Let's be honest – most people spend ages crafting the perfect letter body then panic when they get to the end. I've been there. Last year I sent a job application ending with "Later!" like I was texting a buddy. Spoiler: didn't get the job. That's why learning how to conclude a letter properly matters more than you think.
Why Your Letter Closing is a Big Deal
Think of your closing like the last handshake after a meeting. Get it wrong and people remember the awkwardness more than your brilliant points. A survey by BusinessWriting.com found 63% of hiring managers notice inappropriate closings immediately. Ouch.
Here's what a good closing actually does:
- Reinforces your relationship with the reader
- Leaves a professional final impression
- Sets clear expectations for next steps
- Prevents confusion about your intentions
My pet peeve? People using "Cheers" in formal emails. Unless you're actually holding a pint, it feels weird. There, I said it.
Formal vs. Casual Closings Explained
This is where most folks trip up. Last Christmas, my cousin used "Yours faithfully" in a family holiday letter. We still tease him about it.
Business and Formal Letter Closings
When you're writing to someone you don't know well, or it's serious business:
| Closing Phrase | When to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yours sincerely | When you know the recipient's name | Standard in UK/Australia |
| Yours faithfully | When addressing "Sir/Madam" | UK tradition, fading in US |
| Respectfully yours | Government/military correspondence | Very formal, almost ceremonial |
| Best regards | Most business situations | My personal go-to for professional emails |
Remember this trick: If you'd wear a suit to the meeting, use these. Otherwise...
Casual and Personal Letter Endings
For friends, family, or colleagues you know well:
| Closing Phrase | Relationship Level | Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Best | Colleagues you work with regularly | Safe but slightly distant |
| Cheers | Work friends after hours | Casual, best with Brits/Aussies |
| Take care | Friends you haven't seen in a while | Warm but not overly emotional |
| Talk soon | Close friends/family | Implies ongoing relationship |
Important: Never use emojis unless you're 100% certain it's appropriate. That smiley face could cost you a client.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Letter Ending
It's not just about the closing phrase – it's the whole package:
The Closing Formula That Never Fails
- Final summary: "To recap our agreement..."
- Action statement: "I'll call next Tuesday to..."
- Gratitude/appreciation: "Thanks for your quick response"
- Closing phrase: "Best regards"
- Your name/signature: With title if relevant
- Contact info: Phone/email under signature
Here's how this works in reality:
I've attached the revised contract reflecting these changes. Please sign by Friday so we can meet the deadline. Really appreciate your flexibility on this.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Project Manager
[email protected] | (555) 123-4567
Special Situations Solved
Some letters need extra care with their conclusions:
Job Application Letters
This is where most candidates blow it. Hiring managers see these errors daily:
Job Closing Don'ts
- "I look forward to hearing from you!" (Too passive)
- "Thank you for your consideration." (Overused and forgettable)
- "Sincerely yours" (Too stiff for modern companies)
Instead, try:
"I'm available for an interview Monday or Wednesday afternoon. I'll follow up next Tuesday to schedule a time that works for you."
Why this works:
- Shows initiative
- Controls the next step
- Makes their life easier
Complaint Letters
Angry closings backfire. I learned this when my "I expect immediate action!" got my complaint ignored.
Effective approach:
"I trust you'll resolve this matter by June 30. I appreciate your attention to this issue and look forward to your solution."
See the difference? Firm but professional.
Cultural Landmines to Avoid
Letter conclusions vary wildly globally:
| Country | Preferred Closing | Danger Zone |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Sincerely, Best regards | Yours faithfully (too formal) |
| United Kingdom | Yours sincerely (named), Yours faithfully (unnamed) | Best (too casual for first contact) |
| Japan | "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (Please treat me well) | Direct translations of English closings |
| Germany | Mit freundlichen Grüßen (With friendly greetings) | Overly emotional closings |
Pro tip: When in doubt, mirror the closing style of emails they send you.
Top 5 Closing Mistakes That Ruin Good Letters
After helping clients with 500+ letters last year, I noticed patterns:
- The abrupt ending: No closing phrase at all – just your name
- The mismatch: Formal opener ("Dear Dr. Smith") with casual closer ("Later!")
- The novel: 5-paragraph closing that repeats everything
- The desperation: "I REALLY hope to hear from you soon!!! 😊"
- The identity crisis: Different name in signature vs. email address
My worst? Accidentally closing a client email with "Love" instead of "Best". Mortifying.
FAQ: Your Letter Conclusion Questions Answered
How to conclude a letter when you don't know the reader's name?
Use "Yours faithfully" if following British tradition. Americans often use "Sincerely" or "Best regards" regardless. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" endings – they feel cold.
What's better between 'Sincerely' vs. 'Best regards'?
Sincerely feels more formal – good for cover letters or official documents. Best regards works for most business correspondence. Personally, I find Sincerely a bit stiff for routine emails.
How to conclude a letter to multiple recipients?
Use group-friendly closings like "Best regards to all" or simply "Best". Never try to personalize ("Dear John and Mary and Bob and...") unless there are just 2-3 people.
Should you include religious closings?
Generally avoid unless you know the recipient shares your faith. "Blessings" made a client uncomfortable last year when I assumed incorrectly.
The Evolution of Letter Closings
Letter endings have changed dramatically:
- 1800s: Flowery closings like "I remain your humble servant"
- 1950s: Ultra-formal "Respectfully submitted"
- 1990s: Fax-era "Best regards" standardization
- 2020s: Shortened "Best" or even just names in informal settings
Where's it heading? Probably more context-aware digital signatures that auto-adjust formality. But for now, mastering how to conclude a letter remains essential.
Real talk: If you remember nothing else, stick with "Best regards" for business and "Best" for casual. Works 90% of the time.
Signature Block Essentials
Your closing phrase isn't the finish line. The signature block matters too:
| Element | Required? | Professional Format |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Always | Jane A. Doe (middle initial optional) |
| Job title | Business contexts | Marketing Director, not "Marketing Guru" |
| Company | When representing organization | ABC Company |
| Contact info | At least one method | Phone | Email | Website |
| Social links | Context-dependent | LinkedIn only for business |
Common mistake: Including every possible contact method. Choose 2-3 maximum.
When to Break the Rules
Sometimes the best letter conclusion bends tradition:
Situation: Following up after no response
Standard approach: "I look forward to your reply"
Better version: "If I don't hear back by Friday, I'll call to ensure you have what you need."
Situation: Dealing with frustrating delays
Standard approach: "Thank you for your patience"
Better version: "I know timelines are tight. What's one thing I can do to help move this forward?"
The secret? Focus on making their life easier, not just checking etiquette boxes. That's what makes people respond.
Putting It All Together
Remember my "Later!" disaster? Here's how I'd close that job application now:
"I've attached my portfolio showing similar campaigns I've delivered ahead of schedule. Available for interviews next week – I'll email Monday morning to schedule a time that works for your team.
Best regards,
[My Actual Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]"
Final thought: Good conclusions create action. Great ones build relationships. Focus on being helpful rather than "correct" and you'll master how to conclude a letter every time.
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