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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Signature Examples)

Do You Need to Sign a Cover Letter?
Sign Uploaded or Printed Cover Letters
Cover Letter Signatures Examples
Signatures If You're Emailing
Signature Examples for Emails

Which Email Address to Use

How to add a digital signature, need more cover letter help.

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When writing a cover letter to include with your resume, it's important to pay attention to every detail, since you only get one chance to make that first impression. So, what exactly should you include in your signature when you're writing your cover letter to apply for a job?

It varies, depending on how you apply for the position. The format and information included in your signature will change according to whether you are mailing, uploading, or emailing your cover letter document.

Does Your Cover Letter Need a Written Signature?

When distributing your cover letter online by emailing it or uploading it onto a company’s web portal, it is not necessary to hand sign your cover letter. Employers don’t expect to see your handwritten signature on your cover letter. You could add a scanned image of your signature to your document, but it is optional and not required.

How To Sign an Uploaded or Printed Cover Letter

Uploaded Letter: If you're uploading your cover letter to a job site, your signature will simply include an appropriate closing phrase and your full name. Place a comma after your close, such as Best, or Sincerely yours, and then insert your name in the line below.

Use a formal business-style letter format that includes a heading, salutation, the body of the letter, closing phrase, and your signature. Review these guidelines for what to include in your letter .

Hard Copy Letter: When you're printing a hard copy letter, include a closing phrase, your handwritten signature, and your typed full name. Leave several spaces between the closing phrase and your typed name. That way, you'll have room for your signature when you print out the letter. Sign it using either blue or black ink.

Signature Examples for Uploaded or Printed Letters

For uploaded or hard copy printed letters, there is no need to include as much information as you would in an email message, because the heading of your cover letter includes your contact information.

Signature Example (uploaded letter)

Best regards,

Janet Dolan

Signature Format (signed letter)

Closing phrase,

Handwritten Signature

First Name Last Name

Signature Example (signed letter)

Janet Dolan (Your Signature)

What to Include in an Email Signature

If you are emailing your cover letter or inquiry letter, end with a polite sign-off followed by your full name. There is no need to sign a cover letter that's being sent electronically. Write out your full name in the same font as the rest of the letter, and don't use italics or a handwriting font.

The formatting here is very similar to that in an uploaded cover letter. However, emails do not contain a header with your phone number or other contact information.

It's a good idea to include these details in your closing paragraph or after your typed signature. That makes it easy for the employer or networking contact to get in touch with you.

You can also include links to online portfolios, if appropriate, or a link to your professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

You don't want to make this section too cluttered, so restrict yourself to the most relevant information. Here's how to set up an email signature, along with more advice on what to include in it and what to leave out.

Signature Examples for Emailed Documents

When you are sending email cover letters , it's important to include contact information so the hiring manager can easily see how to contact you. At the very least, include your name, email address, and phone number. You can also add other optional information, such as your street address, online portfolio, or social media accounts.

Email Signature Format

Your Name Email Phone

Email Signature Example

Karina Hoffman karina.hoffman@email.com 555-123-5678

Sample Email Signature With Full Address

Your Name Street City, State Zip Code Email Phone

Sample Email Signature With Social Media Handles

Your Name Email Phone LinkedIn Profile (Optional) Twitter Account (Optional)

Don't use your work email address for job searching. Use your personal email account, or set up a unique account to use just for your job hunt. Many free online email services exist, like Gmail and Yahoo Mail, which you can use to set up a new email account exclusively for your job search.

Even though you are using a personal account, choose an email address that looks professional.

Your best bet is some variation on first initial, last name (e.g., jdoe@gmail.com) or first name, last name (janedoe@gmail.com). Here's how to set up an email account just for your job search.

Adding a handwritten signature is an optional touch, though definitely not required, and it is possible to add your handwritten signature digitally. The simplest way is to use a scanner or a scanner app on your smartphone:

Simply sign a piece of printer paper and then scan the page.

After scanning, the software will give you the opportunity to crop the scanned image (that is, cut the image down to the size of your written signature) or you can crop it in Word.

