can i use yours sincerely in application letter

60 Examples of Strong Closing Statements: How to Close a Cover Letter

By Status.net Editorial Team on December 12, 2023 — 16 minutes to read

A strong cover letter closing is essential in making a great impression and reinforcing your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. It provides a final opportunity to emphasize your relevant skills, experiences, and personal attributes that make you an ideal candidate. A compelling closing also encourages the employer to take action, such as inviting you for an interview. Consider these examples:

• Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences in this exciting role.
• I am eager to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s goals and how I can contribute to your company’s growth.
• I am confident that my expertise in social media marketing makes me well-suited for this position, and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Positive Impact on Employers

Your cover letter closing is crucial, as it leaves a lasting impression on the employer and influences their perception of you as a candidate. A positive and engaging closing helps you stand out among other applicants and increases your chances of being selected for an interview. Here are a few key points that can create a positive impact:

• Express gratitude : Show appreciation for the time the employer has spent reading your cover letter, and thank them for considering your application.
• Be enthusiastic : Reiterate your excitement about the job opportunity and the prospect of joining their team.
• Include a call to action : Encourage further engagement, like scheduling an interview or discussing your qualifications in more detail.

For example:

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am highly enthusiastic about joining your team and discussing my potential contributions to your ongoing projects. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at your earliest convenience.

Crafting Your Final Paragraph

Summarizing your enthusiasm.

To leave a lasting impression, summarize your enthusiasm for the role in your closing paragraph. Highlight your excitement about the opportunity and express gratitude for the potential connection with the company. For instance:

I’m thrilled about the prospect of joining the (…) team and contributing my marketing skills to drive innovative campaigns. Thank you for considering my application.

Reaffirming Your Best Fit for the Role

Before signing off, reinforce why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. Briefly recap your relevant experience, skills, or accomplishments that set you apart. Be concise yet confident in your message. For example:

With my five years of experience in international sales and my proven ability to develop long-term client relationships, I am confident in my ability to excel as your next Sales Manager.

Choosing the Right Sign-Off

Professional sign-off options.

Selecting the appropriate closing for your cover letter can leave a lasting impression. Here are some professional sign-off options to consider:

• Sincerely : This classic sign-off is appropriate for most scenarios and conveys professionalism.
• Best regards : A versatile and slightly more casual option, ideal for a variety of industries.
• Kind regards : This friendly sign-off is suitable when you have developed a rapport with the receiver, like the hiring manager.

You can also try other options such as Yours truly , Respectfully , or Yours faithfully , depending on your preference and the nature of the job you are applying for.

Matching the Company Culture

Try to tailor your sign-off to match the company culture. Researching the company’s website, social media, or reviewing employee testimonials can help you get a better understanding of the company culture. For example:

• Innovative or creative industries : Feel free to express yourself with a casual yet professional closing, like Warm Regards or Cheers .
• Traditional or formal industries : Stick to more formal options such as Sincerely or Best Regards .

Incorporating a Call to Action

Proposing the next steps.

A well-crafted cover letter should inspire the reader to take the next step. This could include scheduling an interview, discussing your application further, or even simply reviewing your attached resume. To encourage this action, incorporate a call to action (CTA) at the end of your cover letter that guides the hiring manager.

Some examples of CTAs in the context of cover letters include:

• Schedule a meeting : “I’m excited about the opportunity to discuss my experiences and how they align with the [job title] position. Let’s set up a time to chat!”
• Ask for a callback : “I’d be thrilled to further discuss my application and the value I bring to the table. Give me a call at your earliest convenience to chat more.”
• Direct them to your portfolio : “I’d love to showcase my recent work, which you can find at [website link]. Let’s discuss how my skillset aligns with the [job title] role.”

Remember to tailor these examples to your specific application and the company to which you’re applying.

