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How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

cover letter sincerely or faithfully

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Closings not to use, how to sign a cover letter, set up an email signature, more cover letter writing tips.

Hugo Lin / The Balance

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your letter in as professional a manner as possible. End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature.

As with any job-related correspondence, it's best to opt for a more formal language and tone—a cover letter is no place for "XOXO," “Cheers,” or even a casual "take care" as a closer.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence, such as thank-you notes and/or emails to schedule interviews or pass along references.

  • Sincerely yours
  • Best regards
  • With best regards
  • Kind regards
  • Yours truly
  • Most sincerely
  • Respectfully
  • Respectfully yours
  • Thank you for your consideration

A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it. Here are some letter closings that are fine to use when emailing or writing to a friend, but are not appropriate to use in a cover letter. 

  • Affectionately
  • Best wishes
  • Eagerly waiting for a response
  • Warm regards
  • Warmest regards
  • Take it easy
  • Have a great day
  • Have a nice day
  • Yours faithfully
  • Abbreviations (Thx or any other abbreviated word isn't appropriate)
  • Any emoticon (no smiley faces)
  • Sent from my phone (if your phone automatically includes it, you can remove it in the settings)

For a printed letter, follow the closing with a comma. Then, on a new line, put your name. Leave a space above your typed name for your written signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

If you're sending an email, you can add your contact information below your name. For example:

Best regards,

Your Name Your Email Address Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL

Whichever sign-off you choose, make sure always to capitalize its first letter.

To simplify, you can set up an email signature that includes your contact information.

An email signature will make it easy for correspondents to readily see how to get in touch and saves you the time of typing the information repeatedly.

Use a Professional Email Account

It’s a wise idea, when conducting a job search, to set up an email account (and accompanying address) dedicated. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t miss emails from potential employers who might be interested in interviewing you. It also will allow you to provide a professional-sounding email address on your resume and cover letter. This email address should be comprised simply of your name (examples: “John.T.Smith@gmail.com or marjoriejones@email.com).

Too often, job candidates use their personal email accounts to apply for jobs, often using “cute” email names such as “Crafty_catlady@yahoo.com” or OrcWarrior100@gmail.com.” This casual practice often raises hiring managers, eyebrows, raising red flags about whether a candidate is a serious, qualified applicant for the job to which they are applying.

It’s better to err on the side of safety and separate your professional and personal email accounts.

What To Include in Your Signature

In your signature, include your email address and phone number. You can add your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easy for your recipients to view your skills, accomplishments, educational background, and work history. Depending on your field, you may also want to include a link to your Twitter account; if you do so, make sure that your account is professional and appropriate for viewing by potential employers. 

Find out how to set up a professional email signature, including formatting style and links to help you save a signature in your preferred email program.

Cover letters, whether submitted through email or traditional mail channels, are always the first impression you provide a potential employer. Make sure that this impression is a good one by following the “best practices” outlined in these links so that your cover letter shines.

Having an appropriate close is just one of the many steps required to craft a winning cover letter.

Review how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, typical cover letter formats, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

Grammarhow

“Yours Faithfully” or “Yours Sincerely”? Best Choice In Formal Letters

When signing a letter, you can use a few options to end it. “Yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are two such options, and this article will look at which is best in formal letters. There are certain rules to follow when using both, so we’ll cover those as well.

Is “Yours Faithfully” Or “Yours Sincerely” The Best Choice For Ending Formal Letters?

Both choices are good for ending formal letters. You should use “yours faithfully” when starting the letter with “dear sir/ madam ” or when you don’t know the recipient’s name. You should use “yours sincerely” when using a personal name or if you know the recipient.

Is "Yours Faithfully" Or "Yours Sincerely" The Best Choice For Ending Formal Letters?

We refer to both of these statements as “complementary closes.”

They are present at the end of almost every formal email or letter, and we use them to close off before writing our name. Both are correct, and it only depends on how well you know the person you’re writing a letter to that determines which of them you should use.

When To Use “Yours Faithfully”

We’ll start by going through how “yours faithfully” works.

You should use “yours faithfully” when you don’t know the name of the recipient of your letter. Instead, you’ll write “dear sir” or “dear madam” to address them, meaning you “faithfully” sign off at the end.

We use “yours” here to show that we’re pleased that they’ve allowed us the time to read our letter. It means “this is now yours” and works well to show formality in most cases.

You might see “yours faithfully” in the following ways:

  • I hope this letter finds you well, as I have much to share with you.
  • Yours faithfully,
  • Mr. Tidings
  • Dear ma’am,
  • I am writing this letter to share my displeasure with you, and I hope you will read the contents thoroughly.
  • Mrs. Simmons
  • To whom this may concern,
  • I hope my letter reaches you well. It has been brought to my attention that my concerns raised in the previous meeting have yet to be addressed.
  • Harry Hubert

“Sir,” “madam,” and similar titles are correct to use in this case. We do this when we’re not sure who might receive the letter or want to keep our formalities appropriate.

We can also use phrases like “to whom it may concern” when we have no idea who is going to receive our letter. “Yours faithfully” still applies in these cases, too.

When To Use “Yours Sincerely” And “Sincerely Yours”

“Yours sincerely” works when we do know the name. Some people also sign it backward and use “sincerely yours,” though this isn’t a common trope.

You should use “yours sincerely” when addressing someone by their name or with a personal title. Addressing some like “Mr. Smith” or “Daniel Webster” are appropriate times to use “yours sincerely” at the end of your letter.

Whether we only know the surname or the full name doesn’t matter. As long as we know an element of their personal name, we are able to use “yours sincerely” to sign off the letter.

The content of the letter will be much the same as what you can expect from “yours faithfully.” Nothing changes in the contents. It’s simply related to who you address and whether you’re familiar with them.

