The conclusion of a cover letter serves as a powerful final impression, reinforcing the applicant’s qualifications and reiterating their enthusiasm for the opportunity. A well-crafted conclusion leaves the reader with a positive and lasting memory, significantly increasing the chances of securing an interview. Unlike the body, which details skills and experience, the conclusion focuses on summarizing key strengths and expressing a clear call to action. A lackluster or absent conclusion can undermine the effectiveness of an otherwise strong application, diminishing the impact of the preceding content.
Reinforcing Key Strengths and Qualifications
The conclusion provides a concise summary of the most relevant skills and experiences highlighted in the body. It is not a mere repetition; instead, it presents a distilled version, emphasizing the candidate’s suitability for the specific role. For instance, if the body detailed project management skills and successful leadership, the conclusion could succinctly state the applicant’s proven ability to deliver projects on time and budget while motivating teams. This reinforces the core message and ensures the hiring manager retains the most crucial information.
Expressing Enthusiasm and Re-affirming Interest
A compelling conclusion goes beyond summarizing; it conveys genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. This is crucial as it showcases the applicant’s proactive nature and genuine interest in the company and role. Generic statements should be avoided; instead, specific reasons for wanting the position should be mentioned. This could involve expressing admiration for the company’s culture, values, or recent achievements. The enthusiasm should be professional and sincere, reflecting a deep understanding of the organization and its mission.
Crafting a Compelling Call to Action
The conclusion should always contain a clear and concise call to action. This encourages the hiring manager to take the next step, which is typically scheduling an interview. Instead of passively waiting for a response, a proactive approach increases the likelihood of positive engagement. The call to action should be polite yet assertive, expressing confidence in the applicant’s capabilities and willingness to discuss their qualifications further. Phrases like “I am eager to discuss my qualifications further in an interview” or “I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on my experience in a conversation” are effective options.
Essential Elements of an Effective Cover Letter Conclusion
Reiterate Key Selling Points (Without Repetition)
The conclusion should subtly remind the hiring manager of the candidate’s most significant contributions and achievements, reframing them to fit the context of the job description. Instead of simply restating, the candidate should synthesize the information, emphasizing the value they bring. This requires a careful selection of key selling points that directly address the requirements outlined in the job posting. The goal is not to overwhelm but to leave a memorable impression of competence and suitability.
Maintain Professional Tone and Style
The tone should remain consistent with the overall cover letter, maintaining professionalism and avoiding informality. Jargon and clichés should be avoided in favor of clear and concise language. Grammatical errors and typos are unacceptable, as they detract from the overall impression of professionalism and competence. The writing style should be polished and refined, reflecting a meticulous approach to the application process.
Demonstrate a Strong Understanding of the Company
The conclusion provides a final opportunity to showcase the applicant’s understanding of the company’s mission, values, and culture. This demonstrates initiative and genuine interest, setting the candidate apart from those who submit generic applications. Researching the company thoroughly and integrating relevant information into the conclusion strengthens the overall application and highlights the candidate’s proactive approach.
Express Gratitude and Appreciation
A brief expression of gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and consideration is essential. This demonstrates politeness and respect, reinforcing a positive image. Generic phrases should be avoided; instead, the applicant should express genuine appreciation for the opportunity to apply. This shows professionalism and creates a favorable impression, even if the application is ultimately unsuccessful. A simple “Thank you for your time and consideration” or “I appreciate you taking the time to review my application” is sufficient.
Read Also: Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter: A Guide
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Conclusions
Example 1 (Focusing on Results):
In summary, my proven track record in project management, coupled with my experience in leading high-performing teams, aligns seamlessly with the requirements outlined in the job description. I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional results for [Company Name], and I am eager to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Example 2 (Highlighting Specific Company Achievements):
I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s recent success in [Specific achievement], and I believe my skills in [Relevant skill] would be a valuable asset in continuing this trajectory. My enthusiasm for [Company Name]’s mission, combined with my extensive experience, makes me a strong candidate for this role. I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on my experience in a conversation at your earliest convenience.
Example 3 (Emphasizing Cultural Fit):
Having researched [Company Name]’s commitment to innovation and collaborative work environment, I am confident that my collaborative spirit and passion for [Industry] would be a valuable addition to your team. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to [Company Name]’s continued success and am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Cover Letter Conclusions
Generic or Vague Statements:
Avoid using generic phrases that lack specificity or demonstrate a lack of genuine interest. Statements like “I am a hard worker” or “I am a team player” are too general and fail to convey unique value. Instead, provide concrete examples and quantifiable achievements to substantiate these claims.
Overly Lengthy Conclusions:
The conclusion should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or repeating information already presented in the body. Keep the conclusion brief and focused, leaving the reader with a strong and memorable impression.
Lack of a Clear Call to Action:
A conclusion without a clear call to action leaves the hiring manager unsure of the next steps. Always include a direct and polite request for an interview, expressing confidence in the applicant’s suitability.
Grammatical Errors and Typos:
Proofreading is crucial. Grammatical errors and typos detract from the professionalism and credibility of the entire application. Carefully review the conclusion for any mistakes before submitting the cover letter.
The Long-Term Impact of a Strong Conclusion
A well-crafted conclusion is more than just a final sentence; it leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager, potentially influencing the decision-making process. It’s the last opportunity to showcase the candidate’s personality, skills, and enthusiasm. A strong conclusion can differentiate an application from the rest, increasing the likelihood of receiving an interview invitation. By investing time and effort in crafting a compelling conclusion, applicants demonstrate professionalism and a serious commitment to securing the position. This attention to detail can significantly improve the overall effectiveness of the job application process and enhance long-term career prospects.
In conclusion, the cover letter’s closing statement is a critical component of a successful job application. It provides a final opportunity to reinforce key qualifications, reiterate enthusiasm for the opportunity, and encourage the hiring manager to take the next step. By avoiding common mistakes and incorporating the elements discussed above, applicants can create a powerful and persuasive conclusion that significantly increases their chances of securing an interview.