60 Examples of Strong Closing Statements For a Cover Letter

• 1. This position seems like a perfect match for my experience, passions, and career aspirations. I would love to bring my skills and expertise to your organization.
• 2. I am confident that I can make an immediate and positive impact if given the opportunity to join your team. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s success.
• 3. My background and capabilities align well with the responsibilities of this role. I am excited by the prospect of applying my experience to this position.
• 4. I am enthusiastic about the chance to join your organization. Please contact me to further discuss my qualifications and how I can add value.
• 5. I would welcome the opportunity to showcase my abilities and help drive growth and innovation through this position. I am eager to learn more.
• 6. With my skills and experience, I am prepared to excel in this role and hit the ground running. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 7. I am confident I would thrive in this position. I am eager to bring my skills, passion, and drive to your dynamic team.
• 8. I believe I am an excellent fit for this opportunity and am excited by the prospect of contributing my talents to your organization. I welcome the chance to speak with you further.
• 9. My experience aligns well with the responsibilities of this exciting role. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply my skills to benefit your organization.
• 10. I am excited by the chance to join your team. I look forward to further discussion.
• 11. I am confident that I possess the necessary qualifications for this role and would excel if given the opportunity.
• 12. With my background and passion, I am prepared to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact through this position. I would love to join your team.
• 13. I am eager to apply my expertise to help drive success and innovation for your organization. Please contact me to arrange a time to talk.
• 14. My experience has fully prepared me to excel in this role. I am excited by the prospect of bringing my skills to your dynamic organization.
• 15. I am enthusiastic about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to your company’s continued growth and innovation. I look forward to elaborating on my qualifications.
• 16. I am confident I can perform exceptionally well in this position. I am excited by the prospect of joining your team and organization.
• 17. With my proven track record, I am prepared to dive in and deliver results through this role. I would be thrilled to join your organization.
• 18. I am eager to join an organization where I can utilize my expertise to create meaningful impact. This role seems like an excellent fit.
• 19. I am excited by the prospect of joining your innovative company. My skills would enable me to contribute to your team’s success right away.
• 20. I am confident my background makes me a competitive applicant for this opportunity. I am excited to further discuss my qualifications with you.
• 21. With my experience and passion, I know I would thrive in this position. I hope to have the chance to join your talented team.
• 22. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my skills and experience to your dynamic organization.
• 23. I am eager to apply my expertise to help drive innovation and success in this role. I would be thrilled to join your team.
• 24. I am confident my abilities make me a strong candidate for this opportunity. I am excited by the chance to contribute to your company’s growth.
• 25. I believe I possess the necessary skills, experience, and drive to excel in this position.
• 26. With my background, I am prepared to dive in, roll up my sleeves, and immediately begin adding value in this role. I am excited by this opportunity.
• 27. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I am confident my experience would allow me to thrive in this position.
• 28. I would welcome the opportunity to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team in this role. Please contact me to further discuss my qualifications.
• 29. I am excited by the chance to apply my skills and experience to help drive innovation and success for your company. I hope to speak with you soon.
• 30. I am eager to bring passion, expertise, and a strong work ethic to this position. I am confident I would excel on your team. I look forward to further discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s success.
• 31. I am confident that I have the necessary qualifications to excel in this role, and I am excited by the prospect of contributing my skills to your organization. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.
• 32. With my experience and capabilities, I know I would be a great asset to your team through this position. I am eager to bring my passion and expertise to your dynamic organization.
• 33. I am enthusiastic about the chance to apply my background in a way that drives meaningful impact and innovation. This role seems like an ideal fit for my skills.
• 34. I am eager to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team to deliver exceptional results.
• 35. I am prepared to hit the ground running and make immediate contributions in this role. My experience aligns well with the responsibilities, and I am excited by the prospect of joining your company.
• 36. I am confident that I possess the ideal qualifications for this opportunity. I would love to join your organization and contribute my skills to help drive future success.
• 37. With my proven track record and expertise, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin adding value through this position. I am excited by this opportunity and welcome further discussion.
• 38. My background and capabilities make me confident that I can perform exceptionally well in this role.
• 39. I am eager to apply my skills in a high-impact position with a respected organization like yours. I am confident I would thrive on your team. Please contact me to arrange a meeting.
• 40. I believe this role is an excellent match for my qualifications. I am excited by the opportunity to contribute my experience and talents to your innovative company.
• 41. I am confident that my background has prepared me well to excel in this position. I would be thrilled to join your talented team and organization.
• 42. With my passion, expertise, and proven ability to deliver results, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin driving value through this role. I am excited by this opportunity and look forward to further discussion.
• 43. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my skills in a challenging and rewarding position at your respected company. I am eager to learn more about this opportunity.
• 44. I am excited by the chance to join your dynamic team. My experience has fully prepared me to thrive in this position and help drive your organization’s continued success.
• 45. I am confident I possess the ideal qualifications for this opportunity. I would welcome the chance to join your team and contribute to future growth and innovation.
• 46. With my background and capabilities, I am prepared to excel in this role. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my experience to benefit your organization. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 47. I am eager to utilize my expertise. Please contact me to arrange a meeting to discuss my qualifications.
• 48. I am excited by the prospect of joining your team. I am confident my skills and experience make me a competitive applicant for this opportunity. I look forward to further discussion.
• 49. This role seems like an excellent match for my background. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s success and future growth.
• 50. I am confident I possess the necessary experience and qualifications to excel in this position. I would be thrilled to join your talented team. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 51. I am excited by this opportunity and welcome the chance to further discuss my qualifications.
• 52. I am eager to apply my expertise in a challenging role that enables me to create meaningful impact. I am confident I would thrive in this position on your team.
• 53. I believe I am an excellent fit for this opportunity. I would be honored to join your organization and collaborate with your talented team. I look forward to further discussion.
• 54. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing my experience to help drive innovation and continued success. I am excited by this opportunity and confident in my ability to excel.
• 55. Thank you for reviewing my application. I am eager to bring my background and capabilities to this exciting role on your team. I am confident I can perform exceptionally well if given the opportunity. I look forward to speaking with you.
• 56. With my proven skills and expertise aligned with this position’s responsibilities, I am prepared to dive in and immediately begin adding value to your organization.
• 57. I am confident that my experience, capabilities and passion for excellence would allow me to thrive in this role. I would welcome the opportunity to join your respected organization and am eager to further discuss my qualifications.
• 58. I am excited by the prospect of utilizing my background to help drive innovation and success in this position. I am confident in my ability to excel on your team and look forward to learning more.
• 59. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this opportunity. I am enthusiastic about applying my experience to contribute to the continued growth and success of your esteemed organization.
• 60. With my proven track record and expertise, I know I would thrive in this role. I am eager to bring my skills and passion to your dynamic team. Thank you for your consideration – I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