Some examples might help to make sense of this:

  • Dear Mr. Jackson,
  • I hope this letter finds you well. I’m more than happy to take you on board as a new client.
  • Yours sincerely,
  • Freddy Jones
  • Dear Jackie Paulson,
  • I am writing this letter to tell you all about the discoveries I made when I was abroad.
  • Sincerely yours,
  • Mr. Tomkins
  • Dear Mrs. Harrison,
  • I am writing a letter to you now to ask that you reconsider your decision before the council meeting!
  • Milo Mikkelson

“Sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are interchangeable. As long as we address the recipient by name, we can use either closing statement to end our letter.

It’s much more likely that you’ll see “yours sincerely” at the end of a letter than “sincerely yours.” Most native speakers put “yours” first because it stays more in line with other phrases like “yours faithfully” and “yours truly.”

Is It Right To Say “Sincerely Yours”?

There is nothing wrong with using “sincerely yours” in your letters, even though it’s not the most common choice for native speakers.

It might help to look through common usage across American and British English. Sometimes, this helps us to understand whether the phrase is worth learning at all.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are used almost identically in American English. However, neither phrase is particularly popular, as you can see from the rapid decline over the last 200 years.

Sincerely yours vs Yours sinerely - American English

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours sincerely” is much more popular in British English, and it’s rare that British speakers will ever use “sincerely yours” in their letters or emails.

Sincerely yours vs Yours sinerely - British English

While American English doesn’t have a preference between the two, British English clearly favors “yours sincerely.”

The exact reason why this is the case is unclear, though it’s taught that “yours sincerely” is the only correct option in British schools. American English like to sway away from standardized rules, so they might have introduced “sincerely yours” as their own unique language construct.

When To Use “Yours Truly”

There is another option that we haven’t covered yet. “Yours truly” is a fairly popular phrase, and seeing how we use it in different languages will show you why.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is vastly more popular than both “sincerely” and “faithfully” in American English. That’s because “yours truly” is the equivalent of “yours faithfully” to most American English speakers.

yours sincerely vs yours faithfully vs yours truly - American English

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is still more popular than the other two choices but much less popular overall in British English. It seems that all three phrases are used almost to the same degree, and British English has no particular preference.

yours sincerely vs yours faithfully vs yours truly - British English

You should use “yours truly” when you do not know the name of the recipient of your letter, just like “yours faithfully.” However, it’s much more likely that you’ll come across this in American English rather than British English.

Some examples might help you to understand it better:

  • I hope this letter reaches you in time, as what I have to say is of high value.
  • Yours truly,
  • Madam Lopez
  • To whoever receives this letter,
  • I hope that I’m not out of line here, but I have many issues that I’d like to raise before the next government meeting.
  • Dear sir/madam,
  • I am writing this formal letter to criticize the abysmal performance of the staff I’ve noticed in your establishment in recent times.
  • Karen Sinister

Why Is It “Yours Faithfully” And Not “Your Faithfully”?

So, why do we use “yours” in the phrase? We could just as easily use “your” since we’re only talking to one person, right?

You should use “yours” because it’s addressing “your” in the possessive form, meaning that the recipient now owns the contents of the letter. “Your” isn’t the possessive form, meaning it doesn’t make any sense to sign off in this way.

Does This Rule Also Count For “Yours Truly” And “Your Truly”?

The same rules apply no matter what way you choose to sign off your letters.

“Yours truly” is the only correct way to sign off because we need to use “yours” as the possessive form. There are no cases where “your truly” is correct to use.

Synonyms For “Yours Faithfully” And “Yours Sincerely”

While “yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are great ways to end a letter, there are still plenty of synonyms out there. We’ll include a good number of them, and we’ll finish off this section by telling you whether any of them are better to use than the original two.

  • Best wishes
  • Kind regards
  • Kindest regards
  • Respectfully
  • Best regards
  • Yours truly

The best options are “yours faithfully” or “yours truly” when you don’t know the name of the recipient and “yours sincerely” when you do know it. In formal writing, these are the only options you should consider.

With that said, we’d like to point out that “kind regards” is a great formal choice, but we mostly use it in emails. You’ll rarely (if ever) see it used in a letter, so you should avoid doing so.

Also, if you’re looking for informal options, we believe “best wishes” is your best choice. It’s a great way to sign a letter or email for someone that you know and trust, and you don’t mind too much about the professional tone of the letter.

Of course, you’re free to use whichever of the synonyms you prefer, but there really is no comparison worth being made over “yours faithfully,” “yours truly,” or “yours sincerely.”

You may also like: 12 Better Ways To Say “Sincerely” In Formal Emails

Final Thoughts

“Yours sincerely” and “yours faithfully” are great ways to end a formal letter and work based on whether you know the name of the recipient or not. “Yours truly” is another valid option, but you should stick to one of those three in all cases regarding formal letter writing.

martin lassen dam grammarhow

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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Sincerely or Faithfully?

If you know the name of the person you’re writing  to (‘Dear Jane…’) use sincerely . If you don’t know the name of the name of the person you’re addressing then you should use faithfully .

Emails tend me be less formal than traditional letters so you could always keep it simple and use regards/kind regards .

Yours sincerely and Yours faithfully are both traditional ways to end a letter. Letter writing over the years has been an art form and signing off has a long history with conventions attached to it. When you sign off a letter at the end, phrases such as Yours sincerely are known as valedictions . Take a look at these examples :

  • Yours truly
  • Kind regards
  • Yours hopefully

For our American readers there is little fuss over the sincerely/faithfully question because there it is common to use sincerely and not muddle things by adding faithfully to the equation.

But for the rest of us the question arises about how to sign off a letter and make sure that we are using the correct valediction.

Here is how we do it (and how to remember which one to use: faithfully or sincerely).

