best signature for cover letter

How to Sign a Cover Letter (With 70+ Signatures)

Introduction.

The job application process can be stressful, and one question that many job seekers find themselves asking is, "Should I sign my cover letter?" In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the history of signing documents, the pros and cons of signing a cover letter, and the psychology behind signed cover letters. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision on whether to sign your cover letter and how to do it professionally.

Signing a cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, making a positive impression on potential employers. Although it is not strictly required, it can set you apart from other applicants and show that you have taken the time to personalize your application.

The History of Signing Documents

Understanding the history of signing documents can provide context for the modern job application process and the relevance of signed cover letters. Historically, signatures were used for authentication and agreement, and people signed documents to confirm their identity or consent to the terms of a contract. This practice dates back to ancient civilizations, where rulers and officials would use seals or other unique marks to authenticate written records.

As technology evolved, the transition from physical signatures to electronic signatures began. Today, electronic signatures are widely accepted and legally binding in many countries. The role of signatures in the job application process has also evolved, with many job seekers now submitting electronic cover letters and resumes. However, the history of signing documents and the perceived importance of signed cover letters remain relevant, as they can demonstrate a level of formality and personal touch that hiring managers may appreciate.

The Psychology Behind Signed Cover Letters

The impact of a signed cover letter on hiring managers can be better understood by examining the psychology behind the perception of signed documents. One study published in Psychology Today found that signatures can convey a sense of trustworthiness and commitment. By signing your cover letter, you are essentially putting your name behind your words and expressing your genuine interest in the position.

A signed cover letter may also help establish a personal connection between the applicant and the hiring manager. As mentioned in Authors Cast , using a professional sign-off followed by your full name can create a sense of authenticity and sincerity. This personal touch can make your application more memorable and help you stand out from other candidates.

However, it's important to consider potential negative psychological effects of a signed cover letter. For example, if your signature is illegible or overly casual, it may give the impression that you lack professionalism or attention to detail. To maximize the positive psychological impact of a signed cover letter, ensure that your signature is clear, professional, and consistent with the tone of your application.

How to Sign a Paper Cover Letter

Properly signing a paper cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure that your signature adds value to your application:

Placement : Your signature should be placed at the end of your cover letter, after your closing statement. Leave a space between your closing statement (e.g., "Sincerely" or "Best regards") and your signature to give your signature room to stand out.

Professional sign-off : Use a professional closing statement, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully," to set the tone for your signature. Avoid overly casual or informal sign-offs, which may give a negative impression.

Pen and ink color : According to Modern Fuel , it's best to use blue or black ink for signing documents, as these colors are considered professional and easy to read. Blue ink is often preferred, as it can help your signature stand out from the rest of the black text on your cover letter.

Size and legibility : Your signature should be large enough to be easily read, but not so large that it dominates the page. Legibility is key; if your signature is difficult to read, it may give the impression that you lack attention to detail.

Neatness : Sign your cover letter neatly and cleanly, avoiding any smudges or ink blots. This demonstrates care and professionalism, reinforcing the positive impression you want to make on potential employers.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Addressing common concerns and misconceptions about signing cover letters can help job seekers make informed decisions and avoid potential mistakes.

Formality : Some job seekers worry that signing a cover letter may appear too formal. While it's true that a signature can add a level of formality, it's important to consider the specific job application and industry. In more traditional or conservative industries, a signed cover letter may be expected and appreciated. In more casual settings, a typed name may suffice.

Necessity : There's a misconception that signing a cover letter is no longer necessary due to electronic submissions. While it's true that electronic submissions have become more common, signing a cover letter (even electronically) can still convey professionalism and attention to detail.

Adapting to the job application and industry : The decision to sign your cover letter should be based on the specific job application and industry. If you're unsure whether a signature is expected or appropriate, research the company culture and industry norms to make an informed decision.

Consequences of not signing : Not signing a cover letter when it's expected can make your application appear incomplete or careless. However, in many cases, a missing signature is unlikely to be a deal-breaker. It's more important to focus on creating a well-written, tailored cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.

When a signature may not be required but could be beneficial : In some cases, a signature may not be strictly required, but including one can still make a positive impression. If you're unsure whether to sign your cover letter, consider the potential benefits of demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail, and weigh these against any potential drawbacks.

Signature Examples in Cover Letters

It's important to sign your cover letter with a suitable closing that reflects your level of professionalism and aligns with the company's culture. Below are examples of professional and appropriate signatures:

Example 1: Simple and Classic

This approach is straightforward and appropriate for any professional context.

Sincerely, John Doe

Example 2: Respectful and Formal

This sign-off conveys a high degree of formality and respect, suitable for traditional industries or companies.

Yours faithfully, Jane Smith

Example 3: Courteous and Personal

This closing adds a touch of personal warmth while still maintaining a professional tone.

Best regards, Robert Johnson

Example 4: Warm and Professional

This closing is slightly less formal, but still conveys respect and professionalism, making it suitable for many modern businesses.

Kind regards, Emily Davis

Example 5: Professional and Polite

This closing demonstrates a high level of respect and formality, making it a safe choice when you are unsure of the company's expectations.

Respectfully, Samuel Johnson

Remember, it's important to match the formality of your sign-off with the company's culture and the nature of the role you are applying for. These signatures are professionally acceptable and can be adapted to most situations, making them excellent choices when signing your cover letter.

Full List Of Signatures For A Cover Letter

In a professional setting, the way you close your cover letter can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. It's an opportunity to exude professionalism and reflect your personal style. To help you leave a positive and memorable impression, we've compiled a list of 70 professional cover letter signatures. These range from traditional closings starting with "Best Regards" and "Sincerely," to more unique ones like "Yours in Faithful Service" and "In Earnest Hope". Remember, it's essential to match the tone and formality of your signature with the culture of the company and the role you're applying for.

Choose the signature that best aligns with your personal style and the tone set in your cover letter. Whether you opt for a traditional closing or decide to stand out with something a bit more unique, this list offers a wide range of options to suit every professional context.

• Best Regards
• Warm Regards
• Kind Regards
• With Appreciation
• Yours Truly
• Respectfully
• Best Wishes
• Yours Respectfully
• With Gratitude
• Sincere Regards
• Many Thanks
• Yours Sincerely
• Thanks in Advance
• Yours in Service
• With Thanks
• Yours With Gratitude
• Sincere Thanks
• Yours in Partnership
• Appreciatively
• Sincerely Yours
• Faithfully Yours
• In Gratitude
• Respectfully Yours
• Wishing You Well
• Yours in Gratitude
• With Respect
• Thanking You
• With Warmth
• Thank You for Your Consideration
• Best to You
• Yours in Appreciation
• Cordially Yours
• In Kindness
• Thank You for Your Time
• With Sincerity
• Warmly Yours
• With Best Wishes
• Warmest Regards
• Looking Forward
• With Anticipation
• In Anticipation
• Yours Eagerly
• With Assurance
• Yours Hopefully
• Best Regards to You
• Wishing You the Best
• Yours Expectantly
• In Respectful Anticipation
• Regards to You
• In Hopeful Expectation
• With High Hopes
• Yours in Hope
• Hopeful Regards
• Yours in Anticipation
• With Great Expectation

Signing a cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, making a positive impression on potential employers, although it is not strictly required. Throughout this article, we've explored the history of signing documents, the pros and cons of signing a cover letter, the psychological impact of signed cover letters on hiring managers, and best practices for signing both paper and electronic cover letters. We've also addressed common concerns and misconceptions about cover letter signatures.

As you consider whether to sign your cover letter, remember to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, and consider the specific job application and industry. Ultimately, the decision to sign your cover letter is up to you, but understanding the factors at play can help you make an informed choice.

We encourage you to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have in the comments below. Good luck with your job search, and may your cover letter – signed or unsigned – help you secure the position you desire!

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How to sign a cover letter: a guide to professional correspondence

How to decide whether to sign your cover letter: simple advice

How to sign an email cover letter, how to sign an attached cover letter, how to sign a physical cover letter.

Crafting an engaging cover letter is the best way to win over the hiring manager. Our expert-backed guide on cover letter writing will give you the inside scoop about how you can get it right. Once you’ve done the bulk of the work, there’s one final consideration. 

How do you sign a cover letter? And, perhaps more importantly, should you even bother? Here at Resume.io, we have the information you need to succeed. Our resources include a rainbow array of career progression guides, cover letter examples, and tips to boot. In the following blog, we will be taking a look at these all-important topics: 

• How should you sign a cover letter and does it need a signature
• How to design what type of sign-off to use
• How signing a cover letter depends on the format

The right way to sign your next cover letter 

First things first, let’s answer the main question: How do you sign a cover letter? 