When choosing a closing statement, make sure it matches the overall tone of your cover letter and reflects your personality. Also, take into consideration the company culture and position you’re applying for.

Examples of Effective Cover Letter Closings

Formal closings.

• Respectfully,
• Yours faithfully,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Yours sincerely,
• Yours truly,

Semi-Formal Closings

• Warm regards,
• Best wishes,
• With appreciation,
• Looking forward to your response,
• Yours in professional success,
• Many thanks,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Eager for the opportunity to connect,

Casual Closings

• Have a great day,
• All the best,
• Thanks so much,
• Excited to chat soon,
• Grateful for your time.

Polishing Your Cover Letter Ending

Proofreading for errors.

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-proofread cover letter. Before sending it off, give it a thorough read-through, and look closely for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Consider using a grammar tool to help catch mistakes you might have missed. Also, ask a friend, family member, or even a professional to review your cover letter. Their fresh perspective can provide valuable insights and catch anything you might have overlooked.

Ensuring Consistency with Your Resume

To make your application seamless, double-check your cover letter and resume to ensure consistency. Pay special attention to details such as job titles, dates, and company names, as inconsistencies can raise concerns from potential employers. It’s also a good idea to match the formatting and fonts across both documents to give your application a polished and cohesive look. Make sure the skills and experiences you highlight in your cover letter are complementary to those mentioned in your resume, so they work together to make a strong case for your candidacy.

Sending Your Cover Letter

Email versus hard copy.

When sending your cover letter, you’ll usually have two options: email or hard copy. Each has its benefits and considerations:

• More convenient and faster
• Allows for easy tracking and organization
• Often preferred by employers
• Be sure to use professional language and an appropriate subject line
• Formal option, which may be required for certain industries or applications
• Neatly print and sign your cover letter
• Use quality paper and a matching envelope

It’s crucial to consider the preferences of the employer when deciding which method to use. If they haven’t specified a preference, feel free to choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

Following Submission Guidelines

No matter how well-written your cover letter is, failing to follow submission guidelines can hurt your chances of being considered for the position. Pay close attention to these key details when preparing your cover letter:

• Deadline: Be punctual in submitting your application – submit on time or even earlier.
• Formatting requirements: Follow any formatting requirements mentioned explicitly, such as font type, font size, and margins.
• File format: Save and send your cover letter in the requested file format, like PDF or Word Document (.docx).
• Contact information: Don’t forget to include your up-to-date contact information, such as your email address and phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strong closing statements for a cover letter that stand out to employers.

