How to Write a Cover Letter: Closing and Signature

The closing and signature of your cover letter provide a final touch of professionalism and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Follow these guidelines to ensure a strong and polished ending to your cover letter:

1. Professional Closing: Choose a closing that is appropriate and formal, such as “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” or “Yours faithfully.” The differences between the professional closings, such as “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” and “Yours faithfully,” lie in their level of formality and the context in which they are commonly used. Here is s a breakdown of the distinctions:

• “Sincerely”: This is a widely used professional closing that is suitable for most business and formal correspondence. It conveys a polite and respectful tone and is appropriate for both formal and semi-formal situations. It is commonly used in cover letters and emails.
• “Best Regards”: This closing is slightly less formal than “Sincerely” but still maintains a professional tone. It is often used in professional correspondence, such as emails and business letters, and can be used in various contexts. It conveys well wishes and a positive sentiment towards the recipient.
• “Kind Regards”: This closing is similar to “Best Regards” and conveys a warm and friendly tone. It is suitable for both formal and informal situations and is commonly used in professional emails.
• “Yours truly”: This closing is slightly more formal and traditional. It is commonly used in formal business letters and signifies a sincere and genuine sentiment.
• “Yours faithfully”: This closing is typically used in more formal or traditional contexts, such as formal business letters or when you do not know the recipient personally. It is often used when you are addressing someone by their title (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”) and conveys a sense of respect and formality.

In terms of the punctuation, a comma is placed after the closing (e.g., “Sincerely,”) to separate it from your name or signature. After the comma, you should leave a blank line before proceeding to the next step, such as typing your full name or inserting a digital or handwritten signature.

It is important to consider the context and tone you want to convey when choosing a closing for your cover letter. Select the one that aligns best with the level of formality and professionalism you wish to convey to the recipient.

1. Full Name: After the closing, type your full name. This should match the name you used in the heading of your cover letter. Use title case (capitalizing the first letter of each word) for your name. Leave a blank line after your name.
2. Digital Signature: If you are submitting your cover letter electronically, you can include a digital signature. This is usually a scanned image of your handwritten signature or a digital representation of it. Insert the digital signature below your typed full name.
3. Handwritten Signature (Physical Copy): If you are submitting a physical copy of your cover letter, leave space between your typed full name and the digital signature. Print the cover letter, sign it with a pen, and then scan the signed document to create a digital version. Insert the scanned image of your handwritten signature in the space provided.