The format of your cover letter signature is simple. Start with a formal sign-off and your name. Sign-offs include “Kind regards,” “Regards,” and “Best regards.” 

Which you choose will depend on the tone of your cover letter. Make sure the sign-off phrase matches the style of your letter content and conveys your personality as well. 

You can either use your full name, your first initial and last name, or your title and last name. The choice is yours. Here are some examples so you can see what we mean:

Whenever you are signing your cover letter, you can use the above structure. However — as we will discuss later in this blog — you may choose to include additional information. 

Should you have a signature on your cover letter?

The short answer is no. One of the common misconceptions here is that you always need to have a handwritten cover letter signature. We live in a digital world and, often enough, you won’t need to send a physical cover letter to the hiring manager. So, most of the time, it’s perfectly acceptable to use your computer when you’re signing a cover letter. You can type your name out at the bottom of the document or use an electronic signature. 

Of course, if you’re sending out physical cover letters, signing them by hand is a nice touch. While this won’t win you the job interview in itself, it is likely to catch the hiring manager’s attention. Recruiters are hard-wired to favor candidates who go the extra mile. Taking the time to personalize your cover letter with a signature may help you to stand out.

Struggling to decide how to sign a cover letter? This decision doesn’t have to be challenging. Here’s a quick breakdown of which sign-off types work for each cover letter format. Whenever you are in doubt here, you can refer back to this easy chart: 

How to sign a cover letter depending on the format

Now that you have the basics down, let’s talk about the logistics of signing a cover letter. First impressions matter when you’re applying for new jobs. Hiring managers spend an average of seven seconds looking at each application. In that small window of time, you need to show them that you are the right person for the job. Chances are, you have the content of your cover letter down. Don’t lose momentum when you get to the sign-off. 

How you sign your cover letter will depend on the format you use. There are three main types we will be looking at — email cover letters, attached cover letters, and physical cover letters. Let’s take a quick look at how you can sign each of them like a pro. 

Email cover letters are increasingly popular. In this case, you type your cover letter body directly into your email. One of the big advantages of this type of introductory letter is that you can add hyperlinks to it. If you want to link to your portfolio or LinkedIn page, you can do so in the main part of the text. Some hiring managers prefer this type of letter. 

As a general rule, you should use your typed name as your cover letter signature. Simply end the email cover letter with a quick sign-off and then type out your full name. 

Of course, many people have email signatures already set up on their accounts. That could include your name, your email address, your phone number, and any other important links. Don’t make the mistake of duplicating any information that will appear automatically here. 

Add some extra detail!

Want to improve your email cover letter signature? Below your sign-off and your name, you can include some additional information. For example, you may want to link to your professional portfolio, your social media channels, or even LinkedIn in this space. 

Here’s a quick example of how to structure that: 

Kind regards, 

Jason Smith 

Portfolio | LinkedIn | Twitter 

If you’re emailing the hiring manager or submitting your application via an online portal, you may include a cover letter as an attachment. To do that, you can use our cover letter builder. Save it as a Word document or a PDF and simply upload the file as needed. 

When it comes to how to sign a cover letter, you have two options — you can type out your name as you would with an email cover letter, or use an electronic signature. When you have completed your cover letter, adding a signature is easier than you might imagine. 

For example, you may choose to use third-party software, such as DocuSign , PandaDoc , or SignRequest to get the job done. If you are using a Mac computer, you can also open the PDF in “Preview” and then click “Tools” then “Annotate” and then “Signature” to do it. 

Let’s say you’re going old school and sending a physical cover letter. Now you can simply type out your cover letter signature as you would with an email cover letter. However, if you want to personalize your application letter, you can handwrite your signature. First up, write your cover letter and ensure that you have proofread it before printing it out. Make sure that you add a typed-out sign-off, such as “Kind regards” or “Best regards” at the end.

When you have done that, you can finally put your penmanship skills to good use. You will need to have a decent pen that won’t smudge when writing. Practice your signature before you sign your physical cover letter. Use some scrap paper to give it a whirl. Once you are pleased with it, go ahead and put your John Hancock at the bottom of the page. 

Make your signature original! 

Don’t like your signature? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to be attractive, it simply has to be unique. In fact, the whole point is to set you apart from the crowd. Even if someone has exactly the same name as you, their signature won’t be the same as yours.

Key takeaways 

• When it comes to signing a cover letter, there are three main methods: typing your name, an electronic signature, and a handwritten signature.
• Pick the right type for the cover letter format you are using.
• Make sure you choose a sign-off such as “Kind regards” at the end.
• When writing an email cover letter, you may want to include additional information.

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How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Closings not to use, how to sign a cover letter, set up an email signature, more cover letter writing tips.

Hugo Lin / The Balance

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your letter in as professional a manner as possible. End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature.

As with any job-related correspondence, it's best to opt for a more formal language and tone—a cover letter is no place for "XOXO," “Cheers,” or even a casual "take care" as a closer.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence, such as thank-you notes and/or emails to schedule interviews or pass along references.

• Sincerely yours
• Best regards
• With best regards
• Kind regards
• Yours truly
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully
• Respectfully yours
• Thank you for your consideration

A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it. Here are some letter closings that are fine to use when emailing or writing to a friend, but are not appropriate to use in a cover letter. 

• Affectionately
• Best wishes
• Eagerly waiting for a response
• Warm regards
• Warmest regards
• Take it easy
• Have a great day
• Have a nice day
• Yours faithfully
• Abbreviations (Thx or any other abbreviated word isn't appropriate)
• Any emoticon (no smiley faces)
• Sent from my phone (if your phone automatically includes it, you can remove it in the settings)

For a printed letter, follow the closing with a comma. Then, on a new line, put your name. Leave a space above your typed name for your written signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

If you're sending an email, you can add your contact information below your name. For example:

Best regards,

Your Name Your Email Address Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL

Whichever sign-off you choose, make sure always to capitalize its first letter.

To simplify, you can set up an email signature that includes your contact information.

An email signature will make it easy for correspondents to readily see how to get in touch and saves you the time of typing the information repeatedly.

Use a Professional Email Account

It’s a wise idea, when conducting a job search, to set up an email account (and accompanying address) dedicated. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t miss emails from potential employers who might be interested in interviewing you. It also will allow you to provide a professional-sounding email address on your resume and cover letter. This email address should be comprised simply of your name (examples: “John.T.Smith@gmail.com or marjoriejones@email.com).

Too often, job candidates use their personal email accounts to apply for jobs, often using “cute” email names such as “Crafty_catlady@yahoo.com” or OrcWarrior100@gmail.com.” This casual practice often raises hiring managers, eyebrows, raising red flags about whether a candidate is a serious, qualified applicant for the job to which they are applying.

It’s better to err on the side of safety and separate your professional and personal email accounts.

What To Include in Your Signature

In your signature, include your email address and phone number. You can add your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easy for your recipients to view your skills, accomplishments, educational background, and work history. Depending on your field, you may also want to include a link to your Twitter account; if you do so, make sure that your account is professional and appropriate for viewing by potential employers. 

Find out how to set up a professional email signature, including formatting style and links to help you save a signature in your preferred email program.

Cover letters, whether submitted through email or traditional mail channels, are always the first impression you provide a potential employer. Make sure that this impression is a good one by following the “best practices” outlined in these links so that your cover letter shines.

Having an appropriate close is just one of the many steps required to craft a winning cover letter.

Review how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, typical cover letter formats, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

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How to Sign a Cover Letter

When  writing a resume cover letter , you should focus on each aspect. One of these key aspects is the conclusion of your cover letter. A good ending to a cover letter includes a proper  cover letter signature . How you  sign off your cover letter  is crucial as it will either leave the prospective employer with a positive,  professional first impression .

Choosing  how to sign off a cover letter  the right way depends on a few factors, such as the  cover letter format  of your email. However, in general, it’s better to remain  formal and professional . You can be positive and even friendly, but  avoid casual language  such as “thanks”, “cheers”, or “take care”.

If you get it wrong by  making a small mistake  or by using inappropriate language in your  cover letter ending , you risk leaving the wrong impression on the hiring manager. As employers receive  so many applications for each position , this can be enough for yours to be discounted.

The  signature on your cover letter  is a crucial part of your cover letter that you need to nail. Ensure you  sign your cover letter the right way  and leave the hiring manager with a fantastic impression. Check out the information below to ensure you know how to  conclude your cover letter in the best way possible .

How to sign a cover letter when emailing

Emailing job applications, including cover letters and resumes, is the new normal. Regarding the conclusion of your cover letter, you may be asking yourself, “do I need to sign a cover letter that is  submitted electronically ?”

You need to  have the proper sign-off  when you conclude your cover letter, even by email.

