Review information on how to end a thank-you letter or email, examples of closings to use, and tips for choosing the best phrase to show your appreciation.
Thank-You Letter Closings
Letter greetings and closings may not seem critical, but they help form a well-written letter. When it comes to thank-you letters, the formalities are also important because letter readers have certain expectations of the style and tone of your letter. That’s especially true when you’re writing for business or professional reasons. You should always include a polite closing, as well as an appropriate greeting, in a thank-you note, letter, or email message. It’s the part of the letter or email that may leave a lasting impression.
How To End a Thank-You Letter
Whether it’s a simple “Thank you” or a more formal “Thank you for your assistance in this matter,” the closing statement in your thank-you email should always be followed by a comma. Then, skip down a line and write your name. If you’re writing a letter that you’ll print out and mail, leave two spaces between the complimentary closing and your typed name. This is where you will sign your name in black or blue ink. Caroline Coonradt
Closing Options for Thank-You Letters
The following options will cover a variety of circumstances and are good ways to close a thank-you letter: Signature (printed letter) Kai Cholain
BestBest regardsGratefullyGratefully yoursKind thanksMany thanksSincerelySincerely yoursThanks for all you doThanks for everythingThank youThank you for your assistance in this matterThank you for your concernThank you for your considerationThank you for your recommendationThank you for your timeThank you in advance for your helpThank you so muchThank you very muchWith appreciationWith gratitudeWith sincere gratitudeWith sincere thanksWith thanks and appreciationYour help is greatly appreciated
How to Choose the Right Closing Phrase
Any of the options listed above are appropriate. Some are more formal, while others are softer and warmer in tone. It’s subtle, but “Kind thanks” has a different impact than the more formal phrase, “Thank you for your assistance in this matter.” If, however, you’re thanking a business associate or someone you have never met, the more formal, conservative phrases should be used. Read through your entire letter and think about what tone you’re conveying in the text. Then select a closing sentiment that fits that tone.
Writing a Thank-You Letter for a Job Interview
One of the most important thank-you letters you’ll write will be for a job interview. A well-written letter or email will help you secure a second interview or even a job offer. It’s important to send a letter of thanks to your interviewer as soon as you can after completing your job interview. Of course, there’s much more to a successful job interview thank-you letter than simply including an appropriate closing phrase. You need to have several sections in which you thank the interviewer appropriately and add extra bits of information that may help keep you in the interviewer’s mind to give you a boost over the competition:
Salutation: In the same way that it’s inappropriate to close a business letter with “XOXO,” you’ll want to make sure that your opening greeting is not too casual or familiar. There are various salutations you can use, including the most common option, “Dear.” Say thank you: This may seem obvious, but you’ll want to open your thank-you letter with appreciation. If you’re writing a thank-you letter following a job interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for giving you the opportunity to interview and for taking the time to chat about the nature and requirements of the position. Mention your interest: When composing follow-up thank-you notes after job interviews, the opening paragraph of your letter is also a good opportunity to express and/or reconfirm your interest in the position. If interviewers are choosing between two candidates, enthusiasm could sway their decision. Make a case for your candidacy: While courtesy is the biggest reason for your thank-you note, the letter is also an opportunity to remind interviewers why you are a strong candidate. Use the body of the email to reiterate your relevant skills and experience. Callbacks to the conversation are helpful here. Ideally, your thank-you note will feel specific to the position at hand and not generic. Reiterate your thanks: Close your letter by thanking the recipient once again.
Review a Sample Letter
The following is a sample letter that can be printed or sent as an attachment. If you’re sending an email message, include your contact information after your typed name. Date Recipient NameRecipient TitleRecipient CompanyRecipient’s Company’s AddressCity, State Zip Dear Mr./Mrs. Lastname, Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the open bartending position at Antonio’s Steakhouse yesterday. I enjoyed speaking with you and Mr. Tortelli, the owner. Based on the interview and my experience as a customer, Antonio’s appears to be a great place to work. I would make an excellent evening bartender due to my past experience in bartending and in other restaurant positions I’ve held over the years. I have all the skills needed for a job in the hospitality industry, and I enjoy working with people. In fact, at my current job, I was awarded employee of the month in June of this year. Thanks again, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My cell phone number is 555-555-5555, and my email is myname@myemail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Your signature (printed letter) Your Typed Name