Once you’ve cropped your signature image to the appropriate size, save your signature as a .gif, .jpg, or .png file to your desktop or a folder on your computer.

Open the Word document where you composed your cover letter and then insert the image of your signature into the document underneath your closing phrase.

Remember to type your name below your handwritten signature.

Get information on how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

Georgetown University. Cawley Career Education Center. " Cover Letters ."

Microsoft Office. " Insert a Signature ."

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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Examples)

How To Sign A Cover Letter
Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
Referral In Cover Letter
Cover Letter Body
Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

With so many applicants competing for the same job, you want to make sure every element of your application leaves the right impression .

Regardless of your letter’s contents, an improper closing section conveys a sense of unprofessionalism and ruins the entire application.

This article will show you exactly how to sign and end your cover letter professionally — so you leave a positive impression rather than a negative one.

Key Takeaways:

The end of your cover letter is what will create your final impression, so it’s important to summarize what makes you a good fit for the job, convey confidence, and thank the reader .

Avoid more casual phrases and avoid using exclamation points; express excitement about the job without slipping into less formal prose.

To be as professional as possible, you might want to physically sign your cover letter if you’re giving someone a hard copy, or use a digital signature for an electronic submission.

How to End a Cover Letter

Examples of how to end a cover letter, examples of how not to end a cover letter, does your cover letter need a written signature, how to sign an uploaded or printed cover letter, cover letter signature examples, how to sign an emailed cover letter, signature examples for emailed documents, final thoughts.

Your cover letter should maintain a professional and formal tone throughout. This is especially true for the closing, as it’s the section that leaves a final impression on the reader.

“Formal” doesn’t require that you’re robotic and cold. Feel free to be friendly or positive, but always avoid casual language. Don’t use “thanks” or “cheers”, and avoid acronyms.

Every effective cover letter closing accomplishes three goals:

Summarizes your strengths. Sum up the relevant skills and qualifications you’ve mentioned and explain how you can bring value to the company.

Shows confidence and initiative. A generic cover letter closing such as “I look forward to your reply” will be read as nothing more than an empty courtesy.

Stand-out and convey a more action-oriented tone, with a line such as : “I look forward to discussing with you how my skills can create value and solutions for the team.”

Thank the reader. Be sure to show appreciation and offer thanks to the reader for their time and consideration.

As always, remain professional rather than casual. Avoid phrases such as “Cheers” or “Yours.”

While reading the following examples, note how they achieve the three goals:

Summarizes strengths

Conveys initiative and confidence

Thanks the reader

“I believe my six years of experience as a marketing specialist , specifically in the food industry, will be a perfect match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team. Thank you for considering my application.”

“With my extensive software engineering experience, I believe I can develop effective technical solutions for your firm. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss with you how my qualifications can contribute to the team’s success. Thank you for your time.”

“With my eight years of experience as managing director of similar projects, I am confident I can provide insight and value towards your firm’s goals. I would love the chance to speak with you on the position and what skills I could bring. Thank you for your consideration.”

“I am fascinated by your firm’s approach to creating effective user experiences. I would be delighted to discuss with you how I could leverage my ten years of UX experience to upgrade your solutions even further. Thank you for considering my application.”

“I look forward to any chance to speak about the position and what I can bring to the firm. I believe my personal values and extensive experience in the medical research field would make me a great fit for your organization. I appreciate your time and consideration.”

See if you can spot the more subtle errors in the next few examples.

“I believe my eight years of experience as a commercial trucker , especially in long-haul, will be a great match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team.”

“I look forward to an opportunity to discuss with you the position. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.”

“With my two years of experience as a sales representative , I am confident I can provide the necessary qualifications and skills. Thank you for considering my application.”

While they thanked the reader and summarized their abilities, the writer offered no call to action for the reader to follow-up with them.

It’s commonly asked if it’s really required to end cover letters with a handwritten signature. The answer is it depends on your letter’s format.

Cover letters written on paper should always include a handwritten signature. Doing so is considered proper business etiquette, and forgetting to do so will be seen as unprofessional by recruiters .

Even if the particular reader of your letter doesn’t care, it’s smart to err on the side of caution.