It’s essential to know how and  where to sign a cover letter  if you are emailing it to a hiring manager. Use a  professional sign-off  (such as sincerely, sincerely yours, best regards, or most sincerely) at the end of the letter, followed by your full name written underneath. Doing so makes your  cover letter  and job application that much more effective.

If you’re emailing a  cover letter with a signature  you should use a  professional sign off  (such as sincerely, sincerely yours, best regards or most sincerely) followed by your  full name written underneath .

You don’t need to sign the letter by hand when  signing a cover letter electronically . Also  avoid using italics  or an alternative font as this can look childish. Just write your full name in the  same font as the rest of the letter .

It’s also essential to clearly  include your contact details  when you  sign off a resume cover letter . It would be a tragedy if you  nailed your cover letter , spent time tailoring your resume using a   resume builder , and then the employer  didn’t know how to contact you .

An easy, time-effective way of doing this is by  setting up an email signature . You should include your name, telephone number, email address and a link to your  LinkedIn profile  (and any other useful links which may help your application).

Closing signature examples

Here are some examples of  how to sign a cover letter electronically . The first example contains the very least you should include (name, email address, and phone number). The third is the ideal example of  how to sign a cover letter via email .

Sincerely yours,

Mary Washington [email protected] 70997654

Best regards,

Mary Washington 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Portland, Oregon, 97035. [email protected] 70997654

Mary Washington 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Portland, Oregon, 97035. [email protected] 70997654 www.linkedin.com/marywashington www.personalwebsite.com

Examples of Bad Signatures on Cover Letters

Including  this part of a cover letter is essential , and doing it well can give your chances of being hired a serious boost. However, there are things you should avoid writing in your cover letter signature. In a cover letter, you as an applicant have a chance to show off some of your personality, but that  does not mean you can be too casual .

Here are some  examples of words you should avoid writing  when you are signing off your cover letter:

• Best wishes
• Take it easy
• Affectionately

It is also a good idea to not use abbreviations of words, such as “thx”. Also, erase any messages that are automatically included by your cell phone. Delete messages such as “Sent from my x phone” before sending.

How to sign a paper cover letter

Though it is  becoming less common , you may need to either  mail a cover letter  or upload one to a website. In these cases, you should leave enough space between the sign-off and your full name to  include a handwritten signature . After printing your cover letter, you should sign your name  using black ink .

For  written cover letters , you should use a formal business  cover letter format  which  includes your contact details  and those of the employer at the top of the page, as well as a  heading and salutation . As you include your contact details at the top, there is  no need to include them  with your signature as you would in an email.

Though the  importance of signing a cover letter  shouldn’t be underestimated,  how to end a cover letter  is only one part of your application. Read more  cover letter advice  for information on  writing the other parts of your cover letter  and also spend time researching  how to write a resume . Using  resume templates  is an effective way of  producing professional-looking results  quickly.

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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Examples)

• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

With so many applicants competing for the same job, you want to make sure every element of your application leaves the right impression .

Regardless of your letter’s contents, an improper closing section conveys a sense of unprofessionalism and ruins the entire application.

This article will show you exactly how to sign and end your cover letter professionally — so you leave a positive impression rather than a negative one.

Key Takeaways:

The end of your cover letter is what will create your final impression, so it’s important to summarize what makes you a good fit for the job, convey confidence, and thank the reader .

Avoid more casual phrases and avoid using exclamation points; express excitement about the job without slipping into less formal prose.

To be as professional as possible, you might want to physically sign your cover letter if you’re giving someone a hard copy, or use a digital signature for an electronic submission.

How to End a Cover Letter

Examples of how to end a cover letter, examples of how not to end a cover letter, does your cover letter need a written signature, how to sign an uploaded or printed cover letter, cover letter signature examples, how to sign an emailed cover letter, signature examples for emailed documents, final thoughts.

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Your cover letter should maintain a professional and formal tone throughout. This is especially true for the closing, as it’s the section that leaves a final impression on the reader.

“Formal” doesn’t require that you’re robotic and cold. Feel free to be friendly or positive, but always avoid casual language. Don’t use “thanks” or “cheers”, and avoid acronyms.

Every effective cover letter closing accomplishes three goals:

Summarizes your strengths. Sum up the relevant skills and qualifications you’ve mentioned and explain how you can bring value to the company.

Shows confidence and initiative. A generic cover letter closing such as “I look forward to your reply” will be read as nothing more than an empty courtesy.

Stand-out and convey a more action-oriented tone, with a line such as : “I look forward to discussing with you how my skills can create value and solutions for the team.”

Thank the reader. Be sure to show appreciation and offer thanks to the reader for their time and consideration.

As always, remain professional rather than casual. Avoid phrases such as “Cheers” or “Yours.”

While reading the following examples, note how they achieve the three goals:

Summarizes strengths

Conveys initiative and confidence

Thanks the reader

“I believe my six years of experience as a marketing specialist , specifically in the food industry, will be a perfect match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team. Thank you for considering my application.”

“With my extensive software engineering experience, I believe I can develop effective technical solutions for your firm. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss with you how my qualifications can contribute to the team’s success. Thank you for your time.”

“With my eight years of experience as managing director of similar projects, I am confident I can provide insight and value towards your firm’s goals. I would love the chance to speak with you on the position and what skills I could bring. Thank you for your consideration.”

“I am fascinated by your firm’s approach to creating effective user experiences. I would be delighted to discuss with you how I could leverage my ten years of UX experience to upgrade your solutions even further. Thank you for considering my application.”

“I look forward to any chance to speak about the position and what I can bring to the firm. I believe my personal values and extensive experience in the medical research field would make me a great fit for your organization. I appreciate your time and consideration.”

See if you can spot the more subtle errors in the next few examples.

“I believe my eight years of experience as a commercial trucker , especially in long-haul, will be a great match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team.”

“I look forward to an opportunity to discuss with you the position. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.”

“With my two years of experience as a sales representative , I am confident I can provide the necessary qualifications and skills. Thank you for considering my application.”

While they thanked the reader and summarized their abilities, the writer offered no call to action for the reader to follow-up with them.

It’s commonly asked if it’s really required to end cover letters with a handwritten signature. The answer is it depends on your letter’s format.

Cover letters written on paper should always include a handwritten signature. Doing so is considered proper business etiquette, and forgetting to do so will be seen as unprofessional by recruiters .

Even if the particular reader of your letter doesn’t care, it’s smart to err on the side of caution.

For cover letters delivered through email, a signature isn’t required. However, there’s no harm in creating an electronic signature to add a touch of professionalism.

Keep reading to see exactly how you should sign both an emailed and printed cover letter.

The formal rules for how to write a cover letter may seem numerous and pointless, but it’s important to follow them to avoid standing out as unprofessional amongst other applicants following them.

Most cover letters are emailed these days. However, you might find yourself needing to upload or mail a printer cover letter and wonder how to sign it.

In these cases, a handwritten signature would be included between the sign-off and your printed full name. Keep this in mind when you’re typing it out so you remember to leave enough room.

Your signature should always be written in black ink. The sign-off should always use professional language. Use the same font as the rest of your cover letter and avoid using italics. Consider the following choices:

“Sincerely,”

“Sincerely Yours,”

“Best Regards,”

“Most Sincerely,”

Avoid casual sign-offs such as:

[Your Name]

There is never really any reason to use a sign-off other than the proper four listed above. Just as is the case for greetings such as ” Dear Hiring Manager ” or “ Dear Sir Or Madam ,” using uncommon sign-offs just isn’t worth the risk.

The cover letter should be formatted single-spaced throughout, with an additional space between sections. This includes between your closing paragraph and sign-off. If your contact details are not written in the header, include them after your name.

Here we’ll provide you both a template and a visual example to help you sign your own printed cover letter. Note the spacing used in these examples.

Template Example:

“….thank you for considering my application.” [Sincerely, Best Regards] [Written signature in black ink] [Your full name (typed)] [Your e-mail address] [Tel:(including country/area code)]

Visual Example:

“…thank you for considering my application.” Sincerely, Alex Loizos [email protected] (555) 333 2222

Emailed cover letters do not need a handwritten signature. However, doing so adds a touch of professionalism and won’t hurt your letter.

An emailed letter with a signature looks the exact same as a printed one, except that your signature would be created electronically. Look up how to generate an electronic signature for whatever email service you use.

If you choose to not include a signature, then the rest of the sign-off stays the same. Same single-spacing, with consistent font and no italics.

Visual Example #1:

Visual Example #2:

“…thank you for your time.” Best Regards, Stacy Smith [email protected] (321) 412 2552

The importance of sending a well-written cover letter is underrated. Even with an impressive resume , hiring managers know you as nothing more than a name on a paper and a list of achievements.