Yours sincerely

This is used if you know the person’s name (perhaps the job advertisement has told you to send letters to a Mr J. Fox). You know their name so you will be addressing the letter to them and signing off Yours sincerely.

Yours faithfully

This is used where you do not know the name of the person to whom you are sending the letter. You may have seen a job advertised but you have not been given a name to address your cover letter to. You may start your letter, Dear Sir or Madam and end it with Yours Faithfully.

Sincerely or faithfully: How Do I Remember Which One To Use?

This is how I remember it: if you are writing a letter to someone and you do not know their name you are writing to them blindly and you must have blind faith that they will reply and be helpful. With this faith in mind you must use faithfully.

If you know the name of the person you are writing to then you are in a stronger position to be sincere in your letter to them: use sincerely

Sincerely or faithfully: another way to remember which one to use.

Many people remember it like this:

Never use Sir with Sincerely

So if you open with Dear Sir or Madam you will never end with sincerely; you will use faithfully.

Remember that a covering email is usually a little less formal and frequently uses less stuffy ways to sign off ; you may use lighter language to sign off such as Regards.

Perhaps you have your own ways of remembering valedictions. Leave your own ideas in the comments section.

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Cover Letter , CV , Jobsearch

3 Responses to Sincerely or Faithfully?

The usage of “sincerely” and “faithfully” as described above is nonsense. If you only know a person’s name you clearly do not know the person so “faithfully” is the only valediction that can be used. The meanings of the nouns “person” and “name” are not synonymous but in the above criteria they have been used as such.

Person : A human being regarded as an individual

Name : A word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to i.e. label

One then has to clarify what is considered to be the meaning of to know a person. As the noun “person” in this case is the object the word “know” has the following meaning:

[WITH OBJECT] Have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with:

It would therefore seem that “faithfully” is the only valediction unless one has met the addressee! It would seem that the above guide to usage is pretty much useless. I was taught if you know the person “sincerely” and if you don’t know the person “faithfully”. KNOWING A NAME IS NOT KNOWING A PERSON! I’m not a scholar of the English language but I do understand that “person” and “name” mean different things. I would seem that English guidelines have been adulterated to allow the one size fits all American usage.

Oxford University Press does not agree that this is nonsense:

“The wording at the end of a business letter follows a standard format: If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with Yours sincerely. If your letter begins with Dear Sir or Dear Madam, it should end with Yours faithfully.”

Citation: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/business-letters

Regardless of your sensible, laudable, logical, and probably better suggestion, the convention is as the Job Fox describes, namely (pun intended) “Sir doesn’t go with sincerely”.

To use faithfully where you know the name, but have otherwise no knowledge of the person, will look odd to most people and distract from the purpose of the letter.

Having said that, language changes. Maybe when you were at school, your definition was more generally accepted, but since then the custom has changed. Maybe in a couple of generations, the distinction between sincerely and faithfully will be less known and so widely disregarded that it becomes irrelevant. Maybe we’ll just put a smiley and hit send.

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How to Start and End a Cover Letter

Now that you’ve written your resume in English , and you’ve found a job advertisement, here are a few tips on how to write a respectable cover letter.  I consider these tips to be the ‘good manners’ you’d want to extend to your potential new company.

When we’re editing cover letters at English Trackers , I’ve come to realise that many people don’t know how to start or finish a letter in English.

Compared to some of the flowery endings you find in other languages, English is incredibly simple and the salutation and sign off should be learned in pairs.

Let me explain.

The Salutation  – How to start a cover letter

There are three possible choices:

You know the person’s name – then use it:

  • Dear Mr Parker

You don’t know the person’s name – but have been told to write to the HR department:

  • Dear HR Manager

You don’t know the person’s name and don’t want to offend either gender:

  • Dear Sir or Madam

NOTE : Do not use ‘To Whom It May Concern’

This should only be used on letters of reference, certificates etc. These kinds of documents are submitted over and over again, and are therefore addressed to many different people – whom ever it may concern.

The Sign Off – How to end a cover letter

There are only two choices: Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully

Here’s a very simple way of remembering whether you end with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully.

“You can never have more than one ‘ S ’ in a salutation and signoff.” Therefore – Dear S ir & Yours s incerely – should never appear together.

If you know the person’s name, you ALWAYS sign off with Yours sincerely. For every other salutation, you sign off Yours faithfully.

  • Dear Mr Parker – Yours sincerely
  • Dear Ms Little – Yours sincerely  
  • Dear Sir – Yours faithfully
  • Dear Madam – Yours faithfully
  • Dear HR Manager – Yours faithfully

I said it was simple! If you want more info on coping with letter etiquette, download the English Trackers Email Etiquette Tips – we’ve covered just about every eventuality in there.

Setting the tone

Tone is not an easy thing to master in another language. You need to write in such a way that you don’t presume anything – that the person will call you for an interview, that the company will hire you etc. – but you do want to show you’re a good fit for the position.

Endings are very hard – as hard and important as the beginning of a cover letter, and they merit a fair amount of time. You want to end on a positive note that points to the future – the possibility of an interview, the submission of further information.

In the edited version below, these two points are merged together into one fluid and positive last sentence.

I thank you for taking the time to consider my application, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail.

In the following unedited example, the first sentence is not too bad in terms of tone, but the second sentence is basically an order; there is not even a please or a thank you!

In case this application together with my attached CV has paid your attention I will be happy to elaborate on the value I can bring xxx company.

As I am permanently employed it is very important that you treat this application with full discretion and confidentiality.

Below, is a polite, edited version of those two sentences:

Should you wish, I would be very happy to discuss the contents of this letter and the enclosed CV in person. I would also request that in light of my on-going permanent employment this application be treated with full discretion and confidentiality.

And don’t forget, when you’ve finished writing  – edit, edit, edit .

