How to Sign Off a Cover Letter: 12 Professional Closings That Get Interviews

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The best way to sign off a cover letter is with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Your sign-off should match your letter's formality level and include a digital or handwritten signature for traditional submissions. According to recent hiring data, 83% of hiring managers expect a professional closing, making your sign-off a critical final impression.

Key Takeaways

• Professional closings matter: 83% of hiring managers expect proper sign-offs in cover letters

• Match formality to industry: Conservative fields prefer 'Sincerely,' while creative industries accept 'Best regards'

• Include full name: Always use your complete name as it appears on your resume

• Digital vs. handwritten: Email submissions use typed names; printed letters should include handwritten signatures

• Avoid overly casual closings: Save 'Cheers' and 'Thanks' for internal communications, not job applications

• Space matters: Leave 3-4 lines between closing and typed name for handwritten signatures

• Contact information: Include email and phone below your name in the signature block

• Consistency is key: Your sign-off formality should match your greeting and overall tone

Why Your Cover Letter Sign-Off Matters More Than You Think

Your cover letter's closing is your final handshake with a potential employer. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that 68% of recruiters form their final impression of candidates based on the last paragraph and sign-off of a cover letter.

The sign-off serves three critical functions:

1. Professionalism signal: It demonstrates your understanding of business communication norms

2. Tone reinforcement: It confirms the formality level established throughout your letter

3. Memorability: A strong closing paired with your name creates a lasting impression

According to a 2024 study by ResumeLab, 41% of hiring managers have rejected candidates specifically due to inappropriate or overly casual closings in application materials. This makes choosing the right sign-off a critical component of your cover letter strategy.

The 12 Best Professional Cover Letter Sign-Offs (Ranked by Industry)

Not all closings work equally well across industries. Here's a comprehensive ranking based on survey data from 500+ hiring managers:

Complete Sign-Off Format: The Anatomy of a Perfect Closing

A professional cover letter sign-off consists of five essential components:

1. The Closing Phrase

Select from the professional options above. Always follow the closing with a comma (e.g., 'Sincerely,' not 'Sincerely').

2. Signature Space

For printed letters:

• Leave 3-4 blank lines between the closing and your typed name

• Sign your name in this space using blue or black ink

• Ensure signature is legible and professional

For email submissions:

• No physical signature needed

• Move directly to typed name after one line break

• Some applicants include a scanned signature image, though this is optional

3. Your Full Name

Use your complete legal name exactly as it appears on your resume. This ensures consistency across application materials and simplifies background checks.

4. Contact Information

Include below your name:

• Phone number (with area code)

• Professional email address

• LinkedIn profile URL (optional but recommended)

• City and state (country if applying internationally)

5. Optional Professional Links

Depending on your field, consider adding:

• Portfolio link: Essential for designers, writers, developers

• GitHub profile: Critical for software engineering roles

• Professional website: Valuable for consultants and entrepreneurs

Sign-Off Examples by Industry and Situation

Traditional Corporate (Finance, Legal, Consulting)

Example 1 - Formal:

Sincerely,

[3-4 line spaces for signature]

Jonathan Michael Richardson

(555) 123-4567

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jmrichardson

Creative Industries (Marketing, Design, Media)

Example 2 - Semi-Formal:

Warm regards,

Sarah Chen

(555) 987-6543 | [email protected]

Portfolio: sarahchendesigns.com

Tech and Startups

Example 3 - Modern Professional:

Best regards,

Alex Kumar

[email protected] | (555) 246-8135

GitHub: github.com/alexkumar | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-kumar

Government and Academic

Example 4 - Very Formal:

Respectfully,

[Handwritten signature]

Dr. Margaret Thompson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology

[email protected]

(555) 369-2580

Common Sign-Off Mistakes That Cost You the Interview

Avoid these critical errors that hiring managers cite as instant red flags:

1. Overly Casual Closings

Never use these in cover letters: 'Cheers,' 'Take care,' 'Talk soon,' 'XOXO,' 'Peace,' 'Later,' or 'Ciao.'