Cover letters convey two things that resumes alone cannot: professionalism and initiative.

A discussion of your qualifications and achievements in your letter, followed by an offer for further discussion, is what will lead the recruiter to pick up the phone.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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Blog Cover Letter Help How To End a Cover Letter

How To End a Cover Letter: 6 Best Cover Letter Closing Examples

Knowing how to close your cover letter properly can mean the difference between securing an interview or leaving an awkward first impression with the hiring manager. Check out our writing guide and six examples on how to close a cover letter for help.

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How to close a cover letter

6 tips for writing a strong cover letter ending (with examples), how to sign off a cover letter, (optional) closing a cover letter with a p.s..

While starting a cover letter correctly is vital for grabbing the hiring manager’s attention, your cover letter closing is where you reinforce your strongest selling points as a candidate.

Your cover letter ending should convince the hiring manager to call you in for an interview before another company snaps you up first.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Your cover letter closing needs to grab the attention of employers and guarantee they remember your application. 

To accomplish this, when closing your cover letter, ensure you include the following three sections:

• Final body paragraph — add your key selling points here
• Cover letter closing — push for an interview and say you’ll follow up
• Sign off — use HR-approved language to achieve the right level of formality

If you’d like to save time writing your cover letter, there are effective cover letter generators out there that can help you create a letter in minutes.

Here’s an example of a complete cover letter closing with all three sections highlighted:

Not sure exactly how to write a strong ending to your cover letter? Here are six tips to help you write a cover letter closing that makes employers want to call you in for an interview:

1. Restate your value as an employee

Before you prompt the hiring manager to contact you, you need to reinforce why by explaining how you’ll add value to the company if hired.

The best way to end a cover letter is by emphasizing what you can do for the employer .

State how your skills, expertise, and experience will directly benefit their business. By focusing on the needs of the company instead of your own, you’ll end your cover letter by showing the hiring manager you’re serious about the role and a results-driven candidate. 

Here’s an example of how to restate your value as an employee when closing your cover letter:

I’d be honored to show you in an interview how I can bring the same results I had at Frontier Health, and boost employee retention at Monsanto Inc. by 10% in under a year through the implementation of low-cost training courses and employee benefits.

2. Express your passion for the industry and the company

One of the most desirable traits in an employee is genuine enthusiasm .

Employers know that passionate workers maintain and improve their performance over time, resulting in longer retention rates and higher productivity.

Use your cover letter closing paragraph to demonstrate how passionate you are about the work associated with the job, and you’ll immediately be viewed more favorably by hiring managers.

Here’s an example of how to show enthusiasm for the beauty industry when closing a cosmetologist cover letter : 

As a devotee of the beauty industry and a loyal customer of Body+ Skincare, I’m excited to use my social media and marketing skills to bolster the company’s reach online. I can’t wait to share my ideas for how best to spread the brand’s message that everyone is beautiful.

3. Quantify your value as an employee

At the end of the day, businesses need to make revenue to be successful. If you show your potential employer exactly how you’d be able to contribute to the company’s bottom line or overall success, employers are much more likely to invite you for an interview. 

In the last paragraph of your cover letter, make it clear that you’d be a strong asset to the company if hired by citing a previous accomplishment (with hard numbers to back it up). 

Here’s an example of how to promote your ability to drive sales on a sales cover letter :

If hired, I’ll bring the same results-oriented mindset to Power Gym as I brought to UltraFit. I’m looking forward to showing you how I improved member retention by 35% and drove monthly sales of over $2500 in supplements and fitness accessories.

4. Focus on the company’s future

When applying for your target company, you should know their values and goals. Knowing the company’s goals allows you to establish a connection with the hiring manager, and shows how you can be a vital part of achieving the company’s mission.

If you explain in your cover letter closing how your objectives align with the organization’s and how you’ll help them grow, hiring managers will know you’re a dedicated employee and serious about the role.

Here’s an example of how a customer service representative shows they’re dedicated to their potential employer’s mission statement: 

SmartMeals’ mission statement is that it wants to reinvent how people approach their diet. On your team, I would continue to develop my conscientious approach to customer service and help create the most compelling organic food shopping experience imaginable.

5. Show you’ve done your research on the company 

Hiring managers value employees who are invested in the company and willing to learn about the job. One of the best ways to show you’re invested is by researching the company and referencing your research at the end of your cover letter.

There are several subjects you could choose to research about potential employers, such as their mission, the products they offer, or even their annual balance sheet (though the balance sheet is probably only relevant if you’re working in accounting or finance ). 

Sometimes simply browsing the company’s website is sufficient to find information to include when wrapping up your cover letter that’ll get the hiring manager’s attention and show them you’ve done some extra homework.

Here’s an example that shows you’ve done extra research in your cover letter closing: 

After reviewing Lonestar’s 2022 balance sheet, I found the debt to equity ratio to be high in Q2. At my previous company, Skyward, I decreased their debt by 10% in under 2 years through altering inventory and storage costs. I would love to share my techniques in an interview and discuss how I could be an asset to Lonestar’s financial department.  

6. Leave a time for following up with the hiring manager

Hiring managers want to hire motivated candidates who are ready and willing to invest their time and energy in excelling in their new position. 

A quick and easy way to show the hiring manager that you’re motivated to excel at the job is by leaving a time in your cover letter closing for following up with them (assuming they haven’t contacted you yet about the position). 

However, when leaving a time or date for contacting the hiring manager, ensure that you don’t come off as too pushy.  

Here’s an example of a cover letter closing that leaves a time for following up: 

I’m looking forward to discussing my skills and experience in more detail soon. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up, just to make sure you received my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Once you’re done writing your cover letter’s closing paragraph, you need to politely sign off. It’s only a couple of words at most, but your sign-off is an important part of writing a cover letter . 

You don’t want to sound too rigid and formal, but you also don’t want to come off as too relaxed and treat the hiring manager like an old friend.

Here are seven of the best sign-offs for your cover letter:

7 best cover letter sign-offs to use

• Respectfully
• Kind regards
• Best regards

If you’re still unsure how to end your cover letter, look at cover letter samples online for some inspiration.

Writing an email cover letter ? Include the phrase “ please find attached my resume ” in your closing paragraph.

Now that you’re well-versed on how to conclude your cover letter, there is one (optional) final aspect to discuss – leaving a postscript (P.S).

If you have one knockout quality that makes you a unique candidate , or simply a favorite cover letter closing line, putting it in a P.S. can be a nice finishing touch. 

Remember, though, a P.S. isn’t necessary for ending your cover letter, but it can be a powerful tool if used well. It’s best to omit it if you can’t think of anything worthwhile and meaningful to say, rather than just adding more fluff to your cover letter.

Here’s an example of a well-written P.S. for a cover letter ending:

P.S. — I consider myself a lifelong student, and would love the opportunity to apply my 10+ years of experience in education but also continue to learn as a member of your school faculty.

Nick Herschel

Digital Content Writer

Nick is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Resume Genius, where he assists people in writing outstanding resumes and CVs. Recently equipped with his MBA, you can find him discussing and writing articles on job searching and interviewing. He enjoys camping, hiking, and being outdoors in his free time.

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Dos and Don’ts of the Cover Letter Signature Section

• March 7, 2022
• Brand yourself , Find a job , Interviews , Resume & Cover Letter

How a Professional Cover Letter Signature Can Signal the Turning Point in Your Career

Focusing on every aspect of a cover letter is important . While some seemingly irrelevant details probably won’t make or break your career, they can make getting an interview harder. And it’s difficult enough as it is. That’s why you need to get every part right. Even something that seems trivial—like your cover letter signature .

Pretty much any role requires attention to detail. Companies might avoid mentioning this requirement in their job ad—it makes them sound basic (this is also why they, thankfully, stopped using buzzwords like “hacker,” “rockstar,” and “superhero”). But it’s still implied.

Properly signing your cover letter is one way to show that you are that detail-oriented super-ninja hacker rockstar. You wouldn’t want your dream employer to think of you as anything less, would you?

This article will clear up the following questions:

• Do you need to sign a cover letter?
• How should a cover letter be signed?
• Is an electronic cover letter signature any different from one written by hand?

Should You Sign Your Cover Letter at All?

Do I need to sign a cover letter ? 

In general, companies prefer a signed cover letter since it assures them of the authenticity of your submission. An unsigned cover letter might make you appear sloppy, and in the worst-case scenario, cause the recruiters to think that it’s not genuinely yours.

Where does that come from? If, for example, you download a generic cover letter or pay someone to write it for you, they likely won’t sign it. Recruiters will use this lack of signature as one of the signs they’re reading someone else’s words. It never hurts to add a signature. It shows you took that extra step and made sure you didn’t miss anything. This additional bit of finesse might be what makes your cover letter stand out from hundreds of other applications.

