How to Close a Cover Letter

10 of 10 in Series:
The Essentials of Cover Letters

After you write an effective cover letter extolling the reasons you're a match for the job you’re chasing, maintain momentum with a cover letter close that brings you nearer to your goal: an interview. You have three basic choices: an action close, an action close plus, and a no-action close.

The purpose of your cover letter is to sell an employer on reading your resume and being motivated to take your call for an interview or to contact you for an interview. Without an interview, you’re unlikely to be offered employment.

Action close

Close your letter by telling the reader when you will call for an interview. By setting the agenda, you assure your reader that you will follow up with an action step that brings together a competent candidate with a lucky employer. Here's an action close says that you’re on the scene to help and will contact the employer at a specified time:

I’m ready to make money for you and look forward to speaking with you personally. I'll call you early next week.

Action close plus

Pump up an action close with a suggestion for action sooner rather than later — “I’ll call you, but if you’re ready to roll, you can call me right away.”

An action close plus is the best choice for many situations. Your enthusiasm suggests that you’re organized and vigorous, but adding a note of urgency by inviting an employer to call you may motivate the employer to prioritize the interview and move up the timetable for a meeting.

Turning an action close into an action close plus is simple, requiring merely one line at the end of the close. The line is “If you would like to meet with me sooner, you can reach me at (phone number).” Here's an example:

I’m eager to sit down with you to discuss the contribution I can make to ABC Organization as it works to create a regional planning group. I’ll follow up with a call next Wednesday. Or, you can reach me immediately on my mobile phone at 888-888-8888. Thank you for your time and consideration.

No-action close

A no-action close hands control of the interviewing process over to the reader. It essentially says that you’ll sit tight and wait by the phone for an employer to call. This is the weakest way to close your cover letter.

A copy of my resume is enclosed for your review and consideration. If you have an interest in my background, I would be pleased to hear from you.

More examples of action closes

You need a competitive edge to get ahead in a competitive market today. Here are some solid cover letter closes to help you score that interview.

• I look forward to speaking with you personally to discuss your specific needs and my ability to meet them. I’ll call your administrative assistant next week to see what time would be most convenient for you.

  
  



• I’m excited about employment opportunities within your agency and hope to explore contributions I can make. I’ll e-mail you within the week to see when your calendar is open.

  
  



• I hope to play an active role in the future prosperity of your organization. I’ll contact you next week to talk about this job or other positions where your needs and my talents meet.

  
  



• As a resume is limited in the information it conveys, why don’t we meet in person? If you need additional facts before arranging an interview, call me at 888-888-8888. Otherwise, I’ll e-mail you next week to confirm your interest.

  
  



• My salary needs are in line with the position’s description and what I bring in abilities. I’ll e-mail you Tuesday to see when we can explore specifics.

  
  



• Perhaps we could meet and jointly explore the many ways I could save your organization considerable time and money. I’m flexible on timing during business hours or afterwards. I’ll check your availability next week.

  
  

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