The concluding sentence in your application should motivate HR managers to pay attention to you once again and indirectly and politely invite you for an interview. Since the focus is on the main part of your cover letter, it is recommended to write a relatively short passage. In general, your concluding sentence should not exceed more than one to three lines. Tips for the perfect closing sentence in the cover letter - with examples...

1 | What to include in the closing section

Avoid using the conditional with "would"!

As a rule, avoid the conditional tense in job applications. Phrases like "I would be very happy to have an interview" indicate uncertainty on your part. This somewhat contradicts your previous cover letter, in which you presented yourself as the perfect fit for the position. Therefore, phrase it actively: "I look forward to an interview."

Similarly, try not to be too forward, as it can come across as rude. "Please inform me when I can expect a conversation with you" may convey self-assurance, but it could be perceived as condescending by the reader.

What you include in the concluding sentence depends on the requirements of the job posting and your personal situation. The final statement can consist of a single, brief sentence expressing your interest in the interview. However, it can also provide many important pieces of information. This part can include:

• Possible option: Emphasizing a key benefit that the company gains from hiring you.
• If required or relevant to you (such as in the case of applying from a current job): a statement about the possible start date.
• Only if demanded in the job listing: a statement regarding salary expectations.
• If you deem it necessary (for instance, in the case of applying from a current job): a confidentiality notice.
• In any case: An expression of interest from your side in a personal conversation.

Keep in mind: Information about salary expectations, start date, or a confidentiality notice can also be placed in the PS of the application.

2 | How to express your desire for an interview

Examples of concise closing sentences

One of the shortest versions of the closing statement: Simply express your interest in an interview. Avoid using the conditional. Instead, phrase it actively. In this manner, you are giving the HR manager a directive, essentially saying: Please take action now and invite me. However, you should formulate this directive indirectly rather than explicitly ("Invite me"):

• I look forward to your invitation for an interview.
• I am looking forward to a positive response from you.
• I would be happy to convince you of my skills in a personal discussion. I am looking forward to a proposed meeting date.
• If I have piqued your interest, I am looking forward to an interview with you.
• I am looking forward to a positive response from you and the opportunity to introduce myself in person.
• I am very excited for you to assess me at an agreed-upon meeting.
• I look forward to your feedback. I am available for further discussion.
• I am excited about the opportunity for a personal discussion.

Examples of closing sentences with reference to benefits

A wonderful way to create a transition from the text so far to the closing section. With phrases such as "If you..." or "As you can see...", you skillfully create a connection between the text sections. Moreover, you highlight once again what the company gains by hiring you. As always, you determine the level of self-assuredness, without being too reserved or overly boastful in writing. You can also suggest a trial working day.

• If I have sparked your interest with the profile provided, I am happy to convince you of me and your benefits in an interview.
• If you are looking for a reliable, detail-oriented, and team-oriented employee, I look forward to your proposal for an interview.
• As you can see from my letter and CV, my qualifications and work experience align with your desired requirements. I am happy to discuss in person how I can contribute to your company's success.
• I want to bring my extensive expertise in graphic design to your agency to actively support the success of your projects. I look forward to a personal interview.
• As you can see, I bring both experience and motivation, and I am eager to demonstrate this in an interview and possibly a trial day.
• Now I am excited about a proposed interview date. I also offer to demonstrate my skills and knowledge in a trial workday.
• We can exchange thoughts during an interview on how my expertise can be of the utmost benefit to you.
• I look forward to you assessing me during an agreed-upon meeting and discussing how I, as your new employee, can contribute to the concrete success of your restaurants.

3 | Starting Date in the Closing Statement

To mention or not to mention? That is the question here.

When it comes to the starting date, it depends on your current professional situation and the statements made in the job offer on the subject. In general, you mention the starting date if this information is required.

If the employer is looking for new staff "immediately", it is recommended that you address this. If you are also available "immediately", mention it, but in a toned-down manner to avoid appearing desperate. If you are in a position with a notice period, it will be difficult to avoid mentioning it. If possible, indicate that you will try to negotiate a more favorable agreement with your current employer.

If the issue of starting date is not mentioned in the job posting, you do not need to provide this information. However, if you choose to do so, it can have both positive and negative consequences. A coherent argument is important: for example, if you are in an as yet unannounced position, the earliest possible starting date may be relevant for the new employer's planning. If you have sensibly stated in your letter beforehand the reasons why you are looking for a new job, then specifying the notice period is unproblematic.

Starting Date with Unannounced Position

• My notice period is two months, so I will be available to you from February 1, 2025. In consultation with my current employer, an earlier exit date may be possible.
• As I am currently in an unannounced employment position, I can start with you on February 1, 2025.
• Due to a notice period of two months, I can be available to you from February 1, 2025.
• With my current employer, the notice period is two months. Therefore, I can start the position with you from February 1, 2024. There may be the opportunity to agree on an earlier exit.
• My fixed-term contract ends on January 31, 2025, so I am available to you afterwards.
• In my current appointment, I am bound until January 31, 2025. After that, I am ready to start with you.
• As I am still bound in my current position until the end of January, I can start with you on February 1, 2025.

Education/Study

• After completing my studies, which is expected to be on January 31, 2025, I would be happy to be available to you.
• I am expected to complete my training on January 31, 2024. Following that, I can immediately start the position with you.

Unemployment or Self-Employment

• As I am currently not contractually bound, I can start the position with you at short notice.
• As I am applying from a self-employed position, I am also available to you at short notice.
• Currently, I am not in an employment relationship, so there is nothing preventing a short-term start.
• I can start the position on February 1, 2025.