Do You Need To Sign a Hard Copy Cover Letter?

A company may ask you to submit your cover letter by mail or in person. This is rare, but it still happens . If you’re submitting your document in one of these ways, you should leave a blank space at the bottom for your signature. The classic method is to sign cover letters with a ballpoint pen or a fountain pen. Make sure that your signature is easily distinguishable. It’s a bad idea to write a garbled mess that looks more like a blotch than a handwritten signature.

Source: Karolina Grabowska

Are You Required To Sign an Electronic Cover Letter?

An electronic signature is rarely a requirement when sending your cover letter via email. 

It’s fancy and looks nice, and the employer might appreciate the aesthetics. But if you don’t have one already prepared, you don’t have to bother. People have been using email correspondence for a while now—they know what to expect. Typing out your full name is sufficient—include it right beneath your formal closing phrase. For example:

John Smith,

XXX-XXX-XXXX

[email protected]

Is the Rest of Your Doc on the Same Level as Your Cover Letter Signature? 

Writing a good cover letter is still a prerequisite when you are applying to serious and professional companies. This means meticulously crafting every part of your document before and including the signature. Employers want to know how you’ve used the skills included in your resume. It’s a useful document as it shows them whether you have any actual experience in the role you’re applying for—and if not, what other qualities make you a good fit.

The two most vital components you should pay attention to are:

What’s the Best Way To Structure a Cover Letter?

To get to the cover letter signature, you first have to cover every other section :

There’s no need to be super-original or inventive. You can use this basic outline for all your cover letters.

How Do You Properly Format a Cover Letter?

If you’ve formatted your cover letter in a poor fashion, it will be impossible to read. The recruiter might not even get to your signature. That’s why you should make sure that your document ticks all the boxes:

You should avoid including certain elements in your cover letter as they make your document unreadable by an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is a program larger companies use to speed up their recruitment process and weed out unsuitable candidates. Make sure not to include:

• Colored text
• Graphs and charts

Source: RODNAE Productions

Check Out What Lensa Can Do To Make Your Job Hunt Easier!

No matter whether you’re writing your cover letter as a veteran or as someone who’s just starting off their career , the signature at the end will demonstrate your professionalism to potential future employers. 

Though cover letters themselves might seem like a matter of form, 26% of employers state that they still impact their decision on who to hire—and over 50% report that they expect candidates to submit them even when they’re technically optional. More than 60% of job seekers are looking for employment by applying to ads posted on hiring websites. The online competition is huge, and getting hired is anything but easy. But it doesn’t have to be painfully difficult either—if you sign up for Lensa !

Lensa is an AI-powered app that helps you search for that ideal workplace by compiling job ads from numerous job boards onto a single platform. Other benefits include:

• Option to filter out remote positions
• Opportunity to try out the Workstyle Game and learn a bit about your soft skills
• Job recommendations tailored exclusively to your personality, qualifications, and preferences
• Assessment of your resume’s ATS-friendliness

Source: Christina Morillo

Registering for Lensa Will Only Take a Few Minutes

You can make your job search more efficient by taking these easy-to-follow steps:

• Go to the Lensa website
• Write your desired job title and click on Search
• Enter your email address
• Select the Submit option

Once you do this, you can begin browsing the website for job ads. You can also play the Workstyle Game to learn something about your professional strengths and weaknesses.

To flesh out your account, you could also:

• Specify your desired salary range
• State your level of education
• Enter information about your prior work experiences
• Upload your resume

The more information you provide, the better and more precise job recommendations you will get!

Source: Felicity Tai

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23 Questions to Ask at Your Job Interview

In today’s job market, interviews are a two-way street where candidates also assess if the company is a good fit. Interviewing the interviewer builds rapport, shows confidence, and provides valuable insights. This article highlights the importance of asking questions, offers preparation tips, and presents 23 strategic questions to help ensure the role aligns with your career goals and values.

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How to Sign a Cover Letter: Paper vs Digital

In This Guide:

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter

What to include in your cover letter signature

How to sign a cover letter when emailing

How to sign a paper cover letter

How to sign a cover letter when it is an attached file

When it comes to your cover letter, you usually have just one chance to make a good first impression.

That’s why you would want to make it all perfect.

You might think that your signature is not important, and it wouldn’t matter what you put there, but you can not be more wrong.§

As employers receive hundreds of resumes for every open job position they have, even the smallest detail might be used against you for the purpose of pre-selection.

So, how to perfect your cover letter signature?

Well, that depends greatly on the method you choose for sending your cover letter. So we are going to explore the 3 cases:

• Signing your email cover letter
• Signing your hard copy cover letter
• Signing your uploaded cover letter

And as we go along, we are going to give you examples for each method .

If you have some doubts about your overall cover letter performance, that would be a good time to learn how to tell a story with your cover letter and build your perfect cover letter .

But if you are ready to dive into the details of your cover letter signature, stick around.

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter?

Upload & check your resume.

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Every cover letter needs some kind of sign-off with at least a closing phrase and your names.

But apart from that, a hand signature inserted into your cover letter is entirely up to you.

If you are emailing your cover letter, your potential employer would not be expecting a hand signature. However, if you are mailing a physical cover letter, or uploading it, hand signing your cover letter can be a nice touch.

What to include in your cover letter signature?

What you include in your cover letter signature depends on the method you use for sending it over to your potential employer.

However, every cover letter signature should include a closing phrase and your names.

From this point forward, you can include a handwritten signature, or your contact information, depending on the type of cover letter you are sending.

If you have chosen to email your cover letter, it is nice to include your contact information just after your names, but you usually don’t need a handwritten signature.

And if you decide to mail a hard copy of your cover letter, it is a charming touch to include a handwritten signature, but don’t really need the contact information, as it would only clutter the page.

How to sign a cover letter when emailing?

When emailing your cover letter to a potential employer, it is essential for you to list your contact information in the bottom of your email .

At the very least, a hiring manager should be able to find your name, email address, and phone number, but you can also include an address, LinkedIn profile , or a portfolio.

Your contact information is so essential because the hiring manager would need to be able to easily contact you.

It would be a shame if you nailed your cover letter, and build a perfect resume , and the hiring manager has no way to contact you for an interview.

If you want to really nail it, you need to make sure you are sticking to the same font throughout, and not use anything too special in your signature, as it might come across as childish.

Last but not least, send out your cover letter using a professional email address. That does not mean that you need to use your work email address, as that would be a huge mistake.

To get the best result, use a free online email service like Gmail, and set up your email in the format [email protected] .

Just to make things easier on your part, here is how your email signature should look like:

[email protected]

(555) 555-5555

And if you want to add in some additional contacts, you can do so by listing them below these like this:

Sincerely, John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 https://linkedin.com/in/john-doe

How to sign a paper cover letter?

When it comes to a hard copy of your cover letter, you no longer need to list the contact information in your signature. In most cases, both your contact information and that of the employer is listed at the top of the page.

Here, just like in any other cover letter sign-off, you need to add a closing phrase and your names.

What you can add here as a nice touch is including a handwritten signature.

Typically, you would want it to be positioned between the closing phrase and your full name, so make sure you leave enough space between the two for you to sign it after you print it out.

And here is how your paper cover letter sign-off should look like:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here) Jane Doe

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space.

When you have decided to attach your cover letter to your email, or upload it to a job site, you can only type in a closing phrase and your names, and that would be perfectly fine for a signature.

However, a handwritten signature might really make some good impression on the hiring manager.

If you decide to go for it, you have two options:

• Print out your cover letter with a structure for a hard copy, sign it and then scan it, and you are ready to upload it
• You can sign on a blank piece of paper and scan it, and then insert it into your cover letter digital file

Either way, it would make a good impression.

Just make sure you leave enough blank space for a signature if you go for it.

If you decide to go for the basic version of your cover letter signature, you just need that:

Sincerely, Jane Doe

But if you are determined to add in your handwritten signature, make sure you go for that:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here)

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space. And from that point forward, you only need to scan it, and you are ready to go.

We are all done, now you know how to get the best out of your cover letter signature.

Let’s go through the most important points once again:

• If you are emailing your cover letter, make sure you list your essential contact information in your email signature, so that it would be easy for the hiring manager to contact you
• If you are sending out a hard copy of your cover letter, you don’t need to list your contact information in the signature, but it is a nice touch to include a handwritten signature
• When you are attaching your cover letter to an email, or uploading it to a website, you can go with the basics – closing phrase and your names, but it is again a nice touch to add your scanned signature to the document

Now upgrade your cover letter signature, and perfect your application documents to get your dream job.