A strong closing statement should reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and demonstrate your confidence in your qualifications. Here are some examples:

• “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team and look forward to discussing my qualifications further.”
• “Thank you for considering my application. I believe my expertise aligns well with the role, and I am eager to contribute to the success of your organization.”
• “I’m confident that my skills make me an ideal candidate for the position, and I’m eager to discuss how I can add value to your company.”

What’s the best way to format the closing section of my cover letter?

To format the closing section of your cover letter, you should:

• Leave a space between the last paragraph and your closing.
• Use a closing phrase like “Sincerely” or “Kind regards.”
• Add your full name and contact information, such as email address and phone number.
• If applicable, include any relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.
• Leave a space between your closing phrase and your name so you can add a digital or printed signature.

Should I use ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ to finish off my cover letter?

Both ‘Kind regards’ and ‘Yours sincerely’ are acceptable and professional ways to end a cover letter. You can choose which one you feel most comfortable with or suits your individual style. In general, ‘Kind regards’ is a safe and widely used option, while ‘Yours sincerely’ is considered a bit more formal.

How can you make a cover letter feel personal and engaging without being too casual?

To make your cover letter personal and engaging, try these tips:

• Address the recipient by name, if possible, to create a connection.
• Start your cover letter by mentioning a specific detail about the company or role to show you’ve done your research.
• Share anecdotes from your experience that directly relate to the requirements of the job and showcase your unique qualities.
• Focus on the value you can bring to the company, rather than just listing your qualifications.
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"Yours sincerely", "Yours faithfully," and "Yours truly"

When to use "yours sincerely", "yours faithfully," and "yours truly".

The Quick Answer

• If you know the recipient or use their name, end your letter with 'Sincerely yours' (US) or 'Yours sincerely' (UK).
• If you don't know the recipient or don't use their name, end your letter 'Yours truly' (US) or 'Yours faithfully' (UK).

Starting and Ending Letters

"Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"?

Use "yours faithfully" ( ) or "yours truly" ( ) for unknown recipients.

Use "Yours sincerely" ( ) or "Sincerely yours" ( ) for Known Recipients

With "yours sincerely" and "yours faithfully" give only the first word a capital letter.

Follow "Yours sincerely" and "Yours faithfully" with a Comma

Write the salutation, postamble, and your name by hand, top tip: don't use "s" twice.

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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Cover Letter: When to Use Yours Faithfully vs Yours Sincerely

• Career Advice

• Posted On: 2024-09-26
• Posted By: Shacara

1.  The Difference Between "Yours Faithfully" and "Yours Sincerely"

A)  yours faithfully.

• If you are writing a cover letter to an unknown recipient.
• If the job advertisement did not specify a contact person.
• If you are addressing a company or department rather than a specific individual.

b) Yours Sincerely

• If you are writing to a specific person (e.g., hiring manager, department head).
• When the job posting includes the name of the recipient.
• If you were referred to a specific person within the company.

2. Why the Difference Matters

3. other professional closing options, a) best regards, b) kind regards, c) thank you, d) warm regards, 4. formatting and final touches, a) use a standard font, b) align your text, c) double-check names and titles, d) proofread carefully, get ahead of the competition.

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How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Closings not to use, how to sign a cover letter, set up an email signature, more cover letter writing tips.

Hugo Lin / The Balance

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your letter in as professional a manner as possible. End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature.

As with any job-related correspondence, it's best to opt for a more formal language and tone—a cover letter is no place for "XOXO," “Cheers,” or even a casual "take care" as a closer.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence, such as thank-you notes and/or emails to schedule interviews or pass along references.

• Sincerely yours
• Best regards
• With best regards
• Kind regards
• Yours truly
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully
• Respectfully yours
• Thank you for your consideration

A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it. Here are some letter closings that are fine to use when emailing or writing to a friend, but are not appropriate to use in a cover letter. 

