Cover Letters Cover Letter Closing and Call to Action 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a cover letter's closing paragraph?
- To list all your qualifications again
- To restate your interest and prompt the employer to take action (Correct answer)
- To describe your educational background
- To explain why you left your previous job
Correct answer: To restate your interest and prompt the employer to take action
The closing paragraph reinforces your enthusiasm and encourages the employer to move forward by scheduling an interview.
Question 2: Which of the following is the most professional sign-off for a cover letter?
- Cheers,
- Later,
- Sincerely, (Correct answer)
- Thanks a bunch,
Correct answer: Sincerely,
"Sincerely," is a widely accepted, formal closing that maintains professionalism appropriate for job applications.
Question 3: What should a strong call to action in a cover letter include?
- A demand for an immediate response
- A request for an interview and a mention of when you'll follow up (Correct answer)
- A list of professional references
- An explanation of your salary requirements
Correct answer: A request for an interview and a mention of when you'll follow up
A strong call to action requests an interview and indicates a follow-up plan, demonstrating initiative and genuine interest.
Question 4: How long should a cover letter closing paragraph typically be?
- Five or more sentences
- One to three sentences (Correct answer)
- A full paragraph of at least 200 words
- No closing paragraph is needed
Correct answer: One to three sentences
A concise closing of one to three sentences is sufficient to express gratitude, interest, and a call to action without being repetitive.
Question 5: Which of the following is the strongest example of a cover letter call to action?
- I hope you will consider me.
- Please let me know if you have any questions.
- I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your needs and will follow up next week. (Correct answer)
- Thank you for your time.
Correct answer: I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your needs and will follow up next week.
This option actively expresses eagerness, references alignment with the role, and commits to a specific follow-up, making it the most proactive call to action.
Question 6: What type of language should you avoid when closing a cover letter?
- Enthusiastic language
- Passive phrases like 'If you feel I might be a good fit...' (Correct answer)
- Specific mention of your availability
- A polite thank-you to the reader
Correct answer: Passive phrases like 'If you feel I might be a good fit...'
Passive language undermines your confidence; strong closings use assertive, positive phrasing to show self-assurance.
Question 7: Where should your contact information typically appear in relation to a cover letter closing?
- It should never appear near the closing
- It should be included in the header and can be briefly referenced in the closing (Correct answer)
- It should only appear in the body paragraphs
- It should replace the closing paragraph entirely
Correct answer: It should be included in the header and can be briefly referenced in the closing
Contact details belong in the header, but mentioning your phone or email briefly in the closing ensures easy access for the reader.
What is the primary purpose of a cover letter's closing paragraph?