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How to End a Cover Letter: 5 Ways, With Examples

You know how to start a cover letter , but just when you think you’ve got it in hand, you reach the final stretch: the closing paragraph. This is the moment where your message needs to be confident and professional but also memorable and proactive—i.e., you need to leave a lasting impression and request an interview. Your cover letter might be the only thing a recruiter reads before making a decision, which can feel intimidating.

The end of your cover letter should include a thank-you, a call to action, and a reiteration of why you’re the best fit for the job. In this guide, we’ll tackle a critical aspect of cover letter writing: how to end it with authority and enthusiasm. We’ll explore what a cover letter should include, cover letter endings you can try, and examples of cover letter endings.

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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a formal document submitted with a job application and résumé . A cover letter should make a case for why an applicant is a good fit for the role, and it can be more detailed and personalized than a résumé. A cover letter includes an applicant’s interest in a specific job and their qualifications, skills, and relevant experiences.

The end of a cover letter also includes a call to action, a polite and enthusiastic expression of an applicant’s interest in an interview. It’s the job seeker’s last chance to make an impression on the employer and persuade them to move forward with the application.

What should you include in the final paragraph of a cover letter?

The final paragraph of your cover letter should be about three to five sentences long. Here are the three main things to include.

Enthusiastic statement

Reiterate what you admire about the company. Then, using different words, explain briefly why you think you’re a good fit and how you would contribute to the mission or goals of the team or organization you’re applying to.

Call to action

Next, politely and proactively ask for the next step in the hiring process, which is usually an interview. You can say something like this: “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”

Express gratitude for the employer’s time and consideration. A simple “Thank you for considering my application” usually works well.

5 ways to end a cover letter

Here are five compelling ways to end a cover letter .

1 Excitement

“I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss why I am a great fit for [Company Name].”

“I believe this is a position where I can develop my passion for [industry/skill] while contributing to the team.”

3 Enthusiasm

“If offered the position, I will be ready to hit the ground running and help [business] meet its goals and milestones for success.”

“I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications could benefit your organization’s strategy and long-term vision, as well as the daily operations that contribute to [organization’s] business model.”

5 Follow up

“I will call next Tuesday to follow up on my application and answer any further questions you may have.”

Examples of how to end a cover letter

Need inspiration for how to close your cover letter? Here are four examples of these cover letter endings in action.

Software engineer cover letter ending example

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your company. I believe my background as a scrum manager and experience with your unique tech stack align perfectly with the company’s mission to optimize and expand enterprise applications. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview and explore how my skills can benefit your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to collaborate with your talented team soon.

Teacher cover letter ending example

I am eager to join the Middle School team as my passion for education in chemistry and biology aligns with your goal of fostering the growth of girls in STEM fields. I look forward to discussing how my qualifications can contribute to the continued success of Middle School, and I would appreciate the chance to explore this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Nurse cover letter ending example

I am excited about the prospect of becoming part of the Clinic team. I admire the Clinic’s prioritization of patients and care for its employees. I believe that my dedication to patient care and my experience in a cardiac surgery unit make me a natural fit for your organization. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications can enhance and support the ongoing achievements of the Clinic, and I look forward to discussing this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I appreciate the time you’ve taken to review my credentials.

Editor cover letter example

Joining your Reviews team is a prospect I’m keen on. With my marketing experience and background in SEO analytics, I’ll be ready to grow organic traffic to your blog from day one. I’d love the opportunity to discuss my plan to contribute to the growth of the Reviews blog in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. To facilitate our discussion, I plan to follow up on my application next week and arrange an interview.

How to end a cover letter FAQs

A cover letter is a formal document that accompanies a job application. It introduces the applicant to the employer, expresses their interest in the job, and highlights their qualifications and experiences to strengthen their candidacy.

Why is the ending of a cover letter important?

The ending of a cover letter is crucial because it’s your last opportunity to leave a strong impression on the employer. It’s also a way to encourage them to set up an interview with you, making you more likely to get hired.

What should the last paragraph of a cover letter include?

The last paragraph of a cover letter should include a call to action, expressing your interest in an interview, and a note of gratitude to the employer for their time and consideration. It should leave a positive final impression and encourage the next steps in the hiring process.

How to End a Cover Letter [w/ 4 Examples]

How you end your cover letter is an important part of the process. 

You’ve managed to make a good impression with your cover letter and now you want to “exit” on a good note with an equally impactful conclusion. 

This is where this article comes in.

We’ll show you how to end your cover letter effectively and leave the right impression on the recruiter reading it!

• 6 Ways to end a cover letter for a job (with examples) 
• Ways NOT to end a cover letter
• How to sign off a cover letter
• Signature lines NOT to use 

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

6 Ways to End a Cover Letter for a Job (With Examples)

Your cover letter ending consists of your closing paragraph and your signature line.

As your official “parting” from the recruiter, your closing paragraph should be an on-point summary of your cover letter’s highlights and a chance to reaffirm your strong points.

To guide you in the right direction, we’ve put together our favorite tips on how to end a cover letter effectively. 

So, let’s see what they’re all about!

#1: Show Confidence 

First things first—make sure you end your cover letter on a confident note. 

All your skills, qualifications, and strengths will lose a bit of their value if you don’t confidently show the recruiter that you can apply them to the company’s benefit. 

Say, you mentioned a bunch of noteworthy achievements and skills as you were writing your cover letter . Your cover letter ending is your chance to confidently reiterate them.

For example, you might have mentioned in your cover letter how you helped your previous company exceed its sales target by 30%. That’s an achievement you can use to conclude your cover letter confidently.  

For example:

I believe my ability to generate sales and drive results will be a significant contribution to your company’s goals and KPIs. 

#2: Sum Up Your Skills (For the Position)

Another way to effectively end your cover letter is to sum up your top skills. 

More specifically, sum up exactly how your skills will bring value to the team or company, or how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Here’s an example of how you can do this:

To conclude, I can confidently say that my 5 years of experience as a researcher have made me detail-oriented, patient, and able to connect smaller pieces of information to see the bigger picture. I believe these skills will be of use in this position. 

#3: Be Enthusiastic

You may be highly qualified and justifiably confident in your skills, but employers also want to see that you will be a motivated and engaged employee. 

So, make sure to express your enthusiasm! This will show that you care about this job and that you will put passion and energy into your work if you’re hired. 

Employees who are enthusiastic about their work are also far more likely to stay on board long term, which means that you’ve got more chances to get (and stay) hired! It’s no wonder that 71% of executives say that employee engagement is critical to their company’s success .

As such, sometimes, the deciding difference between two equally qualified candidates is just their level of interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Being able to apply all of my skills and previous experience to this project is an ideal and exciting opportunity for me. 

#4: State Your Goals and Set Expectations 

Another great way to end your cover letter is by stating your professional goals and giving the recruiter a general idea of what they should expect from you as a potential employee.

This will show that you are proactive and that you have clear objectives for your career.

Keep in mind though—when stating your goals and expectations, focus on mentioning how you’ll contribute to the company and benefit the employer, not just the other way around. 

And remember—what can set you apart from other candidates is expressing exactly what connects you to the company (other than just wanting to be hired). This can make your claims more believable and attract recruiters more easily.

Here’s an example of how you can make that work:

My goal is to be counted among the top professionals in the field, not only due to my skills but also because of my appetite for innovation. Your company’s mission to innovate some basic aspects of our daily lives is an inspiration for my work and I’d be happy to contribute my skills to achieve this common mission.

#5: Don’t Forget to Say “Thank You” 

Don’t forget to end the letter with gratitude. 

After all, recruiters go through countless applications daily, so just the fact that they took the time to read yours is enough of a reason to be thankful. 

Because it is expected that you will say “thank you” (and would be considered rude if you don’t), genuine gratitude is what will make you instantly more likable and win you extra points. 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I truly appreciate your consideration and hope to have the chance to prove through my dedicated work for your company.

#6. Keep It Professional 

This last piece of advice is quite simple. Keep your cover letter professional. You’ll have plenty of chances to express the more fun side of your character. 

There will be plenty of time to express your more “casual” side once you’re hired. At this stage, though, employers want to see that you are professional, reliable, and serious about your work. 

So, it’s better to use academic language and a clean, simple style. 

Liked the tips we covered in this article? There’s more where that came from! Check out our complete guide with the top 21 cover letter tips .

Ways NOT to End a Cover Letter 

And now that we covered the best ways to end your cover letter, let’s go over what you should NOT do when you’re writing your cover letter ending.  