For cover letters delivered through email, a signature isn’t required. However, there’s no harm in creating an electronic signature to add a touch of professionalism.

Keep reading to see exactly how you should sign both an emailed and printed cover letter.

The formal rules for how to write a cover letter may seem numerous and pointless, but it’s important to follow them to avoid standing out as unprofessional amongst other applicants following them.

Most cover letters are emailed these days. However, you might find yourself needing to upload or mail a printer cover letter and wonder how to sign it.

In these cases, a handwritten signature would be included between the sign-off and your printed full name. Keep this in mind when you’re typing it out so you remember to leave enough room.

Your signature should always be written in black ink. The sign-off should always use professional language. Use the same font as the rest of your cover letter and avoid using italics. Consider the following choices:

“Sincerely,”

“Sincerely Yours,”

“Best Regards,”

“Most Sincerely,”

Avoid casual sign-offs such as:

[Your Name]

There is never really any reason to use a sign-off other than the proper four listed above. Just as is the case for greetings such as ” Dear Hiring Manager ” or “ Dear Sir Or Madam ,” using uncommon sign-offs just isn’t worth the risk.

The cover letter should be formatted single-spaced throughout, with an additional space between sections. This includes between your closing paragraph and sign-off. If your contact details are not written in the header, include them after your name.

Here we’ll provide you both a template and a visual example to help you sign your own printed cover letter. Note the spacing used in these examples.

Template Example:

“….thank you for considering my application.” [Sincerely, Best Regards] [Written signature in black ink] [Your full name (typed)] [Your e-mail address] [Tel:(including country/area code)]

Visual Example:

“…thank you for considering my application.” Sincerely, Alex Loizos [email protected] (555) 333 2222

Emailed cover letters do not need a handwritten signature. However, doing so adds a touch of professionalism and won’t hurt your letter.

An emailed letter with a signature looks the exact same as a printed one, except that your signature would be created electronically. Look up how to generate an electronic signature for whatever email service you use.

If you choose to not include a signature, then the rest of the sign-off stays the same. Same single-spacing, with consistent font and no italics.

Visual Example #1:

Visual Example #2:

“…thank you for your time.” Best Regards, Stacy Smith [email protected] (321) 412 2552

The importance of sending a well-written cover letter is underrated. Even with an impressive resume , hiring managers know you as nothing more than a name on a paper and a list of achievements.

Cover letters convey two things that resumes alone cannot: professionalism and initiative.

A discussion of your qualifications and achievements in your letter, followed by an offer for further discussion, is what will lead the recruiter to pick up the phone.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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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!

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Any of these sound familiar? The simple answer is yes, having an effective cover letter is completely necessary and highly recommended and we’ll tell you why you need a cover letter as well as a resume!

When you’re applying for a job, whether it be for an entry-level position after graduating or for a high-level executive vacancy with a professional resume , a cover letter is essential to make your application stand out .

Without this extra introductory letter, a resume alone could easily be discarded by a hiring manager. CareerBuilder estimates you’re 10% more likely to miss out on an opening if you don’t include a cover letter.

Writing a good cover letter it’s not a skill many many people master, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat!

With our complete cover letter guide , you’ll learn how to write a cover letter that will attract the hiring manager and convince them to read your winning resume.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an extension to your job application. It is not obligatory but including a well-written cover letter is strongly advised by all human resource experts . By definition, a cover letter is an accompanying, explanatory letter.

All jobseekers need a sales pitch of sorts, they need to hook the reader and demonstrate to the hiring manager why they are the right person for the vacancy on offer. This style of self-marketing for a job application must come in the form of a winning resume and cover letter combination that complement one another.

A simple cover letter is an introduction to the candidate behind the qualifications and experience. The aim is to show a prospective employer how you can take on the role and what you can offer the company in question.

Cover letters generally follow a basic structure and can be in either hard or digital format, that is to say, either printed and sent via regular mail or as a document scanned and attached to send digitally, or written directly in an email cover letter .

Why include a cover letter on a job application?

If you want to stand any chance at all of catching the eye of a potential employer , it is imperative to include a cover letter with your job application.