Re-read it and then if possible, leave it for a night. Come back to it fresh and go through it again. Ask someone else to read it – preferably a native English speaker – and only when you are sure it’s error free and ready to represent you politely – then push SEND!

Good luck with your job applications.

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Resources > Unitemps Career Advice > Cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them

Cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them

Cover letters seem straightforward enough but there is an art to making them stand out – find out what to avoid if your cover letter is to have the impact you want it to.

1. Don’t write a personal statement

A cover letter should give a brief indication of why you think you are right for this role. You will also want to showcase your passion for the work involved but be wary of writing a statement that is all about you – a personal statement would be a more appropriate document to tell your story and only some employers will want this as part of the application process. A cover letter, on the other hand, ‘covers’ the skills detailed on your CV by going into more detail and demonstrating your ability and how these skills have been put into practice.

2. Keep it succinct

It’s tempting to overload your cover letter with multiple examples of your skills and how you have utilised these in your work so far but the employer needs a short and snappy summary to get through a lot of applications. Instead, save some of your examples and scenarios for the interview stage, where you will be able to talk about your work in much more depth. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page.

3. Don’t repeat your CV

A cover letter shouldn’t simply list your achievements and work to date as this is the task your CV takes care of. Instead, you should reflect your skills and experience using specific examples to back up the information on your CV. Your cover letter is all about proving you’re the right person for the job through clear scenarios, so think about what qualities the employer is looking for and then instances of when you have shown these qualities at work.

4. Format it correctly

Be sure to present the information on your cover letter in the correct style and layout. It’s professional to include your address in the top right column and the address of your employer in the top left column of your letter, regardless of it being sent electronically. You should start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or even by name if you have this information to hand. If you have addressed the receiver as sir or madam, you should sign off with ‘Yours faithfully’. If you have addressed the receiver by name, then ‘yours sincerely’ is best. Check our the Unitemps cover letter template for an example of what to do.

5. Write a new cover letter for every job role

Writing cover letters shouldn’t be rushed – and this means it can be time-consuming and the temptation to copy and paste from previous covering letters is strong. The problem with doing this is that it is often obvious to the employers that you haven’t tailored your skills to the job description. It appears lazy and you can come across as unmotivated straight away – so, if you want your covering letter to have an impact, put the time in and explicitly link your skills and experience to the person specification.

Register with Unitemps to upload your CV and begin applying for jobs straight away.

Last updated on 12 December 2022

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

  • their website
  • recent news articles
  • talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

  • write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
  • use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
  • make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
  • use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
  • show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
  • highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
  • back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
  • double check spelling and grammar before you send it
  • keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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The English application: Cover letter

Cover letter: final statement and ending salutation, final statement.

The last paragraph of your cover letter should mention when and how you are reachable as well as that you would welcome an invitation for a personal interview. Emphasize that you will reach out to the company yourself in the next few days to ensure that your application has arrived. Having sent the application, you now have a reason to call there. During the phone call, ask whether references and/or additional certificates are required and build an immediate personal contact, preferably with the person responsible.

Short and sweet

  • When and how are you reachable?
  • You are looking forward to an interview.
  • You will call in the next few days to ensure that the application has reached.

Ending salutation

The ending salutation depends on whether the name of the contact person is known. ‘Sincerely’ (US) and ‘Yours sincerely’ (UK) are the most common greetings if you know the person’s name. If you do not, however, and have used the salutation, ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, then ‘Yours faithfully’ is the preferred ending salutation. Phrases like ‘With best regards’ must never be used here, as they represent a more colloquial style and are used in email.

Whether you should place a comma after the ending salutation will depend on whether you have placed a comma after the greeting.

Dear Mr. XY, ... Yours sincerely, Dear Mr XY ... Yours sincerely

After the ending salutation, about four blank lines serve as placeholders for your signature, followed by your first and last names. In contrast to the CV, British and American cover letters are both signed.

Kurz und bündig

  • ‘Sincerely’ if the contact person is known
  • ‘Yours faithfully’ if the contact person is unknown
  • Comma after ending salutation if there is also a comma after the greeting

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"Yours sincerely", "Yours faithfully," and "Yours truly"

When to use "yours sincerely", "yours faithfully," and "yours truly".

The Quick Answer

  • If you know the recipient or use their name, end your letter with 'Sincerely yours' (US) or 'Yours sincerely' (UK).
  • If you don't know the recipient or don't use their name, end your letter 'Yours truly' (US) or 'Yours faithfully' (UK).

Starting and Ending Letters

yours sincerely faithfully truly

"Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"?

Use "yours faithfully" ( ) or "yours truly" ( ) for unknown recipients.

small British flag

Use "Yours sincerely" ( ) or "Sincerely yours" ( ) for Known Recipients

With "yours sincerely" and "yours faithfully" give only the first word a capital letter.

correct tick

Follow "Yours sincerely" and "Yours faithfully" with a Comma

Write the salutation, postamble, and your name by hand, top tip: don't use "s" twice.

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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With 70+ Signatures)

Introduction.

The job application process can be stressful, and one question that many job seekers find themselves asking is, "Should I sign my cover letter?" In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the history of signing documents, the pros and cons of signing a cover letter, and the psychology behind signed cover letters. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision on whether to sign your cover letter and how to do it professionally.

Signing a cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, making a positive impression on potential employers. Although it is not strictly required, it can set you apart from other applicants and show that you have taken the time to personalize your application.

The History of Signing Documents

Understanding the history of signing documents can provide context for the modern job application process and the relevance of signed cover letters. Historically, signatures were used for authentication and agreement, and people signed documents to confirm their identity or consent to the terms of a contract. This practice dates back to ancient civilizations, where rulers and officials would use seals or other unique marks to authenticate written records.