• Do not appear desperate for the job. There is a fine line between expressing enthusiasm and being desperate. If you step over that line, you might blow your chances at getting a callback.
• Don’t be cocky and entitled. Avoid rhetoric that implies that the company would be foolish not to hire you and avoid speaking as though you’ve already been hired.
• Do not use overly familiar language or slang. That is unless you are working in the comedy industry.
• Don’t forget to proofread. Forgetting to proofread your cover letter (including the ending) is a big no-no. Typos and grammar mistakes can come across as unprofessional, so make sure to double-check for mistakes or use software like Grammarly .
• Don’t be sloppy! Pay attention to how you structure your closing paragraph just as much as the rest of your cover letter. This is the last thing the recruiters will read and it is what they will remember from the cover letter.
• Do not skip the closing! Not including a final paragraph in a cover letter is a huge mistake. This is your opportunity to summarize your strong points, enthusiasm, and gratitude memorably.

Want to know what mistakes you should avoid when you’re writing your cover letter? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know.

How to Sign Off a Cover Letter 

Signing off your cover letter is a pretty straightforward task. All you have to do is use a signature line, followed by your full name. Something like this: 

And since “sincerely” has become overused, consider these signature lines to use instead: 

• Kind regards,
• With best regards,
• Most sincerely,
• Respectfully yours,
• Best regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for your consideration,

Signature lines not to use

You probably know better than to use any of the signature lines below, but we thought to go over them just in case. So, whatever you do, refrain from using any of the following: 

• Warm Regards
• Yours Truly
• Have a wonderful day
• Affectionately

Do I Sign a Cover Letter? 

Whether you should sign a cover letter depends on how you are sending your cover letter. 

Nowadays, most cover letters are sent electronically. If that’s the case with you, there is no need to add an electronic signature. 

Simply add your full name at the end of the cover letter, using the same font as the rest of your letter. 

If you are sending a good old-fashioned printed cover letter, on the other hand, include the same details and add your signature underneath your name. 

Having a matching resume and cover letter is a great way to make a good impression on the hiring manager! We make that super easy for you - just pick one of our matching pairs of resume & cover letter templates and start writing yours!

Key Takeaways 

How you end your cover letter is extremely important. If you manage to get it right, your application will make an impression and most surely earn you a callback.

To make sure you got it right, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article: 

• Your cover letter ending should contain a captivating closing paragraph and a signature line.
• To write a good closing paragraph, do some of the following: convey enthusiasm, recap your skills and qualifications, show gratitude, and state your goals and expectations.
• Things NOT to do when you’re writing your cover letter ending are: appearing cocky, being sloppy, forgetting to proofread, and ignoring the ending altogether.
• Signature lines to consider in addition to sincerely are: kind regards, respectfully, and most sincerely.

Related Readings:

• Do I Need A Cover Letter in 2024
• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Internship

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The Ultimate Cover Letter Format & Structure Guide (+ Examples)

In this article, you'll read about:

What Is a Cover Letter?

The correct cover letter structure, how to format a cover letter, cover letter template, cover letter sample.

A cover letter (or sometimes also referred to as a “letter of motivation” or “job application letter”) is a formal document sent along with your resume/CV for a job application. It provides additional information besides what is written in your resume with an aim to express yourself further in a more personal way. 

Recruiters can tell a lot about you from your cover letter. Aside from the information that you disclose through the content of your cover letter, recruiters can also infer your soft skills, such as how attentive to detail you are, how good you are at communicating through written language, and more through how you format your cover letter.

When writing a professional cover letter, you need to pay attention to the following elements:

• Cover letter format (i.e., structure, header, layout) 
• Cover letter style (block or semi-block)
• Cover letter line spacing 

This article will guide you through how to format a cover letter properly and provide you with cover letter layout examples.

A cover letter is a letter accompanying your resume or CV when you apply for a job, as a tool to promote or market yourself through written communication to the recruiter before you meet them face-to-face.  There is a general cover letter format for job applications that you can always follow and never go wrong with, but it is still important to keep in mind that different employers might have different specific requirements for applications. So, you have to make sure to read the job posting carefully.

Depending on the requirements and medium you use to send it, you will need different cover letter formats. 

Based on the situation and requirements of the employer, you can decide which cover letter format to go with, such as: 

• Email cover letter format: Cover letters are written as the email content when sending an application via email.
• Digital cover letter format or electronic cover letter format:  Cover letters are saved as a doc or pdf file and sent as an email attachment. 
• Printed cover letter format: Cover letters are printed out as a hard copy along with a printed resume to a mailing address.

Recruiters usually will read your cover letter before your resume. Therefore, it is important to create a good first impression with a properly written cover letter format. In this part, we will show you what elements should be included in a proper cover letter format.

Date written 

The date is a small aspect of the cover letter header format, and yet requires as much attention as others. 

The correct way to format is:  [Month] [Day], [Year]

Examples of how to format cover letter's date: 

March 30, 2022

Contact information

For printed/digital cover letter formats, both the sender’s and receiver’s contact information is usually placed at the top in the cover letter header. But, if you are writing an email cover letter, you can include your contact information at the bottom of the letter with your signature and name. No matter what, make sure you use a professional email and provide accurate information. 

Examples for email cover letters:

Best regards, Katherine Nguyen  (+1)-333-0987 |  [email protected]

Examples for printed/digital cover letter formats:

Kevin Nguyen  (+1)-333-0977  [email protected]

Richard Jenkins Head of HR at HHH Company  (+1)-992-9922  [email protected]

Salutation or opening greeting

You should directly address the person who will be going through your application for this position. They could be the hiring manager or the Head of the Department where the vacancy is from. 

💡 Pro Tip : To know who the hiring manager in charge of the position is, you can refer to the job post uploader, or do some research on the company website. You could also ask a connection that you have in the company (if any).

How to write a salutation may vary depending on the cover letter style. “Dear”, “Hello” are the safest greetings that you can go with. They sound friendly yet still maintain a professional tone.

Examples of cover letter salutations:

• Dear Mr. Jones, 
• Dear Hiring Manager, 
• Dear [Name of Department] Department Team,
• Dear Sir/Madam,

You might think, " How about using ' To Whom It May Concern ' ? " Surprisingly, this salutation is no longer considered as a good one to use in application letters as it is needlessly formal and doesn't address a specific person directly.

Opening paragraph

The goal of the opening paragraph is to explain to the reader who you are and why you're writing this letter. 

Think of it as the first introduction about yourself that will grab the hiring manager’s attention right away and stand out from the crowd. If written boringly, they may never even get to the second paragraph, and you don’t want that.

💡 Pro Tip : State an accomplishment to show your confidence, determination, and interest in the position, for example: “ I believe that… ”, “ I am very interested in… ”, “ I am writing to express my strong interest in… ”, etc. 

Here's an example of a cover letter opening paragraph:

My name is Katherine Nguyen - a registered nurse currently looking to acquire the nurse practitioner position at ENTC Hospital. I believe that my 8 years of experience in relevant roles makes me the right fit for this role. 

Middle or body paragraph

Here comes the most important section in the cover letter format for job applications. 

In this part, you need to explain why you think you're qualified for the role, in terms of expertise, work experience, and skills. You're selling your candidacy to the reader, so it's important to be as specific and concise as possible. 

Below are some tips when formatting your cover letter’s body paragraph:

• Avoid only repeating the information that’s already mentioned in your resume. 
• Make strong connections between your qualifications and the job requirements. 
• Use several shorter paragraphs or bullet points instead of one large block of text.

Here's an example of a cover letter body paragraph:

I have engaged in various industries, including technology, education, and beauty. I am a detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and diligent individual with nearly 6 years of experience in Content Marketing, SEO Writing, and Social Media Management. My major job responsibilities include: 

• Producing SEO-friendly content to publish on relevant media channels such as the company website, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 
• Conducting keyword research and leveraging SEO practices to optimize the article writing. 
• Managed multiple social media accounts to promote the company branding and  products.

In addition, I have a background in Digital Marketing and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and MBA from Western State University. In terms of language ability, I am a native English speaker with professional working proficiency in Korean and basic French.  

Closing paragraph

In the final paragraph of your cover letter, you should focus on the value you can bring to the organization.

What’s more, making a statement about how thrilled you’ll be to be a part of the team will also show your interest in the position. Besides that, don't forget to express your appreciation for the hiring manager's time and consideration. 

Here's an example of  how to format your cover letter ’s closing paragraph:

I have had a strong passion for writing since I was little. I've also been a big fan of Beauty Magazine and the impact that it brings for young girls for many years. Therefore, I hope that I can become a part of the team and contribute to the expansion of Beauty Magazine into the Asian market. 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to your response.

Now it's time to finish with a professional sign-off. 

You can simply end your cover letter with a formal complimentary closing, followed with your signature.

Since you're writing a formal document, avoid using casual language and tone like “Yours truly", “With love,” or "Take care".

For an email/digital cover letter format, you may need to put your contact info below your signature. For a printed cover letter format, make sure your signature is handwritten.