Simple – even if you create an effective, outstanding resume , using all the right keywords and qualifications etc. it’s possible there are candidates more qualified than you or with more experience so it’s necessary to add a cover letter to back up your resume and allow the hiring manager to see more of your personal side that is relevant to the vacancy.

The cover letter demonstrates your communication skills.
The cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume.
The cover letter can be used to emphasize certain skills, or mention skills that you couldn’t fit on the resume (it serves as an addendum).
The cover letter is what you customize for each position, to show why you are the right person for “That” role, as opposed to the resume which stays pretty much the same for all applications.

A cover letter is the added value that you need in a job application to ensure the call-back you’ve been waiting for.

To create a unique, tailor-made job application , each candidate should use a cover letter to highlight their strengths and elaborate on relevant achievements that demonstrate their ability to take on the new responsibilities.

Is it practically always sensible and appropriate to write a cover letter to accompany a resume for a job application that should be customized for the role you’re applying to including any explanations of information that might be missing from the resume, such as employment gaps, traveling, periods of study etc.

The only time it is acceptable to not include a cover letter in your job application is if the job listing specifically requests that you do not.

Advantages of Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter directly adds to the likelihood that you are called in for an interview and gives you a better chance of being hired .

If you’re successful in writing an effective cover letter , it will offer you the following advantages:

Hiring managers will see your added effort
Demonstrates you put in the time to learn about the company
It will add a personal touch to your application
It shows your enthusiasm for the opening
Hiring managers will become acquainted with your best qualities

Knowing exactly what is in a cover letter will ensure that it gives you a major advantage over the other applicants.

What are the 3 Types of Cover Letters?

Adding a cover letter is almost always essential, but choosing the appropriate letter will also be key. Depending on the job post you are applying for, you will need to select the best type of letter to send along with your resume.

There are 3 types of cover letters that you can send to a hiring manager. The 3 types are:

Application cover letters
Letters of Interest
Email Cover letters

The letter you write is influenced by whether you are going to apply for a job directly , citing a referral, or asking about vacancies that are not advertised.

Whatever the case may be, ensure that the cover letter is specific to the job vacancy . It’s always important to avoid making a generic cover letter for every single job you apply for.

So, what are the 3 types of cover letters you should consider sending to a job recruiter?

Application Cover Letter

This is your classic cover letter that you send to a hiring manager when you spot a company advertising a job opening. When you want to directly apply for a position, it is mandatory to send this, unless you are specifically asked not to.

Using this letter, you can mention why you want to work for a specific company and why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

Letter of Interest

Say you notice a company that you would really like to work for. It fits your sector, and you know it offers great benefits and good pay. However, you can’t find any openings that match your skill set.

If that’s the case, you don’t need to sit around and wait for the company to have a job vacancy. You can take action with a letter of interest. This type of cover letter states your interest in being employed by a company that isn’t currently advertising any vacancies.

This type of letter goes by a couple of other names, such as:

Letter of intent
Statement of interest

Of course, since there is no vacancy there is no role you can specifically mention, which is the major difference between a letter of intent and a traditional cover letter. Your objective will be to advertise yourself well enough that an employer will just have to interview you.

Email Cover Letters

Over the years, the job application process has shifted to a nearly 100% online hiring process . Due to this, it may be necessary to send your cover letter in an email as part of your job application.

While applying, there may not be an option to upload your cover letter. Or maybe you would just like to send it in the body of your email along with your resume . You can send it in one of two ways, in the body of your email or as an attachment (in PDF).

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter, although short in length generally, can take time to elaborate as it is important to get it right. Sometimes, due to the scarce space for writing, candidates find it difficult to know what to include in a cover letter and what to leave out .

However, knowing how to do a cover letter can make all the difference to your job application and be the just the thing to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

A professional cover letter should be well-formatted, following a structure with a header, an opening paragraph, a second main paragraph, a final closing paragraph and a closing with signature/electronic signature.

To begin writing a cover letter for a job application , candidates should analyze their skills, qualifications, accomplishments and experience to decide which are the most fundamental aspects to include in their personalized cover letter.

Next, each jobseeker will have to select the most job-relevant of these elements to include by comparing them with the required or desired qualifications and experience in the job description.

