Closing a cover letter: examples and wording that convince
The last impression counts: a confident closing sentence invites an interview instead of letting your application fade out in the conditional tense.
Many cover letters start strong and end with “I would be happy if …”. The conditional sounds unsure and is easily forgotten.
A good closing briefly sums up your value, asks for an interview and, if relevant, states your start date or salary expectations.
What belongs in the closing
- A clear interview request in active wording
- Optional: earliest start date or notice period
- Only if requested: salary expectations as gross annual salary
- Sign-off “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” and your name
Before and after
Weak
“I would be very happy to receive an invitation to an interview.”
Conditional, generic, no link to the role.
Strong
“I look forward to showing you in person how my SAP FI experience can support your team.”
Active, concrete and tied to the requirements.
12 closing sentence examples
- I look forward to convincing you in a personal interview.
- I'm happy to explain in a conversation how I can move your projects forward.
- I look forward to meeting you – by video call as well.
- I am available from 1 March and look forward to hearing from you.
- My notice period is three months to the end of the month.
- My salary expectation is €58,000 gross per year.
- I'm happy to prove my skills during a trial day.
- I look forward to learning more about your plans for the team.
- I can be reached by phone or email at any time for questions.
- I'd be glad to bring my international experience to your company.
- I look forward to presenting my ideas to you in person.
- After my move to Munich in April, I will be fully available.
No “Hochachtungsvoll”
The standard sign-off in Germany is “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” with no comma after it. “Hochachtungsvoll” sounds outdated, “Liebe Grüße” too personal.
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Common mistakes in the closing
- Piling up conditionals: “would”, “could”, “might”
- Submissive phrases like “I hope you give me a chance”
- New arguments missing from the main part
- Stating salary expectations when not requested
- Missing signature or name
FAQ
Is the conditional forbidden in the closing?
Not forbidden, but use it sparingly. Active wording sounds more confident.
Should the start date be in the cover letter?
Only if requested or relevant, e.g. a long notice period or relocation.
How do I state salary expectations?
As gross annual salary, as a concrete figure or narrow range, in the closing.
How long should the closing be?
Two to three sentences are enough.
Read on
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