Cover Letters Cover Letter Closing and Call to Action 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which closing phrase is too casual for a professional cover letter?
- Respectfully yours,
- Best regards,
- Thanks a bunch, (Correct answer)
- Yours sincerely,
Correct answer: Thanks a bunch,
"Thanks a bunch," is informal slang that undermines professionalism; formal closings like "Best regards," or "Sincerely," are preferred.
Question 2: What does 'following up' in a cover letter closing mean?
- Sending a second cover letter the next day
- Contacting the employer after a set period if you haven't heard back (Correct answer)
- Calling the employer every day until they respond
- Attaching additional documents to your application
Correct answer: Contacting the employer after a set period if you haven't heard back
Following up means proactively reaching out after a reasonable wait — typically one to two weeks — to reiterate your interest.
Question 3: Which element is MOST important in a cover letter's final paragraph?
- Repeating your full work history
- Expressing a clear desire to discuss the opportunity further (Correct answer)
- Listing hobbies and personal interests
- Describing your professional weaknesses
Correct answer: Expressing a clear desire to discuss the opportunity further
Expressing a clear desire for an interview keeps the focus on advancing the hiring process, which is the ultimate goal of the closing.
Question 4: What overall tone should a cover letter closing convey?
- Desperate and urgent
- Confident, grateful, and enthusiastic (Correct answer)
- Neutral and completely detached
- Apologetic for taking up their time
Correct answer: Confident, grateful, and enthusiastic
A closing that is confident, grateful, and enthusiastic leaves a positive final impression while demonstrating genuine interest in the role.
Question 5: How should you sign off an email cover letter?
- No sign-off is needed for emails
- Type your full name after a professional closing such as 'Best regards,' (Correct answer)
- Use only your first name with an emoji
- End with your LinkedIn URL only
Correct answer: Type your full name after a professional closing such as 'Best regards,'
Email cover letters should still include a professional sign-off and your full typed name to maintain the same formality as a printed letter.
Question 6: Which statement best describes an effective cover letter call to action?
- It tells the employer exactly what they must do
- It invites the employer to contact you and expresses willingness to discuss further (Correct answer)
- It demands a specific salary figure before the interview
- It apologizes for any shortcomings in your application
Correct answer: It invites the employer to contact you and expresses willingness to discuss further
An effective call to action invites next steps and positions you as eager and available without being demanding or presumptuous.
Question 7: Which is a common mistake applicants make in cover letter closings?
- Thanking the hiring manager for their time
- Stating they look forward to an interview
- Using 'To Whom It May Concern' as the closing sign-off (Correct answer)
- Mentioning their availability for a phone call
Correct answer: Using 'To Whom It May Concern' as the closing sign-off
"To Whom It May Concern" is an opening salutation — using it at the end signals inattention and lack of professional writing knowledge.
Cover Letters Cover Letter Closing and Call to Action 2
Which closing phrase is too casual for a professional cover letter?