As technology evolved, the transition from physical signatures to electronic signatures began. Today, electronic signatures are widely accepted and legally binding in many countries. The role of signatures in the job application process has also evolved, with many job seekers now submitting electronic cover letters and resumes. However, the history of signing documents and the perceived importance of signed cover letters remain relevant, as they can demonstrate a level of formality and personal touch that hiring managers may appreciate.

The Psychology Behind Signed Cover Letters

The impact of a signed cover letter on hiring managers can be better understood by examining the psychology behind the perception of signed documents. One study published in Psychology Today found that signatures can convey a sense of trustworthiness and commitment. By signing your cover letter, you are essentially putting your name behind your words and expressing your genuine interest in the position.

A signed cover letter may also help establish a personal connection between the applicant and the hiring manager. As mentioned in Authors Cast , using a professional sign-off followed by your full name can create a sense of authenticity and sincerity. This personal touch can make your application more memorable and help you stand out from other candidates.

However, it's important to consider potential negative psychological effects of a signed cover letter. For example, if your signature is illegible or overly casual, it may give the impression that you lack professionalism or attention to detail. To maximize the positive psychological impact of a signed cover letter, ensure that your signature is clear, professional, and consistent with the tone of your application.

How to Sign a Paper Cover Letter

Properly signing a paper cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure that your signature adds value to your application:

Placement : Your signature should be placed at the end of your cover letter, after your closing statement. Leave a space between your closing statement (e.g., "Sincerely" or "Best regards") and your signature to give your signature room to stand out.

Professional sign-off : Use a professional closing statement, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully," to set the tone for your signature. Avoid overly casual or informal sign-offs, which may give a negative impression.

Pen and ink color : According to Modern Fuel , it's best to use blue or black ink for signing documents, as these colors are considered professional and easy to read. Blue ink is often preferred, as it can help your signature stand out from the rest of the black text on your cover letter.

Size and legibility : Your signature should be large enough to be easily read, but not so large that it dominates the page. Legibility is key; if your signature is difficult to read, it may give the impression that you lack attention to detail.

Neatness : Sign your cover letter neatly and cleanly, avoiding any smudges or ink blots. This demonstrates care and professionalism, reinforcing the positive impression you want to make on potential employers.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Addressing common concerns and misconceptions about signing cover letters can help job seekers make informed decisions and avoid potential mistakes.

Formality : Some job seekers worry that signing a cover letter may appear too formal. While it's true that a signature can add a level of formality, it's important to consider the specific job application and industry. In more traditional or conservative industries, a signed cover letter may be expected and appreciated. In more casual settings, a typed name may suffice.

Necessity : There's a misconception that signing a cover letter is no longer necessary due to electronic submissions. While it's true that electronic submissions have become more common, signing a cover letter (even electronically) can still convey professionalism and attention to detail.

Adapting to the job application and industry : The decision to sign your cover letter should be based on the specific job application and industry. If you're unsure whether a signature is expected or appropriate, research the company culture and industry norms to make an informed decision.

Consequences of not signing : Not signing a cover letter when it's expected can make your application appear incomplete or careless. However, in many cases, a missing signature is unlikely to be a deal-breaker. It's more important to focus on creating a well-written, tailored cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.

When a signature may not be required but could be beneficial : In some cases, a signature may not be strictly required, but including one can still make a positive impression. If you're unsure whether to sign your cover letter, consider the potential benefits of demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail, and weigh these against any potential drawbacks.

Signature Examples in Cover Letters

It's important to sign your cover letter with a suitable closing that reflects your level of professionalism and aligns with the company's culture. Below are examples of professional and appropriate signatures:

Example 1: Simple and Classic

This approach is straightforward and appropriate for any professional context.

Sincerely, John Doe

Example 2: Respectful and Formal

This sign-off conveys a high degree of formality and respect, suitable for traditional industries or companies.

Yours faithfully, Jane Smith

Example 3: Courteous and Personal

This closing adds a touch of personal warmth while still maintaining a professional tone.

Best regards, Robert Johnson

Example 4: Warm and Professional

This closing is slightly less formal, but still conveys respect and professionalism, making it suitable for many modern businesses.

Kind regards, Emily Davis

Example 5: Professional and Polite

This closing demonstrates a high level of respect and formality, making it a safe choice when you are unsure of the company's expectations.

Respectfully, Samuel Johnson

Remember, it's important to match the formality of your sign-off with the company's culture and the nature of the role you are applying for. These signatures are professionally acceptable and can be adapted to most situations, making them excellent choices when signing your cover letter.

Full List Of Signatures For A Cover Letter

In a professional setting, the way you close your cover letter can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. It's an opportunity to exude professionalism and reflect your personal style. To help you leave a positive and memorable impression, we've compiled a list of 70 professional cover letter signatures. These range from traditional closings starting with "Best Regards" and "Sincerely," to more unique ones like "Yours in Faithful Service" and "In Earnest Hope". Remember, it's essential to match the tone and formality of your signature with the culture of the company and the role you're applying for.

Choose the signature that best aligns with your personal style and the tone set in your cover letter. Whether you opt for a traditional closing or decide to stand out with something a bit more unique, this list offers a wide range of options to suit every professional context.