• Affectionately
• Best wishes
• Eagerly waiting for a response
• Warm regards
• Warmest regards
• Take it easy
• Have a great day
• Have a nice day
• Yours faithfully
• Abbreviations (Thx or any other abbreviated word isn't appropriate)
• Any emoticon (no smiley faces)
• Sent from my phone (if your phone automatically includes it, you can remove it in the settings)

For a printed letter, follow the closing with a comma. Then, on a new line, put your name. Leave a space above your typed name for your written signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

If you're sending an email, you can add your contact information below your name. For example:

Best regards,

Your Name Your Email Address Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL

Whichever sign-off you choose, make sure always to capitalize its first letter.

To simplify, you can set up an email signature that includes your contact information.

An email signature will make it easy for correspondents to readily see how to get in touch and saves you the time of typing the information repeatedly.

Use a Professional Email Account

It’s a wise idea, when conducting a job search, to set up an email account (and accompanying address) dedicated. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t miss emails from potential employers who might be interested in interviewing you. It also will allow you to provide a professional-sounding email address on your resume and cover letter. This email address should be comprised simply of your name (examples: “John.T.Smith@gmail.com or marjoriejones@email.com).

Too often, job candidates use their personal email accounts to apply for jobs, often using “cute” email names such as “Crafty_catlady@yahoo.com” or OrcWarrior100@gmail.com.” This casual practice often raises hiring managers, eyebrows, raising red flags about whether a candidate is a serious, qualified applicant for the job to which they are applying.

It’s better to err on the side of safety and separate your professional and personal email accounts.

What To Include in Your Signature

In your signature, include your email address and phone number. You can add your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easy for your recipients to view your skills, accomplishments, educational background, and work history. Depending on your field, you may also want to include a link to your Twitter account; if you do so, make sure that your account is professional and appropriate for viewing by potential employers. 

Find out how to set up a professional email signature, including formatting style and links to help you save a signature in your preferred email program.

Cover letters, whether submitted through email or traditional mail channels, are always the first impression you provide a potential employer. Make sure that this impression is a good one by following the “best practices” outlined in these links so that your cover letter shines.

Having an appropriate close is just one of the many steps required to craft a winning cover letter.

Review how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, typical cover letter formats, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

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• Laying Out a Letter

How to End a Letter Sincerely: 14+ Tips for Business & Personal Letters

Last Updated: November 3, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 327,305 times.

Are you feeling confused about how to choose a sincere, situation-appropriate closing phrase for your letter? You’re not alone! Whether you’re writing a business letter or a thank-you note, your closer is an important piece of the puzzle—and the right one often depends on the situation. Here, we’ll show you which closing phrases are most sincere and teach you how to choose the best one for your letter.

Things You Should Know

• Phrases like “Sincerely” and “Best” (along with variations like “Sincerely yours” and “Best wishes”) are great additions to any letter.
• Use professional closes like “Regards” and “Thank you for your time” to convey your message while being polite to people you don’t know well.
• Write more personal closes like “Take care,” “Cheers,” and “Your friend” in letters to people you know well and are friendly with.

Professional Closers

• Sincerely yours
• Very sincerely
• Very sincerely yours

• Respectfully
• Best regards
• “Regards” is a fairly neutral phrase. If you want to add some decorum without getting too friendly, “Best regards” is an easy switch.

• Kindest regards
• Warm(est) regards
• Have a good day/evening/weekend

• Looking forward to your reply
• Hope to hear from you soon
• When writing to a friend, you could shorten the phrase and say, “Talk soon.”

• Thank you for your consideration
• Thank you for your recommendation
• Thank you in advance
• Thank you for your assistance
• Thank you (or “Thanks again” if you’ve already said it once near the beginning of the letter.)

• With gratitude
• With sincere thanks
• Many thanks

• Best wishes
• All the best
• Best of luck

Personal Closers

• Your friend

• With heartfelt admiration
• With my most sincere apologies
• With a heavy heart

Formatting & Signature Tips

• Sign your first and last name when you write to someone you’ve never met in person.
• Sign only your first name on letters to friends or work colleagues who know you.
• Write your last name in parentheses if you’ve spoken to the recipient on the phone but never met them in person.