Finally, the applicant should choose some memorable examples which demonstrate evidence of each element included in their cover letter, aiming to tell a story which shows their aptitude concerning each skill or qualification.

Jobseekers should also ensure to explore how to make a cover letter for their specific role or industry because, similarly to resumes, each cover letter should be tailored for the vacancy and company to which it will be sent.

It is vital for candidates to consider several factors when it comes to writing their professional cover letter . A jobseeker must review their resume work history section as well as any skills and honors included to find the most pertinent experiences that can be explored further. Detailing examples of when a candidate demonstrated certain abilities or expertise is how a candidate can convince a hiring.

One way to create a winning cover letter is to use an online cover letter creator or take advantage of cover letter templates as a stepping stone as well as checking out cover letter examples that can serve as a great source of inspiration for you to make your own unique cover letter .

Our cover letter builder forms part of our resume builder and allows jobseekers to create a more complete job application. Users can write their cover letter with pro tips and design help thanks to our pre-designed templates. Read our cover letter writing guide to get to grips with cover letter writing techniques and tips before using our online cover letter builder!

How to Structure a Cover Letter

The structure and layout of a cover letter is essential to make sure the letter displays each point that you wish to get across clearly and concisely . This means it’s necessary, in general, to follow a commonly-accepted format for an effective cover letter.

Similarly to a resume format , designing and writing a cover letter has certain rules which should be adhered to in order to convey the necessary information in a brief and to the point introductory letter.

Check out some of the cover letter best practices as advised by human resources experts below:

It’s imperative to begin a cover letter with a header , including the candidate’s name and contact information as well as the date. This primary cover letter section can also include the job title, website and other relevant personal information.

Following this, the letter should include the details of the company and person to whom you are writing, with the full name, job title or team, company name and address.

The main body of a cover letter should be divided into three sections : an introduction, a bullet list of accomplishments followed by a paragraph highlighting skills, and a closing paragraph inviting the hiring manager to contact you. By using bullet points when detailing your achievements and capabilities, you can make sure that recruiters will be able to quickly pick out key information. This is especially important as studies have found that recruiters spend very little time reading each individual application.
Finally, the letter should be electronically or physically signed with your full name in a formal manner.

The universally-accepted cover letter length is no longer than one letter page, which in total has about 250-300 words for the main body of text.

Don’t repeat information or be too detailed because hiring managers simply do not have the time to read it all and will simply skip to the next one. Resumes that run over 600 words get rejected 43% faster and cover letters can easily fall into this trap too.

Keep your cover letter short and sweet and to the point!

Get more cover letter formatting advice in our guide on how to format a cover letter with tips and information about all aspects of a good cover letter structure.

Cover letter advice

The importance of including a cover letter with your job application is often overlooked by jobseekers of all categories, however this can seriously reduce your possibilities of getting an interview with a prospective employer.

Therefore you need not ask yourself when to write a cover letter because the answer is just that simple – it is always appropriate to include a cover letter in your job application , unless the listing explicitly requests that you do not.

Check out the following expert cover letter tips to create a winning cover letter that will convince the hiring manager to give you a call:

We may be quite repetitive with this one but the sheer quantity of resumes and cover letters that are disregarded simply for forgetting this vital and basic rule is incredible: USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS for your contact details and that does not include your current work email but a personal, suitable email address.
It is essential to remember to maintain your focus on the needs of the company you’re applying to and the requirements and desired abilities of the ideal candidate for the role. Do not focus on how you can benefit by becoming a member of their team, but on how the team can make the most of your experience and knowledge.
Remember to highlight your transferable skills , especially in cases where you may not meet all the required qualities in the job description such as in student resumes and cover letters.
Each cover letter for a job application, cover letters for internships , for further study or even volunteer experience should be tailored to their specific organization and position with the pertinent keywords.
Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate’s individual capacity to take on the role and tell a story with your cover letter to convey more of your personality and passion towards the sector or profession.
Towards the end of a cover letter , each candidate should write a convincing finish to entice the hiring manager and in sales terminology “ seal the deal ”.
Finally when you have completed your polished cover letter, potentially one of the most important steps in the process is to PROOFREAD . Candidates should request that a friend, mentor, teacher or peer takes a look at their cover letter for not only grammatical and spelling errors but also any unwanted repetition or unrelated information .