  • Best Regards
  • Warm Regards
  • Kind Regards
  • With Appreciation
  • Yours Truly
  • Respectfully
  • Best Wishes
  • Yours Respectfully
  • With Gratitude
  • Sincere Regards
  • Many Thanks
  • Yours Sincerely
  • Thanks in Advance
  • Yours in Service
  • With Thanks
  • Yours With Gratitude
  • Sincere Thanks
  • Yours in Partnership
  • Appreciatively
  • Sincerely Yours
  • Faithfully Yours
  • In Gratitude
  • Respectfully Yours
  • Wishing You Well
  • Yours in Gratitude
  • With Respect
  • Thanking You
  • With Warmth
  • Thank You for Your Consideration
  • Best to You
  • Yours in Appreciation
  • Cordially Yours
  • In Kindness
  • Thank You for Your Time
  • With Sincerity
  • Warmly Yours
  • With Best Wishes
  • Warmest Regards
  • Looking Forward
  • With Anticipation
  • In Anticipation
  • Yours Eagerly
  • With Assurance
  • Yours Hopefully
  • Best Regards to You
  • Wishing You the Best
  • Yours Expectantly
  • In Respectful Anticipation
  • Regards to You
  • In Hopeful Expectation
  • With High Hopes
  • Yours in Hope
  • Hopeful Regards
  • Yours in Anticipation
  • With Great Expectation

Signing a cover letter can demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, making a positive impression on potential employers, although it is not strictly required. Throughout this article, we've explored the history of signing documents, the pros and cons of signing a cover letter, the psychological impact of signed cover letters on hiring managers, and best practices for signing both paper and electronic cover letters. We've also addressed common concerns and misconceptions about cover letter signatures.

As you consider whether to sign your cover letter, remember to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, and consider the specific job application and industry. Ultimately, the decision to sign your cover letter is up to you, but understanding the factors at play can help you make an informed choice.

We encourage you to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have in the comments below. Good luck with your job search, and may your cover letter – signed or unsigned – help you secure the position you desire!

Frequently asked questions

Should i write ‘yours sincerely’ or ‘yours faithfully’.

Traditionally, the sign-off Yours sincerely is used in an email message or letter when you are writing to someone you have interacted with before, not a complete stranger.

Yours faithfully is used instead when you are writing to someone you have had no previous correspondence with, especially if you greeted them as ‘ Dear Sir or Madam ’.

Frequently asked questions: Effective communication

‘Looking forward in hearing from you’ is an incorrect version of the phrase looking forward to hearing from you . The phrasal verb ‘looking forward to’ always needs the preposition ‘to’, not ‘in’.

  • I am looking forward in hearing from you.
  • I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Some synonyms and near synonyms for the expression looking forward to hearing from you include:

  • Eagerly awaiting your response
  • Hoping to hear from you soon
  • It would be great to hear back from you
  • Thanks in advance for your reply

People sometimes mistakenly write ‘looking forward to hear from you’, but this is incorrect. The correct phrase is looking forward to hearing from you .

The phrasal verb ‘look forward to’ is always followed by a direct object, the thing you’re looking forward to. As the direct object has to be a noun phrase , it should be the gerund ‘hearing’, not the verb ‘hear’.

  • I’m looking forward to hear from you soon.
  • I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Just checking in   is a standard phrase used to start an email (or other message) that’s intended to ask someone for a response or follow-up action in a friendly, informal way. However, it’s a cliché opening that can come across as passive-aggressive, so we recommend avoiding it in favor of a more direct opening like “We previously discussed …”

In a more personal context, you might encounter “just checking in” as part of a longer phrase such as “I’m just checking in to see how you’re doing”. In this case, it’s not asking the other person to do anything but rather asking about their well-being (emotional or physical) in a friendly way.

“Earliest convenience” is part of the phrase at your earliest convenience , meaning “as soon as you can”. 

It’s typically used to end an email in a formal context by asking the recipient to do something when it’s convenient for them to do so.

ASAP is an abbreviation of the phrase “as soon as possible”. 

It’s typically used to indicate a sense of urgency in highly informal contexts (e.g., “Let me know ASAP if you need me to drive you to the airport”).

“ASAP” should be avoided in more formal correspondence. Instead, use an alternative like at your earliest convenience .

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Formal Email Closings and Sign-Offs

Neha Karve

Use a closing such as Sincerely , Best wishes , or Regards (and variations— Warm regards , Best regards , Kind regards ) to close a formal or business email. Don’t use casual sign-offs like Cheers or Best in formal communication.

Graphic titled "Formal email sign-offs." The left panel shows a cartoon envelope in a bow tie smiling diffidently at you. The right panel has the following text with examples of sign-offs. Highly formal: Sincerely, Maya Dash (e.g., college or job application). Polite, friendly: Best wishes, Maya Dash (e.g., providing information or feedback). Neutral, impersonal: Regards, Maya Dash (e.g., letter to the bank). Less impersonal but still formal: Best/Kind/Warm regards, Maya Dash (e.g., letter to a business contact).

Use Sincerely or Sincerely yours to close a highly formal email written to someone you don’t know personally. Sincerely is more appropriate than Regards or Best wishes when you are asking for someone’s time and consideration (e.g., in a college or job application). Address the person by their title and last name (or their professional name if you don’t know their title). Sign off with your own professional or full name.

  • Dear Ms. Green: I am writing to apply for the position of . . . Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Maya Dash

In British style, Yours faithfully is used instead of Sincerely in highly formal emails in which you don’t address the person by name (e.g., Dear Sir or Madam , Dear Authors ), while Sincerely or Yours sincerely is used in a formal email to someone you address by name (e.g., Dear Ms. Green ). Such niceties are ignored in U.S. style, where Sincerely is used in all highly formal emails.

Best wishes

Best wishes is also appropriate as a formal closing, but use it instead of Sincerely only when it makes sense to do so. Use Sincerely in a job application, but Best wishes when you are writing to someone with helpful information or feedback.

  • Dear Maya Dash: Attached is a list of scholarships available at Nusquam University. Feel free to write back if you have questions. Best wishes, Rita Green Rita Green, PhD Dean of Admissions Nusquam University Pouthena, NQ 10211 Phone: (212) 123 4567

Regards is a neutral but formal sign-off you can use as a fallback when neither Sincerely nor Best wishes seems appropriate, such as a letter to the bank or to a faceless department or team.