• On a handwritten letter, include: Sincerely, Ashton Bailey (Signature) Ashton Bailey (Your written name) [email protected] (Your email) 555-555-5555 (Your phone number)
• In an email, you only need your name, email address, company website, and logo (if there is one).

Examples to End a Business and Personal Letter

Community Q&A

• Leave personal pronouns out of your closing phrase, as they can sound awkward. Sentence fragments make the best letter closers! In other words, use "Looking forward" instead of "I am looking forward" to ensure your closing flows seamlessly. [13] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Remember that some types of personal letters can do more harm than good. For example, when you send a letter full of bitterness and anger, you can’t take those words back—they’re on the page for good. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
• Before sending a negative or angry letter, put it aside and let your emotions settle for a little while. When you return and re-read the letter, you may find you’d rather soften the tone or not send it at all. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/repository/files/business-and-professional-writing/business_letter_handout-major-rev.pdf
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/writing-tips/how-to-end-a-letter/
• ↑ https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/yours_faithfully_or_sincerely_at_end_of_letter.htm
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-end-a-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-sign-off-with-gratitude-alternatives
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/job_search_letters/cover_letters_workshop/formatting_and_organization.html

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“Yours Faithfully” or “Yours Sincerely”? Best Choice In Formal Letters

When signing a letter, you can use a few options to end it. “Yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are two such options, and this article will look at which is best in formal letters. There are certain rules to follow when using both, so we’ll cover those as well.

Is “Yours Faithfully” Or “Yours Sincerely” The Best Choice For Ending Formal Letters?

Both choices are good for ending formal letters. You should use “yours faithfully” when starting the letter with “dear sir/madam” or when you don’t know the recipient’s name. You should use “yours sincerely” when using a personal name or if you know the recipient.

We refer to both of these statements as “complementary closes.”

They are present at the end of almost every formal email or letter, and we use them to close off before writing our name. Both are correct, and it only depends on how well you know the person you’re writing a letter to that determines which of them you should use.

When To Use “Yours Faithfully”

We’ll start by going through how “yours faithfully” works.

You should use “yours faithfully” when you don’t know the name of the recipient of your letter. Instead, you’ll write “dear sir” or “dear madam” to address them, meaning you “faithfully” sign off at the end.

We use “yours” here to show that we’re pleased that they’ve allowed us the time to read our letter. It means “this is now yours” and works well to show formality in most cases.

You might see “yours faithfully” in the following ways:

• I hope this letter finds you well, as I have much to share with you.
• Yours faithfully,
• Mr. Tidings
• Dear ma’am,
• I am writing this letter to share my displeasure with you, and I hope you will read the contents thoroughly.
• Mrs. Simmons
• To whom this may concern,
• I hope my letter reaches you well. It has been brought to my attention that my concerns raised in the previous meeting have yet to be addressed.
• Harry Hubert

“Sir,” “madam,” and similar titles are correct to use in this case. We do this when we’re not sure who might receive the letter or want to keep our formalities appropriate.

We can also use phrases like “to whom it may concern” when we have no idea who is going to receive our letter. “Yours faithfully” still applies in these cases, too.

When To Use “Yours Sincerely” And “Sincerely Yours”

“Yours sincerely” works when we do know the name. Some people also sign it backward and use “sincerely yours,” though this isn’t a common trope.

You should use “yours sincerely” when addressing someone by their name or with a personal title. Addressing some like “Mr. Smith” or “Daniel Webster” are appropriate times to use “yours sincerely” at the end of your letter.

Whether we only know the surname or the full name doesn’t matter. As long as we know an element of their personal name, we are able to use “yours sincerely” to sign off the letter.

The content of the letter will be much the same as what you can expect from “yours faithfully.” Nothing changes in the contents. It’s simply related to who you address and whether you’re familiar with them.

Some examples might help to make sense of this:

• Dear Mr. Jackson,
• I hope this letter finds you well. I’m more than happy to take you on board as a new client.
• Yours sincerely,
• Freddy Jones
• Dear Jackie Paulson,
• I am writing this letter to tell you all about the discoveries I made when I was abroad.
• Sincerely yours,
• Mr. Tomkins
• Dear Mrs. Harrison,
• I am writing a letter to you now to ask that you reconsider your decision before the council meeting!
• Milo Mikkelson

“Sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are interchangeable. As long as we address the recipient by name, we can use either closing statement to end our letter.