Some jobseekers doubt whether a cover letter is necessary or not , but as most human resource professionals agree without a well-written cover letter, candidates lose the possibility to demonstrate different aspects of their profile from those included in their resumes which could easily be the deciding factor in your application!

An easy and fast way to write an effective cover letter for a job application is to employ an online cover letter creator that will offer advice on how to complete a cover letter with examples and HR-approved templates.

Cover Letter FAQs

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How to Sign a Cover Letter: Paper vs Digital

In This Guide:

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter

What to include in your cover letter signature

How to sign a cover letter when emailing

How to sign a paper cover letter

How to sign a cover letter when it is an attached file

When it comes to your cover letter, you usually have just one chance to make a good first impression.

That’s why you would want to make it all perfect.

You might think that your signature is not important, and it wouldn’t matter what you put there, but you can not be more wrong.§

As employers receive hundreds of resumes for every open job position they have, even the smallest detail might be used against you for the purpose of pre-selection.

So, how to perfect your cover letter signature?

Well, that depends greatly on the method you choose for sending your cover letter. So we are going to explore the 3 cases:

Signing your email cover letter
Signing your hard copy cover letter
Signing your uploaded cover letter

And as we go along, we are going to give you examples for each method .

If you have some doubts about your overall cover letter performance, that would be a good time to learn how to tell a story with your cover letter and build your perfect cover letter .

But if you are ready to dive into the details of your cover letter signature, stick around.

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter?

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Every cover letter needs some kind of sign-off with at least a closing phrase and your names.

But apart from that, a hand signature inserted into your cover letter is entirely up to you.

If you are emailing your cover letter, your potential employer would not be expecting a hand signature. However, if you are mailing a physical cover letter, or uploading it, hand signing your cover letter can be a nice touch.

What to include in your cover letter signature?

What you include in your cover letter signature depends on the method you use for sending it over to your potential employer.

However, every cover letter signature should include a closing phrase and your names.

From this point forward, you can include a handwritten signature, or your contact information, depending on the type of cover letter you are sending.

If you have chosen to email your cover letter, it is nice to include your contact information just after your names, but you usually don’t need a handwritten signature.

And if you decide to mail a hard copy of your cover letter, it is a charming touch to include a handwritten signature, but don’t really need the contact information, as it would only clutter the page.

How to sign a cover letter when emailing?

When emailing your cover letter to a potential employer, it is essential for you to list your contact information in the bottom of your email .

At the very least, a hiring manager should be able to find your name, email address, and phone number, but you can also include an address, LinkedIn profile , or a portfolio.

Your contact information is so essential because the hiring manager would need to be able to easily contact you.

It would be a shame if you nailed your cover letter, and build a perfect resume , and the hiring manager has no way to contact you for an interview.

If you want to really nail it, you need to make sure you are sticking to the same font throughout, and not use anything too special in your signature, as it might come across as childish.

Last but not least, send out your cover letter using a professional email address. That does not mean that you need to use your work email address, as that would be a huge mistake.

To get the best result, use a free online email service like Gmail, and set up your email in the format [email protected] .

Just to make things easier on your part, here is how your email signature should look like:

[email protected]

(555) 555-5555

And if you want to add in some additional contacts, you can do so by listing them below these like this:

Sincerely, John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 https://linkedin.com/in/john-doe

How to sign a paper cover letter?

When it comes to a hard copy of your cover letter, you no longer need to list the contact information in your signature. In most cases, both your contact information and that of the employer is listed at the top of the page.

Here, just like in any other cover letter sign-off, you need to add a closing phrase and your names.

What you can add here as a nice touch is including a handwritten signature.

Typically, you would want it to be positioned between the closing phrase and your full name, so make sure you leave enough space between the two for you to sign it after you print it out.

And here is how your paper cover letter sign-off should look like:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here) Jane Doe

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space.

When you have decided to attach your cover letter to your email, or upload it to a job site, you can only type in a closing phrase and your names, and that would be perfectly fine for a signature.