Examples of appropriate sign-offs to use in a standard cover letter format :

• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Best wishes,
• With gratitude,
• Respectfully,

Below are 5 elements that should be kept in mind for a good cover letter format. 

Similar to writing a CV or resume, it's best to keep your cover letter font professional. 

Use standard font styles such as: Arial, Helvetica, Roboto, Times New Roman, Verdana

Use fancy fonts, as hiring managers will find it hard to read and unprofessional. 

As for your cover letter font format, you should adopt no larger than a 12-point font and no smaller than a 10.5-point font. 

Good spacing is essential for a standard cover letter format. Proper white spaces will make it easier for employers to grab key information. Also, the cover letter layout will look neat and well-arranged. 

How to format cover letter spacing properly: 

• Leave space between each section (i.e., date, recipient’s address, salutation, body paragraphs, closing, and sign-off.)
• Use business letter format spacing: 1 or 1.15.

🖋 Margins & Alignment

Align your text to the left and use standard 1”-1.5” margins for all four sides. However, feel free to adjust the cover letter margins if you’re running out of space.

🖋 Cover letter full block format

There are three types of formats for how letters are typically written on paper, which are block, modified block, and semi-block format.

Most readers and job applicants prefer a cover letter in full block format since it’s most easy-to-read and looks neat. Doing this is very simple. All you need to do is put all elements of the letter aligned to the left margin of the page and all paragraphs are separated by a double line space to create a full block cover letter format.

🖋 Cover letter length

Your cover letter should range from a half-page to one full page, typically between 250-400 words. This way, you can keep it concise and informative at the same time. 

[Your Name]

[Your Address]  [Your City, State, Zip Code]  [Your Phone Number]  [Your Email Address]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Company Name]  [Company Address]  [Company City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager (or [hiring manager's name] ), 

My name is [your name] . I’m excited to be applying for the [job title] position at [Company Name] . [Short overview of your expertise, skills, and most outstanding accomplishments in the field] . [Your interest in this role and briefly explain how it matches your career goals] .

During my  [number of years] years of experience, I worked on  [major job responsibilities] . My greatest accomplishments are [relevant past achievements] . These experiences have allowed me to gain [skills relevant to the position] which I believe will allow me to [how you want to contribute and help the company grow] .

In addition to my experience, I have a solid educational background with a [educational degree] in [major of study] . I’m also a/an [personal trait] individual who is [soft skill #1, soft skill #2, soft skill #3…] .

I am confident that the professional experience and skills I’ve obtained in previous positions have prepared me for this opportunity. I would love to meet you and discuss further on how I might be an asset to the [name of team, department or company] . 

I have attached my resume for your reference. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you so we could discuss my contributions further in an interview at your convenience.

[Signature]

Now that you already know what a cover letter format for job applications looks like, let’s check out a formal cover letter example for a graphic designer position.

Marybelle Smiths  Victoria, TX 77979  [email protected] (+361)-443-5491

March 18, 2022

Samuel Lin Head of Marketing Team  SamaTech Corp. 90 Live Oak St., Lilita, TX77971

Dear Samuel,  

My name is Marybelle Smiths, a freelance graphic designer with 5 years of experience in the field. After reviewing your job listing, I'm excited to be applying for the Graphic Designer position at SamaTech. I strongly believe that my proven experience in various large-scale projects makes me an ideal candidate for this role.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Design from Texas A&M. During my recent 5 years working as a freelancer, I have developed the necessary skills to deliver informative and eye-catching designs, including package design and marketing collateral. I have worked with nearly 30 big clients in the FinTech, beauty, and tourism industries - not to mention 80+ small and medium-sized projects in other areas. 

The biggest achievement I have obtained is an increase in blog traffic by 145% and shares by 80% by adding my graphics to the older posts that did not have images. I have achieved many testimonials from my clients - please kindly check them out on my LinkedIn and Upwork profile. 

In addition to graphic design work, I have also expanded my expertise into web design and video production. To the best of my knowledge, SamaTech is looking for part-time assistants in these two fields.  

Therefore, I am confident that my experience and abilities will make me the right fit for the vacancy at SamaTech. I also know that I'd be able to develop my skills further should I be hired to become part of your team. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you and to having an opportunity for an interview.

Sincerely, Marybelle Smiths

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• Cover Letters

How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Signature Examples)

• Do You Need to Sign a Cover Letter?
• Sign Uploaded or Printed Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Signatures Examples
• Signatures If You're Emailing
• Signature Examples for Emails

Which Email Address to Use

How to add a digital signature, need more cover letter help.

  South_agency / E+ / Getty Images

When writing a cover letter to include with your resume, it's important to pay attention to every detail, since you only get one chance to make that first impression. So, what exactly should you include in your signature when you're writing your cover letter to apply for a job?

It varies, depending on how you apply for the position. The format and information included in your signature will change according to whether you are mailing, uploading, or emailing your cover letter document. 

Does Your Cover Letter Need a Written Signature?

When distributing your cover letter online by emailing it or uploading it onto a company’s web portal, it is not necessary to hand sign your cover letter. Employers don’t expect to see your handwritten signature on your cover letter. You could add a scanned image of your signature to your document, but it is optional and not required.

How To Sign an Uploaded or Printed Cover Letter

Uploaded Letter:  If you're uploading your cover letter to a job site, your signature will simply include an  appropriate closing phrase and your full name. Place a comma after your close, such as  Best,  or  Sincerely yours,  and then insert your name in the line below. 

Use a formal business-style letter format that includes a heading, salutation, the body of the letter, closing phrase, and your signature. Review these  guidelines for what to include in your letter .

Hard Copy Letter:  When you're printing a hard copy letter, include a closing phrase, your handwritten signature, and your typed full name. Leave several spaces between the closing phrase and your typed name. That way, you'll have room for your signature when you print out the letter. Sign it using either blue or black ink. 

Signature Examples for Uploaded or Printed Letters

For uploaded or hard copy printed letters, there is no need to include as much information as you would in an email message, because the  heading of your cover letter  includes your contact information.

Signature Example (uploaded letter)

Best regards,

Janet Dolan

Signature Format (signed letter)

Closing phrase, 

Handwritten Signature 

First Name Last Name

Signature Example (signed letter)

Janet Dolan (Your Signature)

What to Include in an Email Signature 

If you are emailing your cover letter or inquiry letter, end with a polite sign-off followed by your full name. There is no need to sign a cover letter that's being sent electronically. Write out your full name in the same font as the rest of the letter, and don't use italics or a handwriting font. 

The formatting here is very similar to that in an uploaded cover letter. However, emails do not contain a header with your phone number or other contact information. 

It's a good idea to include these details in your closing paragraph or after your typed signature. That makes it easy for the employer or networking contact to get in touch with you.

You can also include links to online portfolios, if appropriate, or a link to your professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

You don't want to make this section too cluttered, so restrict yourself to the most relevant information. Here's how to set up an email signature, along with more advice on what to include in it and what to leave out. 

Signature Examples for Emailed Documents

When you are  sending email cover letters , it's important to include contact information so the hiring manager can easily see how to contact you. At the very least, include your name, email address, and phone number. You can also add other optional information, such as your street address, online portfolio, or social media accounts.

Email Signature Format

Your Name Email Phone

Email Signature Example

Karina Hoffman karina.hoffman@email.com 555-123-5678

Sample Email Signature With Full Address

Your Name Street City, State Zip Code Email Phone

Sample Email Signature With Social Media Handles

Your Name Email Phone LinkedIn Profile  (Optional)  Twitter Account  (Optional)

Don't use your work email address for job searching. Use your personal email account, or set up a unique account to use just for your job hunt. Many free online email services exist, like Gmail and Yahoo Mail, which you can use to set up a new email account exclusively for your job search.

Even though you are using a personal account, choose an email address that looks professional.

Your best bet is some variation on first initial, last name (e.g., jdoe@gmail.com) or first name, last name (janedoe@gmail.com). Here's how to set up an email account just for your job search.

Adding a handwritten signature is an optional touch, though definitely not required, and it is possible to add your handwritten signature digitally. The simplest way is to use a scanner or a scanner app on your smartphone:

Simply sign a piece of printer paper and then scan the page.

After scanning, the software will give you the opportunity to crop the scanned image (that is, cut the image down to the size of your written signature) or you can crop it in Word.

Once you’ve cropped your signature image to the appropriate size, save your signature as a .gif, .jpg, or .png file to your desktop or a folder on your computer.

Open the Word document where you composed your cover letter and then insert the image of your signature into the document underneath your closing phrase.

Remember to type your name below your handwritten signature.

Get information on  how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

Georgetown University. Cawley Career Education Center. " Cover Letters ."

Microsoft Office. " Insert a Signature ."