4 | Salary Expectation

If a job offer requires stating a salary expectation in the application, you should not overlook this point. It could make it seem like you did not read the job posting correctly or simply forgot something. When providing your salary expectation, specify the annual gross amount. You can either state a specific number or provide a range. Tip: A precise number (35,500 euros) compared to a rounded number (35,000 euros) may indicate that you have thought more thoroughly about the topic of salary expectations. Avoid mentioning additional wishes such as holiday pay in the cover letter.

• My salary expectation is 40,000 euros gross per year.
• Due to my qualifications and extensive experience, my salary expectation is 35,000 euros gross per year.
• Considering my professional qualifications, I believe an annual gross salary between 35,000 euros and 40,000 euros is appropriate.
• My salary expectations are based on my current annual salary of 35,000 to 40,000 euros.
• My salary expectation is based on industry standards and falls within a range of 35,000 to 40,000 euros.
• Considering my qualifications and long experience, my salary expectation is around 40,000 euros gross per year. If this value is outside of your usual salary structure, I am willing to negotiate with you during the initial phase of my integration, as the benefits I bring to your company will surely be fully measurable only after several months.

5 | Confidentiality Notice in the Job Application

The confidentiality notice may be required if you are currently employed and wish to exclude your current employer from learning about your application. The request to treat your application inquiry confidentially is completely legitimate and should not have a negative impact.

• As I am currently in permanent employment, I kindly request that you treat my application confidentially.
• I am currently in an uncancelled employment relationship. Therefore, I kindly request that you treat the application confidentially.
• Kindly treat my application inquiry confidentially, as I am currently in an uncanceled position.

6 | Examples of Closing Phrases

• I look forward to your invitation to an interview. My salary expectation is in the range of 40,000 euros gross per year. I could start the position on 8.1.2024.
• If the profile described has sparked your interest, I invite you to see me and my skills in an interview. My salary expectation is 40,000 euros gross per year.
• If you are looking for a reliable, detail-oriented, and team-oriented employee, I look forward to your suggestion for an interview. I am also happy to convince you of my skills during a trial work day.
• As you can see, I bring both experience and motivation, which you can verify in an interview and also in a trial day. As I am currently not bound by contract, I can start the position with you at short notice.
• I look forward to the opportunity for a personal conversation. I am expected to complete my training on 8.1.2024. Subsequently, I can start the position with you immediately.
• I look forward to your invitation to an interview. Due to a notice period of two months, I can be available to you from 8.1.2024. As I am currently in permanent employment, I kindly request that you treat my application confidentially.

6 | Closing Greetings

For the concluding greeting, you can use the following variations. Note that there is sometimes the argument that “warm regards” does not exist, as there are no “good regards” either. Well – a matter of opinion, as we see it. In addition to the named formulations, you can – if it suits the industry – also gladly add a small peculiarity, namely a location. Important: The closing greeting remains without punctuation!

• The Standard: Sincerely
• The first variant: Friendly regards
• The second variant: Best regards
• A more casual tone: Best regards
• Greetings from a city: Sincerely from Sampletown
• Greetings to a city: Sincerely to Sampleville

7 | Signature

The personal touch

The signature is essential to include in your cover letter. It adds a personal touch to the whole application and also reinforces the impression that you have accurately provided your information. Additionally, the handwritten aspect contrasts nicely with the otherwise completely computer-generated document, doesn't it? Place the signature under the cover letter and also in your resume. You do not need to write your name again below. It is already included in the letterhead.

If you still wish to include it, then leave three blank lines between the closing greeting and your name:

Even for an online application, it is recommended to include your signature. Take a white piece of paper, write your signature on it, and then scan or take a photo of it. Be sure to edit the file so that the signature looks presentable.

Still looking for the perfect design for your application documents? Take a look around with us and discover numerous templates that you can easily edit.

After the Closing Phrase in the Application comes the Preparation for the Interview

Did you like the article Application: the optimal closing sentence? Then we recommend that you also familiarize yourself with our other materials on application and job interviews.

An important aspect of a successful application is creating a professional application photo. A good application photo can significantly influence the first impression. If you want to know how to take a professional picture yourself, you will find helpful tips with us. Pay attention to good lighting, a neutral background, and appropriate clothing to create a convincing photo, even without the help of a professional photographer.

Another key point of your application is the German resume (Curriculum Vitae, CV). In Germany, a distinction is often made between a classic or modern resume. A classic resume is clearly structured and provides a good overview of your professional experience. In contrast, a modern resume relies on creative design elements and showcases your digital skills. Both forms have their advantages, depending on the industry and position you are applying for.

To professionally design your resume, you can use the free download of resume templates in Word. These templates will help you create an appealing and clear resume without much effort.

The structure and content of a cover letter are also crucial for the success of your application. Your cover letter should be precise, well-structured, and tailored to the specific position. In our articles, you will find numerous tips and examples on how to write a compelling cover letter.

But what is important in a resume? In addition to your work experience, your skills, achievements, and qualifications should also be clearly highlighted. A well-designed resume can make a difference and help you land your dream job.

Preparation is the key to a successful job interview. The questions in the job interview can vary, but classics like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" almost always come up. It's important to prepare well for such questions. Be honest and confident when presenting your strengths and weaknesses in the job interview. Our articles provide you with helpful tips on how to prepare optimally for these questions and impress during the interview.

Overall, you will find a variety of useful information and tips with us to help you optimize your application documents and prepare yourself for your job interview. With the right tips and some practice, you will start the application process confidently and well-prepared, significantly increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

We hope that our materials on the topic of applications and resumes will be helpful to you and wish you success in your applications!