However, a handwritten signature might really make some good impression on the hiring manager.

If you decide to go for it, you have two options:

Print out your cover letter with a structure for a hard copy, sign it and then scan it, and you are ready to upload it
You can sign on a blank piece of paper and scan it, and then insert it into your cover letter digital file

Either way, it would make a good impression.

Just make sure you leave enough blank space for a signature if you go for it.

If you decide to go for the basic version of your cover letter signature, you just need that:

Sincerely, Jane Doe

But if you are determined to add in your handwritten signature, make sure you go for that:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here)

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space. And from that point forward, you only need to scan it, and you are ready to go.

We are all done, now you know how to get the best out of your cover letter signature.

Let’s go through the most important points once again:

If you are emailing your cover letter, make sure you list your essential contact information in your email signature, so that it would be easy for the hiring manager to contact you
If you are sending out a hard copy of your cover letter, you don’t need to list your contact information in the signature, but it is a nice touch to include a handwritten signature
When you are attaching your cover letter to an email, or uploading it to a website, you can go with the basics – closing phrase and your names, but it is again a nice touch to add your scanned signature to the document

Now upgrade your cover letter signature, and perfect your application documents to get your dream job.

Cover Letter Guides

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Job Applications » Job Applications Blog » The Importance of Signing a Cover Letter

The Importance of Signing a Cover Letter

One of the things job seekers often forget is that cover letters are a great way to expand resumes. Cover letters are an opportunity to talk, at length, about why you want a particular job and what you’ve done to prepare for the position. While the contents of a cover letter are obviously important, one area of the document seems to slip people’s minds, and that area is the signature line.

Why You Sign No one would argue that the advent of the internet and continued development of mobile communications has led to shorter, briefer correspondence between people, even in the business world. We saw it in the 1990s with AOL’s AIM service and then with text messaging in the 2000s. Now we have apps like FaceTime and other forms of informal communication that businesses are starting to use more and more on a day-to-day basis. With that said, the availability of informal communications doesn’t mean there isn’t still a need for professionalism when looking for work.

Ways to Sign Your Cover Letter If you’re submitting a cover letter by hand, the most obvious way to sign the document is to physically take a pen and sign your name at the bottom once you have proofed it for errors and printed it out. Easy. But what about submitting an electronic cover letter? Well, in that case, you’re going to need to take one of two routes: 1.) Type your name out and provide contact information in tiered fashion or 2.) Sign your name on a piece of paper, copy the signature and load it into your computer, crop the image, copy the image, and then paste your signature in the appropriate place at the end of your cover letter.

If you decide to type out your signature, you’re going to need to make sure you include the correct contact information. The information provides hiring personnel the best ways to reach you if your resume is pulled or if they have any additional questions to ask. You want to include your full name (obviously), email address, phone number, and a cell phone number if the two aren’t the same. Some people like to provide their mailing addresses, as well, which is fine. It’s really all about what kind of information you’re comfortable giving out. But at a base level, you want to give an email address and a phone number. Below are some examples:

Doug Crawford 1234 America Lane Anywhere, CO 12345 (123) 456-7891 [email protected]

Doug Crawford [email protected] (123) 456-7891

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Is a Signature Necessary in a Resume or Cover Letter?

Written by Editorial Team
Updated December 6, 2022

Resumes and cover letters are the first impressions you make on a potential employer. If you want to stand out from the crowd, your resume and cover letter need to be exceptional.

However, many people believe that a resume or cover letter should not include a signature because it may seem too personal or inappropriate when an employer is reading it.

But is this true? Is a signature required on your resume or cover letter? The answer: no! In fact, employers generally do not expect applicants to include their signatures in their resumes and cover letters. However, there are a few exceptions where signatures may be required.

For example, if you are applying for jobs at law firms or government agencies where employees must sign confidentiality agreements before they can begin working with clients or colleagues, then including your signature might make sense.

In this article, we’ll talk about why it’s best not to include your signature in resumes or cover letters unless it makes sense for the job at hand (and even then, it’s only appropriate under certain circumstances).

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Are you supposed to sign your resume or cover letter?