A 2024 CareerBuilder survey found that 37% of hiring managers immediately disqualify candidates who use overly casual sign-offs, regardless of qualifications.

2. Forgetting the Comma

Incorrect: 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards'

Correct: 'Sincerely,' or 'Best regards,'

This small punctuation error signals carelessness with details—a trait no employer wants.

3. Mismatched Formality

If you open with 'Dear Dr. Johnson,' don't close with 'Best' or 'Cheers.' Your greeting and sign-off formality levels must align.

4. Nickname Usage

Don't sign as: 'Mike' if your resume says 'Michael Thompson'

Consistency across all application materials is crucial for professionalism and background verification.

5. Missing Contact Information

According to HR research, 22% of promising candidates don't receive interview invitations simply because recruiters couldn't easily find their contact information. Always include phone and email below your signature.

6. Religious or Political References

Avoid closings like 'God bless,' 'In faith,' or anything with political connotations. Keep your cover letter strictly professional.

Digital vs. Print: Format Differences That Matter

Email Cover Letters

• No physical signature needed: Type your name directly

• Include contact info: Email signature block with phone/LinkedIn

• Use single spacing: One line between closing and name

• Consider email signature: Professional email signature with company/credentials if applicable

PDF/Printed Cover Letters

• Leave signature space: 3-4 blank lines for handwritten signature

• Sign in blue or black ink: Never red, green, or other colors

• Scan cleanly: Ensure signature is visible and professional in scanned copies

• Consistent formatting: Match spacing and margins throughout document

LinkedIn/Online Application Systems

• Follow system format: Some platforms auto-format closings

• No signature image needed: Most systems don't support images in text fields

• Include full name: Even if system shows your profile name

• Add contact below: Don't assume system shares your contact info with hiring managers

International and Cultural Considerations

Cover letter sign-offs vary significantly by culture and geography:

When applying to international companies or roles abroad, research specific cultural expectations. The Harvard Business Review notes that cultural mismatches in business communication are among the top reasons international applications get rejected.

How to Match Your Sign-Off to Your Cover Letter Tone

Your sign-off should feel like a natural conclusion to your letter's overall voice:

Formal Tone Throughout

• Opening: 'Dear Dr. Anderson,' or 'Dear Hiring Committee,'

• Body: Professional language, no contractions, industry-specific terminology

• Closing: 'Sincerely,' 'Respectfully,' or 'Yours truly,'

Professional-Friendly Tone

• Opening: 'Dear Ms. Chen,' or 'Hello Hiring Manager,'

• Body: Conversational but polished, strategic use of contractions, personality visible

• Closing: 'Best regards,' 'Kind regards,' or 'Warm regards,'

Modern/Startup Tone

• Opening: 'Hi Sarah,' or 'Hello [Company] Team,'

• Body: Casual language, contractions, emphasis on culture fit

• Closing: 'Best,' 'Regards,' or 'Thank you,'

The key is consistency. If you're uncertain about company culture, default to 'Best regards'—it's universally appropriate and accepted across 89% of industries according to LinkedIn's 2024 Professional Communication Report.

When to Include Additional Elements in Your Sign-Off

Professional Credentials

Add credentials when relevant to the role:

• Academic titles: 'Dr.' for Ph.D./M.D., especially in academic or research positions

• Professional certifications: 'CPA,' 'PE,' 'RN,' 'PMP' if critical to the role

• Military rank: If applying to defense contractors or government positions

Example:

Sincerely,

Jennifer Rodriguez, CPA, MBA

[email protected] | (555) 789-0123

Enclosures/Attachments Line

For formal business letters, indicate additional materials:

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Marcus Williams

(555) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Enclosures: Resume, Portfolio (3 pages), Reference List

LinkedIn QR Code

For printed submissions, some candidates include a small QR code linking to their LinkedIn profile. This works well for creative roles or tech positions, but skip it for conservative industries.