  • Dear Accounts Department, Attached are my expense statements. Regards, Maya Dash

Avoid using Regards in personal emails, even formal ones. Regards can sound too cold in an email to someone you know. Temper it with an adjective: Kind regards , Best regards , Warm regards .

Variations: Warm / Kind / Best regards

In a formal or professional email to someone you know or are addressing personally, Sincerely and Best wishes can sound too formal, and Regards too cold and neutral. For a friendly but professional sign-off, use Warm regards , Kind regards , or Best regards instead—for example, if you are writing to a client you know or replying to a customer’s query.

  • Dear Ms. Green, Thank you for your query. Attached are the holiday packages we offer. We can also create a custom package just for you and your family. Warm regards, Maya Dash Tour adviser Nusquam Travels
  • Dear Dr. Baines, Thank you for such wonderful feedback. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Regards, Best regards, Maya Dash
  • Dear Aisha, Thank you for shopping with us. You can use your email ID as your login. Regards, Kind regards, Lucia Lucia Martinez Technical support officer Nusquam Corp. Phone: (212) 123 4567

Sign-offs to avoid in formal emails

Avoid using informal closings like Cheers and Thanks in formal emails. Close a cover letter, for instance, Sincerely (or Yours faithfully in a British context) rather than Thanks . Never use just the word Yours by itself, which can sound too personal and intimate for a professional or formal email. Also, As ever and Best work well as sign-offs in semi-formal or informal emails to someone you write to or work with often, but not in formal letters or emails.

Finally, the salutation at the start of a formal email is just as important as the closing. Now that you know about formal sign-offs, also read this article on how to start a formal email , in which we discuss Dear So-and-So versus Hello and other greetings.

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Use Best regards instead of the more casual Best in a business email.

Close a highly formal email with Sincerely instead of Regards .

In British style, Yours faithfully is used to sign off in a formal email to someone you don’t address by name.

Regards can sound cold and impersonal. When you address someone by name, close with a variation like Kind regards .

Olsen Recruitment Services Logo

Common mistakes in CVs and cover letters

Failure to follow instructions/poor attention to detail

Follow the firm’s application details and method of selection.  For example, if the instructions are a CV (two pages maximum) plus a one page cover letter addressed to a specific person, then prepare a CV (two pages maximum) plus a one page cover addressed to the specific person.

If the firm’s minimum qualification is a “2:1 degree in any discipline”, do not apply if you achieved a 2:2 or 3 rd without talking to the law firm/recruitment consultant first to ask their advice.

Incorrect sign-off

We often see cover letters beginning with “Dear Sir/Madam” and ending with “Yours sincerely”.  This is wrong. “Yours sincerely” is only the correct sign-off where you are writing to a specific person.  If you don’t know who you are writing to, the correct sign-off is “Yours faithfully”.

Most law firms will give instructions to write to a specific person; if that is the case, the sign-off you should use is “Yours sincerely”.  The “sincerely” part does not need to be capitalised.

yours-sincerely

Incorrect use of capital letters

You only need to use a capital letter in certain circumstances, for example:

  • At the beginning of a sentence
  • For any proper noun – which is a specific person, place or organisation
  • In abbreviations, e.g. United Kingdom becomes UK

Spelling of “driving licence”

Driving licen c e is a noun, a thing. You have a driving licence. Driving licen s e is the American spelling.  Also, in England, a “license” is a verb – a doing word.  You do not, therefore, have a driving licen s e (in England).  If in doubt check your actual driving licence!

driving-licence

Incorrect use of apostrophes

Learn the correct use of apostrophes.  Some of the most common mistakes we see on CVs and cover letters are:

  • It’s and its. “It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has”. “Its” is used to indicate possession.
  • A levels and GCSEs. It is incorrect to write “A level’s” or “GCSE’s”.
  • Your and you’re. “Your” indicates possession. “You’re” is a contraction of the words “you are”.

shutterstock_346332578-3

Using too many adjectives

Using too many adjectives and clichés on your CV or cover letter means it may lack substance.  For example: “Organised, good attention to detail, professional” is not valuable to the reader, but “Law and LPC graduate seeking paralegal position” is.

Referring to a law firm as a company when it is a partnership or limited liability partnership

Never refer to a law firm as a company if it is not a company.  If you do not know the difference between a company, a limited liability partnership and a traditional partnership, find out before you make any applications.

Keep your CV and cover letter in the first person

Your document is about you and you marketing yourself to a law firm.  You should not, therefore, refer to yourself in the third person.

The length of your CV or cover letter

Law firms receive a lot of applications for some roles, e.g. training contracts. Therefore, the readers do not want to read anything which does not provide useful content.  Keep your cover letter to one page and your CV within two pages (unless there are specific instructions not to do this).

Apply by the closing date

If you are thinking of applying to a particular law firm, ensure you apply by the closing date. Earlier is generally better since it is very competitive to get a training contract and applying early will ensure your application is read.

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IMAGES

  1. Cover Letter Yours Faithfully

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  2. Yours sincerely or yours faithfully letter writing

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  3. Yours Faithfully or sincerely In A Cover Letter

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  5. Sample Letter Yours Sincerely

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COMMENTS

  1. How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

    Sincerely yours Regards Best Best regards With best regards Kind regards Yours truly Most sincerely Respectfully Respectfully yours Thank you Thank you for your consideration Closings Not to Use A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it.

  2. "Yours Faithfully" or "Yours Sincerely"? Best Choice In Formal Letters

    You should use "yours faithfully" when starting the letter with "dear sir/ madam " or when you don't know the recipient's name. You should use "yours sincerely" when using a personal name or if you know the recipient. We refer to both of these statements as "complementary closes."