Well, it depends. If you’re applying for an entry-level position at a small business, then it makes sense to sign your resume and cover letter . After all, if the hiring manager can’t read them, he or she won’t know that they’ve been sent for consideration.

But if you’re applying for a job at a big company, then it’s probably best not to sign your resume or cover letter. That way, if something happens to your application and it gets marked as “unacceptable,” then the hiring manager has no way of knowing why it was rejected.

If you’re still unsure about whether or not it’s okay for your resume and cover letter to be signed off on by the hiring manager, then ask him or her directly!

What if I added a signature on my resume or cover letter?

It’s not a bad idea, but it’s also not something you should do for every resume or cover letter.

If you’re looking for a job in an industry where the company requires employees to sign their name at the end of their work, then by all means use that signature!

But if you’re applying to jobs in other industries—like education or non-profit work—then it might be better to keep things more generic and avoid having anything but your name on there.

The reason is that employers are often looking for people who are able to communicate clearly and concisely. They want someone who can communicate effectively with them, and they don’t need any more distractions than what would be caused by having a signature there.

Are there instances where I need to sign my resume or cover letter?

Signing your resume or cover letter is a great way to show that you care about the quality of your work and want to make sure you’re letting your prospective employers know exactly what you’re capable of.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re confident in your skills and abilities, then you don’t need to sign your resume or cover letter. However, if you feel like there are any gaps in your experience, then it’s a good idea to fill them. This will help potential employers see that they can trust what you’ve said in those documents.

The only exception here is if you’re applying for an internship position, in which case it would be considered unethical for the person who interviewed you not to sign their own resume!

How should you sign your resume or cover letter?

As you know, the way you sign your resume or cover letter can make a big difference. You want to make sure that your signature stands out and catches the reader’s attention. It should be clear, bold, and professional.

The best way to show off your signature is to make it stand out from the rest of your resume or cover letter. You can do this by using a different color font, bold fonts, or even just spacing between lines.

If you want to make sure that people notice your signature when they look at your resume or cover letter, try using a different typeface and font size than what is used in the body text of the document. This will help readers distinguish it from other parts of the document and make it easier for them to remember who signed it!

Where do you put your signature on a resume or cover letter?

When you’re applying for jobs, it’s important to include your signature. Your signature is part of the first impression you make on a prospective employer and helps them understand how credible and trustworthy you are.

If you’re applying for a job that requires a physical presence, like a retail job or a customer service position, having someone hand-sign your application will help them know if they can trust you.

When you’re applying online or over email, putting your signature in the footer of your application form is a great way to ensure that any potential employers who see it recognize it as authentic—and vice versa!

Is it better to sign a resume or cover letter, manually or electronically?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the type of job you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for a position in which you’d like to be hired, then it’s best to use an electronic signature . An electronic signature makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to see what exactly it is that you’ve written about yourself on paper.

It also allows them to easily keep track of all the other applications they receive from people like you, so they don’t have to spend time trying to figure out which ones are authentic and which ones are fake. This can save them time and money in the long run.

If you’re applying for a position where there aren’t any specific job requirements (such as a high school teacher), then signing a resume manually might be better because it’s less likely that your signature will get lost or misread.

You can also put more time and thought into how your signature looks because there won’t be anything else going on in the background to distract you or make it hard for others to understand what’s being said or written down by hand.

The answer to the question of whether a signature is necessary in a resume or cover letter depends on the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for an entry-level position, then yes, you probably don’t need a signature.

But if you’re applying for more senior roles, then it’s likely that having your signature on your resume will be important for the hiring manager to see.

Whether or not a signature is important will depend on the job you’re applying for and how much weight they place on the details of resumes and cover letters.

If they want to hire someone with strong writing skills, then they’ll want to see both their name and contact information at the top of your resume or cover letter so they can reach out to them easily if they want to talk about the position further.

Anyway, if you’re looking for people who can help you create a well-written resume and cover letter, our team consists of expert resume writers who can help you!

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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Signature Examples)

Do You Need to Sign a Cover Letter?
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Cover Letter Signatures Examples
Signatures If You're Emailing
Signature Examples for Emails