Choosing the right closing for your letter is crucial. It's the final impression you leave on the reader, impacting how they perceive your professionalism, sincerity, and overall message. A poorly chosen closing can undermine even the most well-written letter. This guide will help you navigate the nuances of letter closings, ensuring you always choose the perfect sign-off for any situation.
Understanding the Context: Choosing the Right Closing
The appropriate closing depends heavily on your relationship with the recipient and the letter's purpose. A formal letter to a potential employer will require a different closing than a casual note to a friend.
Formal Letter Closings:
- Sincerely: This is a classic and reliable choice for formal correspondence. It conveys respect and professionalism without being overly familiar. It's suitable for business letters, applications, and formal inquiries.
- Respectfully: A slightly more formal option than "Sincerely," often used when addressing someone of higher authority or status.
- Cordially: A polite and friendly closing, suitable for situations where you want to convey warmth without being overly casual.
- Regards: A common and versatile closing suitable for a range of formal situations.
- Best regards: Similar to "Regards," but slightly more warm and friendly.
Informal Letter Closings:
- Best: A simple and friendly closing suitable for close friends and family.
- Warmly: Conveys warmth and affection, ideal for close relationships.
- Love: Reserved for those closest to you, such as family members or close loved ones.
- Cheers: A more casual and informal closing, commonly used in less formal emails or letters.
- Talk soon: Suggests a desire for continued communication.
Situational Considerations:
- Cover Letters: For job applications, "Sincerely" or "Respectfully" are generally preferred.
- Thank You Notes: "Sincerely," "Warmly," or "With gratitude" are all appropriate choices depending on your relationship with the recipient.
- Business Emails: Closings are often less formal in business emails, with "Regards," "Best regards," or even just your name often being sufficient.
Formatting Your Letter Closing:
The formatting of your closing is just as important as your choice of words. Maintain consistency with the overall tone and style of your letter.
- Punctuation: Follow your closing with a comma, then leave a space before you type your name.
- Spacing: Leave four to five lines of space between your closing and your typed name to allow for your signature.
- Typing your name: Always type your name below your handwritten signature for clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using overly casual closings in formal letters: This can come across as unprofessional and disrespectful.
- Forgetting to include a closing entirely: This makes your letter seem incomplete and abrupt.
- Using inappropriate punctuation: Inconsistency in punctuation can detract from the overall professionalism of your letter.
- Overusing exclamation points: While exclamation points can express enthusiasm, overusing them can make your letter seem unprofessional.
Mastering the Art of the Letter Closing:
Choosing the right letter closing might seem like a small detail, but it significantly impacts the overall impression your letter makes. By following these guidelines and understanding the context of your correspondence, you can ensure your letters always end on a strong and professional note. Remember to consider your relationship with the recipient and the purpose of your letter to select the most appropriate closing. Practice makes perfect – the more you write, the easier it will become to choose the perfect sign-off every time.