  3. Sincerely or Faithfully? How To Write A Cover Letter

    Sincerely or faithfully: another way to remember which one to use. Many people remember it like this: Never use Sir with Sincerely So if you open with Dear Sir or Madam you will never end with sincerely; you will use faithfully.

  4. How to End a Cover Letter with Examples

    1. Include a strong concluding paragraph The key to writing the perfect conclusion is to summarise the contents of your cover letter without repeating yourself. Create a strong concluding paragraph by injecting fresh language to make yourself sound interesting and creative.

  5. How to Start and End a Cover Letter

    There are only two choices: Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully Here's a very simple way of remembering whether you end with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully. "You can never have more than one ' S ' in a salutation and signoff." Therefore - Dear S ir & Yours s incerely - should never appear together.

  6. How To Close a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    1. Express confidence Your firm belief that you're qualified and ready for the job can go a long way toward convincing the hiring manager to move your application forward. Illustrate how your accomplishments have enabled you to embrace new responsibilities and tackle unfamiliar challenges.

  7. How to End a Cover Letter? Closing Examples & Tips

    Here's how to end a cover letter: Sign off with your full name. Select an appropriate formal closing: Best regards, Sincerely, or Thank you. End your cover letter on a high note. Show that you feel enthusiastic about the position, too. Offer value to the manager in your cover letter ending. Be direct and strong.

  8. Cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them

    If you have addressed the receiver as sir or madam, you should sign off with 'Yours faithfully'. If you have addressed the receiver by name, then 'yours sincerely' is best. Check our the Unitemps cover letter template for an example of what to do. 5. Write a new cover letter for every job role

  9. How to End a Cover Letter (With Tips and Templates)

    1. Point to your experience and skills When concluding your cover letter, remind the hiring manager or employer why you are the most suitable candidate for the job.

  10. Cover letters

    Careers advice Cover letters How to write a cover letter A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. It's a short letter, usually 3 to...

  11. Cover letter: Final statement and ending salutation

    'Sincerely' (US) and 'Yours sincerely' (UK) are the most common greetings if you know the person's name. If you do not, however, and have used the salutation, 'Dear Sir or Madam', then 'Yours faithfully' is the preferred ending salutation.

  12. Yours sincerely

    The Quick Answer If you know the recipient or use their name, end your letter with 'Sincerely yours' (US) or 'Yours sincerely' (UK). If you don't know the recipient or don't use their name, end your letter 'Yours truly' (US) or 'Yours faithfully' (UK).

  13. Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely?

    by Maeve Maddox In 1928 H. W. Fowler listed these phrases and their uses: Yours faithfully (to unknown person on business) Yours truly (to slight acquaintance) Yours very truly (ceremonious but cordial) Yours sincerely (in invitations and friendly but not intimate letters)

  14. How to Sign a Cover Letter (With 70+ Signatures)

    Leave a space between your closing statement (e.g., "Sincerely" or "Best regards") and your signature to give your signature room to stand out. Professional sign-off: Use a professional closing statement, such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully," to set the tone for your signature. Avoid overly casual or informal sign-offs ...

  15. Should I write 'Yours sincerely' or 'Yours faithfully'?

    Yours faithfully is used instead when you are writing to someone you have had no previous correspondence with, especially if you greeted them as ' Dear Sir or Madam '. Frequently asked questions: Effective communication Is it 'looking forward in hearing from you' or 'looking forward to hearing from you'?

  16. word choice

    6 Answers Sorted by: 95 This is called " complimentary close ". As reported by Oxford Handbook of Commercial Correspondence: If the letter begins with Dear Sir, Dear Sirs, Dear Madam, or Dear Sir/Madam, the COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE should be " Yours faithfully ". If the letter begins with a personal name, e.g.

  17. Sincerely, Regards, or Best Wishes? Formal Email Sign-Offs

    Sign-offs to avoid in formal emails. Avoid using informal closings like Cheers and Thanks in formal emails. Close a cover letter, for instance, Sincerely (or Yours faithfully in a British context) rather than Thanks.Never use just the word Yours by itself, which can sound too personal and intimate for a professional or formal email. Also, As ever and Best work well as sign-offs in semi-formal ...

  18. Faithfully or Sincerely?

    I'm a seasoned professional. The usual way to start a business letter (e.g., a cover letter) is to write Dear Ms. Surname: (American style) or Dear Ms Surname, (British style) if we know whom we ...

  19. Common mistakes in CVs and cover letters

    If you don't know who you are writing to, the correct sign-off is "Yours faithfully". Most law firms will give instructions to write to a specific person; if that is the case, the sign-off you should use is "Yours sincerely". The "sincerely" part does not need to be capitalised. Incorrect use of capital letters

  20. The usage of Yours faithfully and Yours sincerely

    As you know, "Yours faithfully" and "Yours sincerely" are sign-off phrases primarily used in British English. When we start an email with "Dear Sir/Madam", i.e when we don't know the name of the recipient, we should end it with "Yours faithfully". When we start an email with "Dear Mr + Surname", i.e when we know the name of ...

  21. How To Use "Sincerely Yours" in an Email

    The first S stands for "Sir" as in the greeting, "Dear Sir or Madam.". The second S stands for "Sincerely.". The second requirement is that the sender must know the recipient to some degree. Therefore, if you researched the name of the hiring manager for the salutation of a cover letter, you can only use "Yours sincerely" as a ...

  22. letter writing

    If you begin a letter with Dear.., then it is correct to end with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully. In the past, all business letters would begin with Dear.., and end with Yours .. There is generally less formality around these days, with people rarely having to write actual letters, and first names being much more commonly used in business ...

  23. "Dear Sir or Madam"

    Dear Sir/Madam email You should avoid using Dear Sir/Madam in emails as well as in cover letters. Cover letters are notably more formal than emails, but some of the same rules apply, especially if you are writing to someone for the first time.