Cover Letter Sign-Off FAQs

Should I use 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards'?

'Sincerely' is the gold standard for traditional industries (finance, law, government, healthcare). 'Best regards' is the safer all-purpose choice for most modern workplaces. When in doubt, 'Best regards' is your best bet—it's professional without being overly stiff.

Can I use 'Thanks' as a cover letter closing?

'Thank you' or 'With appreciation' are acceptable in customer-facing roles (hospitality, retail, customer service) where gratitude aligns with job requirements. However, avoid the casual 'Thanks' on its own—it reads as too informal for most professional contexts.

Is it okay to skip the sign-off entirely?

No. A missing sign-off signals either carelessness or unfamiliarity with professional norms. 100% of hiring managers in a 2023 Indeed survey said they expect formal closings in cover letters. Always include a proper sign-off.

How many spaces should I leave for a signature?

For printed letters, leave 3-4 blank lines between your closing phrase and typed name. This provides adequate space for a legible handwritten signature. For email submissions, use just one line break.

Should my email signature match my cover letter sign-off?

Not necessarily. Your email signature (the automatic footer with contact info) can be more detailed than your cover letter closing. However, ensure both maintain the same level of professionalism.

Can I use a digital signature image in my cover letter?

For email submissions, it's optional and generally unnecessary unless specifically requested. For PDFs you'll upload, a scanned signature adds a professional touch but isn't expected. Never use cursive fonts to 'fake' a signature—either include a real scanned signature or type your name.

What if I'm applying to a company with a very casual culture?

Even at startups and companies with casual cultures, err on the side of professionalism in initial application materials. You can always match their informality in subsequent communications. 'Best regards' or 'Best' are safe choices that won't seem overly stuffy while maintaining professionalism.

Should I address my sign-off to a specific person?

Your sign-off phrase doesn't change based on the recipient. However, if you're using 'Respectfully yours' in academic contexts, you might write 'Respectfully yours in [field],' (e.g., 'Respectfully yours in environmental science,') to emphasize shared professional identity.

Is 'Warm regards' too informal?

'Warm regards' occupies the semi-formal space—perfect for creative industries, nonprofits, and roles emphasizing interpersonal skills. However, avoid it for conservative fields like law, finance, or government where 'Best regards' or 'Sincerely' are safer.

Do I need to include my full legal name?

Yes. Use your complete name exactly as it appears on your resume and professional documents. This ensures consistency across application materials and simplifies background verification. If you go by a nickname professionally, you can include it in parentheses: 'William (Bill) Thompson.'

What's the difference between 'Yours truly' and 'Sincerely'?

'Yours truly' is more common in British English and very formal American contexts. 'Sincerely' is the standard American business closing. Both are correct, but 'Sincerely' is more universally recognized and slightly less formal.

Should I put my phone number in the sign-off if it's already in the header?

Yes. Repeating contact information in your signature block makes it easier for hiring managers to reach you, especially if they're reviewing multiple applications. This redundancy is a best practice in cover letters.

Final Thoughts: Your Sign-Off Sets the Stage for Next Steps

Your cover letter sign-off is more than a formality—it's your final opportunity to reinforce professionalism and leave a positive impression. By choosing an appropriate closing, maintaining consistency with your letter's tone, and including complete contact information, you signal attention to detail and professional maturity.

Remember the data: 83% of hiring managers explicitly expect professional sign-offs, and 41% have rejected candidates specifically due to inappropriate closings. Don't let a poor sign-off undermine an otherwise strong application.

When you're ready to create a cover letter that combines the perfect sign-off with compelling content throughout, try Cover Letter Copilot—our AI-powered tool generates professionally formatted cover letters in under 60 seconds, complete with industry-appropriate closings and personalized content that gets interviews.

For more cover letter guidance, explore our comprehensive resources on how to write a cover letter, cover letter examples, and what to include in a cover letter.