Landing that dream job often hinges on the details, and your closing in a job application email is no exception. A strong closing leaves a lasting impression, reinforcing your qualifications and prompting the hiring manager to take action. This guide provides core strategies to master the art of ending a job application email effectively.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Closing
Your email's closing isn't just a polite "goodbye." It's your final opportunity to reiterate your interest and make a memorable impact. A weak or generic closing can diminish the positive impression created by the rest of your email. Conversely, a powerful closing can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
What Makes a Strong Closing?
A successful closing in a job application email should be:
- Professional: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout.
- Concise: Avoid rambling; keep it brief and to the point.
- Action-oriented: Clearly state your next steps and encourage a response.
- Enthusiastic: Express genuine interest in the position and company.
- Personalized: Tailor your closing to the specific job and company.
Core Strategies for a Winning Email Closing
Here are some proven strategies to craft a closing that leaves a lasting positive impact:
1. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm and Key Skills
Briefly restate your strong interest in the position and highlight one or two key skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate. For example:
"As a highly motivated project manager with 7 years of experience in agile development, I'm confident I can significantly contribute to your team's success."
2. Call to Action (CTA) – The Most Important Step
Don't leave the hiring manager guessing what to do next. A clear call to action is crucial. Some effective options include:
- "I am available for a call at your earliest convenience to discuss my qualifications further." This shows initiative and readiness.
- "Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon." This is a classic, polite approach.
- "I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to speak with you further." This is a good option if you haven't already explicitly mentioned your resume.
Avoid: Vague statements like "I hope to hear from you" or generic closings.
3. Proofread Meticulously!
Before hitting send, thoroughly proofread your entire email, paying particular attention to the closing. Typos and grammatical errors can significantly undermine your professionalism.
4. Personalize Your Closing
Generic closings are easily overlooked. Research the company and hiring manager (if possible) to personalize your closing. Referring to something specific you learned about the company shows genuine interest.
5. Choose the Right Sign-off
Keep your sign-off professional and appropriate. "Sincerely," "Regards," or "Best regards" are all safe choices. Avoid overly casual sign-offs like "Cheers" or "Thanks."
Examples of Effective Email Closings
Here are a few examples of well-crafted email closings:
Example 1 (Focus on skills):
"With my proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within tight deadlines, I'm confident I can make a significant contribution to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon."
Example 2 (Highlighting initiative):
"I'm excited about the opportunity to learn more about this role and how my skills in data analysis can benefit [Company Name]. I am available for a call at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time."
Example 3 (Emphasizing a specific company value):
"[Company Name]'s commitment to innovation strongly resonates with my own professional goals. I am eager to learn how my experience in [relevant field] can contribute to your continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon."
Conclusion: Master the Art of the Closing
Crafting a strong closing for your job application email is a vital step in the job search process. By following these strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed and securing an interview. Remember to be professional, concise, action-oriented, enthusiastic, and personalized, and always proofread carefully! Good luck!
