Signing a cover letter is more important than you might think. The way you sign off is your grand finale, the final note that leaves a lasting impression. You don't want to end your story with an anti-climax, you want your conclusion to be as compelling and professional as the rest of your letter.
Let's dive into how to sign a cover letter effectively.
Do You Have to Sign a Cover Letter?
Every cover letter needs a proper sign-off, but that doesn't mean it needs a handwritten signature. You should always put your name at the bottom of a cover letter, as well as an appropriate closing phrase, but most hiring managers won't expect to see your signature, especially if you're applying for a job digitally.
How to Sign a Cover Letter
Regardless of whether you're submitting a digital or paper cover letter, some parts of signing off a cover letter will be the same. Here are some steps you should follow:
Use a Professional Closing Phrase
Choose a polite closing phrase that matches the tone of your cover letter, such as:
- Sincerely, sincerely yours (traditional).
- Best regards, warmest regards, kind regards.
- Respectfully, respectfully yours, with respect.
- Yours truly (traditional).
- With appreciation, thank you, many thanks.
Choose the cover letter sign-off that best fits the mood of your writing and the character or position of the recipient.
Include Your Full Name
Below your closing phrase, include your full name. This ensures that your letter ends with a clear and formal identification of who you are. For example:
Best regards,
John Doe
Include Your Contact Information
If space allows, you can also include your contact information directly beneath your name. This is particularly useful for ensuring the hiring manager has your details at hand. It might look something like this:
Best regards,
John Doe
(123) 456-7890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Including a Cover Letter Signature
If you've decided to include a proper cover letter signature as well as a standard sign-off, your next steps will vary depending on your cover letter format.
There are a few different types of signatures. Be sure to do your homework and choose the one expected by the recipient.
Paper Cover Letter Signature
If your cover letter is printed on paper, you’ll want to include your handwritten signature. Under this signature comes your typed name.
A printed and signed cover letter is the traditional way to deliver a résumé or application. But times have changed, and email is more commonly used.
Email Cover Letter Signature
Most of the time, a simple typed signature will do for a digital cover letter. If in doubt, contact the hiring manager or recruiter to find out what kind of signature is required. However, in special circumstances, the hiring company will usually tell you what they expect.
When sending your cover letter, résumé, and application by email, you can use:
- A simple typed signature (recommended in most cases).
- An encrypted digital signature.
- A scanned copy of a handwritten signature.
- An electronic signature (e-signature).
Digital or electronic signatures are for encrypted authentication and are entered into an online form. These special signatures are typically not necessary when sending a cover letter, except when some particularly security-conscious companies require it.
Things to Remember About Cover Letters
Signing a cover letter is as important as the writing of it. It signifies your respect, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Always Include a Professional Closing Phrase and Your Name Whether you're creating a digital or physical cover letter, always sign off with a professional closing phrase and your full name. This ensures your letter ends on a clear and formal note.
- Handwritten Signatures Are Optional While a handwritten signature adds a personal touch, it is not required for digital cover letters and simply typing your name beneath your closing phrase is usually sufficient.
- Consider Including Contact Information Including your contact information beneath your name can be beneficial, ensuring the hiring manager has all your details readily available. This can include your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile.
Looking Forward
If you apply for several—or many—job positions, that’s a lot of cover letters and résumés to write. Automation reduces the time, energy, and mistakes inherent in mass-producing these documents. But using a single résumé for all applications doesn’t work anymore. The targeting of a cover letter and résumé to the job description is mandatory in today’s market if you want to get your application past the ATS screener and into the hands of a human.
FAQs
Should I use my full name or just my first name in the sign-off? It's best to use your full name in your cover letter sign-off to maintain a professional tone.
Is it okay to use an informal sign-off for a startup job application? While startups often have more relaxed cultures, it's still important to maintain professionalism in your cover letter. You can use a less formal sign-off, but avoid overly casual phrases. "Best regards" or "Warm regards" are good options.
Should my sign-off match the tone of my cover letter? Yes, consistency is key. Your sign-off should align with the overall tone of your cover letter. If your letter is formal, use a formal sign-off, but if it's more casual, a slightly relaxed sign-off can be appropriate.
Do I need to include my contact information in the sign-off if it's already on my resume? Including your contact information beneath your sign-off is a good practice, especially if your cover letter is submitted separately from your resume.
Are digital signatures as valid as handwritten ones? Yes, digital signatures are valid and increasingly common, especially for emailed cover letters. They add a personal touch without the need for printing and scanning documents.
Should I include a sign-off if the cover letter is part of an online form? If the cover letter is part of an online form, you may not need a traditional sign-off. However, including a brief closing phrase and your name can still add a professional touch.