Closing a letter the right way is important because it leaves a lasting impression and sets the tone for future interactions. A business letter's closing serves as the final touch, demonstrating professionalism, courtesy, and respect for the recipient.
In the following lines, we provide the most popular ways to close a letter professionally and why such cases work. We will also add some common mistakes that you need to avoid, plus the essential tips that are recommended for business use.
The most common and formal way to close a business letter. It conveys a sense of respect and professionalism.
Example:
Sincerely,
John Smith
A more friendly and approachable closing, suitable for colleagues or business associates with an established relationship.
Example
Best regards,
Jane Hogan
Similar to 'Best regards,' but with a slightly more formal tone. It's suitable for both professional and friendly correspondence.
Example:
Kind regards,
Tom Brown
Respectfully is a formal closing suitable for situations where you want to show esteem to the recipient's position or authority.
Example:
Respectfully,
Sarah Johnson
A closing that conveys a sense of warmth and friendliness, suitable for business associates you have a close relationship with.
Example:
Warm regards,
Mark Adams
A very formal closing is used when you don't know the recipient personally or when addressing a group.
Example:
Yours faithfully,
Susan Collins
A formal closing that conveys sincerity and respect, often used in American business correspondence.
Example:
Yours truly,
Brian Wilson
A polite and somewhat formal closing that works well for both business and social correspondence.
Example:
Cordially,
Lisa Turner
A closing that expresses gratitude for the recipient's time and attention, suitable for situations where you want to acknowledge their efforts.
Example:
With appreciation,
Carol White
A closing that indicates you expect a response or are excited about the next steps, suitable for situations where you want to express enthusiasm for a project or collaboration.
Example:
Looking forward to your reply,
James Green
Related: Within our guide on how to write a letter, you can find the other 6 parts of a letter, aside the closing one.
If you’re looking for a meaningful sentence to close your sentence and lack the inspiration, find below 5 examples that you can get inspired from:
Ok, we know the most common ways to end formal letters professionally, which is great. We also want to share ways that you need to avoid:
When ending a formal business letter, it's important to consider several tips to ensure you leave a positive and professional impression. Here are the top 7 tips to consider:
End your letter with a polite and respectful tone. This helps maintain a professional and courteous impression. Ensure that the closing reflects your relationship with the recipient.
Examples: "Thank you for your attention" or "Thank you for considering my request."
Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, including the closing. Use formal language and avoid slang or informal expressions. Keep it brief and to the point.
Examples: "Yours sincerely" or "Sincerely yours."
Summarize the main purpose or key points of your letter in the closing paragraph. This helps reinforce your message and ensures that the recipient understands the main takeaway.
Examples include phrases like "In conclusion" or "To summarize."
Express gratitude if appropriate. If the recipient has provided assistance or taken the time to read your letter, it's considerate to acknowledge their efforts.
Examples: "I appreciate your time and consideration" or "Thank you for your kind assistance."
If you want the recipient to take a specific action after reading your letter, make a clear and concise request in the closing.
Examples: "I kindly request a prompt response" or "I look forward to discussing this matter further."
Include your contact information in the closing so that the recipient can easily reach you if needed. This typically includes your phone number, email address, and/or mailing address.
End the letter with a formal signature that includes your full name and, if applicable, your job title or affiliation. This provides a professional touch and adds credibility to your message.
Signature examples with closing
Example 1:
Sincerely,
Johanna Malone
CEO,
Logistics One
Phone: (555) 777-4567
Email: johanna.malone@logisticsone.com
Example 2:
Best regards,
Franca Leone
Director of Marketing,
Sams Creativity Inc.
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: franca.leone@samsinc.com
Example 3:
Warm regards,
Brian Adams
Account Manager, LiveHR Inc.
Phone: (555) 246-1300
Email: brian.adams@livehr.com
Remember, the closing of a formal business letter should reflect the overall tone and purpose of the letter. It should leave the recipient with a positive and lasting impression, encouraging them to respond or take the desired action.
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