It’s much more likely that you’ll see “yours sincerely” at the end of a letter than “sincerely yours.” Most native speakers put “yours” first because it stays more in line with other phrases like “yours faithfully” and “yours truly.”

Is It Right To Say “Sincerely Yours”?

There is nothing wrong with using “sincerely yours” in your letters, even though it’s not the most common choice for native speakers.

It might help to look through common usage across American and British English. Sometimes, this helps us to understand whether the phrase is worth learning at all.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “sincerely yours” and “yours sincerely” are used almost identically in American English. However, neither phrase is particularly popular, as you can see from the rapid decline over the last 200 years.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours sincerely” is much more popular in British English, and it’s rare that British speakers will ever use “sincerely yours” in their letters or emails.

While American English doesn’t have a preference between the two, British English clearly favors “yours sincerely.”

The exact reason why this is the case is unclear, though it’s taught that “yours sincerely” is the only correct option in British schools. American English like to sway away from standardized rules, so they might have introduced “sincerely yours” as their own unique language construct.

When To Use “Yours Truly”

There is another option that we haven’t covered yet. “Yours truly” is a fairly popular phrase, and seeing how we use it in different languages will show you why.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is vastly more popular than both “sincerely” and “faithfully” in American English. That’s because “yours truly” is the equivalent of “yours faithfully” to most American English speakers.

According to Google Ngram Viewer , “yours truly” is still more popular than the other two choices but much less popular overall in British English. It seems that all three phrases are used almost to the same degree, and British English has no particular preference.

You should use “yours truly” when you do not know the name of the recipient of your letter, just like “yours faithfully.” However, it’s much more likely that you’ll come across this in American English rather than British English.

Some examples might help you to understand it better:

• I hope this letter reaches you in time, as what I have to say is of high value.
• Yours truly,
• Madam Lopez
• To whoever receives this letter,
• I hope that I’m not out of line here, but I have many issues that I’d like to raise before the next government meeting.
• Dear sir/madam,
• I am writing this formal letter to criticize the abysmal performance of the staff I’ve noticed in your establishment in recent times.
• Karen Sinister

Why Is It “Yours Faithfully” And Not “Your Faithfully”?

So, why do we use “yours” in the phrase? We could just as easily use “your” since we’re only talking to one person, right?

You should use “yours” because it’s addressing “your” in the possessive form, meaning that the recipient now owns the contents of the letter. “Your” isn’t the possessive form, meaning it doesn’t make any sense to sign off in this way.

Does This Rule Also Count For “Yours Truly” And “Your Truly”?

The same rules apply no matter what way you choose to sign off your letters.

“Yours truly” is the only correct way to sign off because we need to use “yours” as the possessive form. There are no cases where “your truly” is correct to use.

Synonyms For “Yours Faithfully” And “Yours Sincerely”

While “yours faithfully” and “yours sincerely” are great ways to end a letter, there are still plenty of synonyms out there. We’ll include a good number of them, and we’ll finish off this section by telling you whether any of them are better to use than the original two.

• Best wishes
• Kind regards
• Kindest regards
• Respectfully
• Best regards
• Yours truly

The best options are “yours faithfully” or “yours truly” when you don’t know the name of the recipient and “yours sincerely” when you do know it. In formal writing, these are the only options you should consider.

With that said, we’d like to point out that “kind regards” is a great formal choice, but we mostly use it in emails. You’ll rarely (if ever) see it used in a letter, so you should avoid doing so.

Also, if you’re looking for informal options, we believe “best wishes” is your best choice. It’s a great way to sign a letter or email for someone that you know and trust, and you don’t mind too much about the professional tone of the letter.

Of course, you’re free to use whichever of the synonyms you prefer, but there really is no comparison worth being made over “yours faithfully,” “yours truly,” or “yours sincerely.”

You may also like: 12 Better Ways To Say “Sincerely” In Formal Emails

Final Thoughts

“Yours sincerely” and “yours faithfully” are great ways to end a formal letter and work based on whether you know the name of the recipient or not. “Yours truly” is another valid option, but you should stick to one of those three in all cases regarding formal letter writing.

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