your letterhead or resume, such as your phone number and email address. Making it easy for the hiring manager to contact you is crucial. By including a call to action, you encourage the reader to take the next step and move your application forward. This demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to the job search. The call to action should be clear, concise, and make it easy for the hiring manager to reach out.
Formatting Your Closing Statement Cover Letter
Use a Professional Tone
Maintain a professional tone throughout your closing statement. Avoid informal language, slang, or overly casual expressions. Your goal is to convey a sense of seriousness and dedication. Using a professional tone ensures that your application is taken seriously and that you are seen as a competent candidate. Stick to formal vocabulary and a clear, concise writing style. This reflects your understanding of workplace norms and your respect for the hiring manager. Your professional tone sets the stage for the next phase of the hiring process.
Keep it Concise
Keep your closing statement concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or providing unnecessary details. The closing should be brief, summarizing your key points and reinforcing your interest. A well-crafted closing should take no more than a few sentences. Respect the hiring manager’s time by being direct and avoiding lengthy explanations. Focusing on brevity makes your message more impactful and ensures that the hiring manager can quickly grasp the key takeaways. This highlights your ability to communicate clearly and efficiently, a valuable skill in any professional setting.
Proofread Carefully
Always proofread your closing statement for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Errors can undermine your professionalism and reduce your chances of getting hired. Proofreading carefully demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Ask a friend, family member, or career advisor to review your cover letter before you submit it. This ensures that any mistakes are caught before the hiring manager sees them. A polished and error-free cover letter increases your credibility and shows you take your job application seriously.
Examples of Effective Closing Statements
Example 1 Short and Sweet
“Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my skills and experience in project management can benefit your team. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon. My contact information is included in my resume.”
Example 2 Confident and Direct
“I am confident that my experience in sales and my proven track record of exceeding targets align perfectly with the requirements of this role. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address].”
Example 3 Expressing Eagerness
“I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my expertise in digital marketing to your team. My passion for innovation and my skills in content creation make me a strong fit for this role. Thank you for your time. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications in an interview. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Closing Statement
Being Too Vague
Avoid using generic, non-specific statements in your closing. Statements like, “I look forward to hearing from you” are too vague. Tailor your closing to the specific job and company, referencing particular aspects of the role that excite you. Vague statements do not showcase your enthusiasm or differentiate you from other candidates. Providing specific details demonstrates your genuine interest and that you have carefully considered the role. Be sure to highlight the key elements in the job description and show how your skills match their needs. Avoid generic phrases.
Repeating Information Pointlessly
Avoid repeating information from other sections of your cover letter or resume without adding value. The closing statement should summarize, not reiterate. Re-hashing already-stated information wastes the reader’s time and can make you seem less concise. If you feel the need to repeat yourself, rephrase the information and emphasize key accomplishments or qualifications that align with the job requirements. Make sure that you add something new and valuable that enhances the reader’s understanding of your candidacy. It is important to present information in a fresh and engaging way.
Using Generic Phrases
Avoid using clichés or generic phrases that lack originality. Statements like, “I am a team player” or “I am a hard worker” are overused and lack impact. Instead, provide specific examples and tangible evidence of your skills. Using tailored and company-specific language will make your cover letter stand out. Be authentic and show your enthusiasm for the role. Using personalized content will greatly improve the effectiveness of your application. Replacing generic phrases with personalized and authentic language can help the hiring manager to understand what value you bring to the table.
Tips for Tailoring Your Closing Statement
Research the Company
Before writing your closing statement, research the company thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements. This helps you tailor your closing to show that you are a good fit for their culture. Mention specific aspects of the company that excite you, and reference their products, services, or initiatives. This shows that you have taken the time to learn about them and are genuinely interested. Tailoring your closing makes your application more relevant and increases your chances of making a positive impression. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the company’s needs will help you to stand out.
Match the Language of the Job Description
Carefully review the job description and use the same keywords and phrases when describing your skills and experience. This helps the hiring manager immediately recognize that you meet the requirements. Matching the language helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increases your chances of getting noticed. Using their language shows you understand their needs. This demonstrates that you understand what the employer is looking for and ensures that your application resonates with them. Use the specific terminology they use to improve the chances of your application passing through the ATS.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
In your closing statement, highlight your most relevant achievements that align with the job requirements. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Focusing on concrete results makes your qualifications more compelling. Be specific about how your skills and experiences have benefited previous employers. Show how your accomplishments align with the company’s needs. Focus on what you’ve accomplished and how you can make a difference in the role. Demonstrating quantifiable results and showcasing achievements that directly address the requirements makes your closing statement more powerful.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling closing statement is essential for making a lasting impression and securing a job. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Expressing enthusiasm, reiterating interest, highlighting key skills, and including a clear call to action will help you stand out. Remember to avoid common mistakes like being vague or using generic phrases. Always tailor your closing to the specific job and company. A well-written closing statement will leave the hiring manager with a positive impression. By applying these strategies, you can significantly boost your job search success and land your dream job. Implement these tips and watch your cover letter’s effectiveness soar!