Looking to wrap up a formal job application, eh? Well, you’ve come to the right place! While it can feel daunting to finalize your application, ending it on a high note is imperative for landing the position you’re after. From thanking the hiring manager for their consideration to expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity, incorporating a few key ingredients into your closing can make all the difference. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let’s get to it!
The Importance of a Strong Closing Statement
After spending hours researching the company, crafting a tailored cover letter, and double-checking your resume, it’s easy to feel a sense of relief once you’ve written the body of a job application. However, to truly stand out among the sea of applicants, it’s crucial to focus on the closing statement. This is your final opportunity to make a strong impression on the recruiter or hiring manager, while highlighting your interest and potential fit for the role.
First and foremost, a strong closing statement reinforces your enthusiasm for the position and the company. This can be achieved by restating your interest in the job, highlighting specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, or expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply. For example, you might write, “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission of [Mission Statement].” This shows that you are not only interested in the job itself, but also understand and support the company’s goals.
In addition to demonstrating your enthusiasm, a closing statement can also showcase your qualifications and strengths as a candidate. This is a chance to summarize your key skills and experiences that would make you an asset to the company. However, it’s important to avoid repeating information that has already been mentioned in your cover letter or resume. Instead, try to briefly highlight a few standout achievements or abilities that align with the job requirements. For example, you might write, “My experience in [Skill/Industry] has prepared me well for the challenges of this role, and I am confident I can excel in [Task/Responsibility].”
Finally, a strong closing statement should include a clear call to action. This means providing information on how you can be contacted or what the next steps in the hiring process will be. It’s also an opportunity to thank the recruiter or hiring manager for their time and consideration. For example, you might end your closing statement with, “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further about my qualifications.”
It’s important to remember that the closing statement is not the place to introduce new information or requests, such as salary negotiations or relocation. These topics should be addressed in a separate discussion or at a later stage in the hiring process. Instead, the focus should be on leaving a positive and memorable impression, while paving the way for future communication and action.
In short, a strong closing statement is a critical component of a formal job application. By expressing your enthusiasm, highlighting your qualifications, and providing a clear call to action, you can make a lasting impression on the recruiter or hiring manager. So take the time to craft a thoughtful and impactful closing statement, and watch as your application stands out from the crowd.
Tips for Formatting Your Signature Block
When you’re wrapping up a formal job application, your signature block is one of the last things the hiring manager or recruiter will see. Therefore, it’s wise to pay careful attention to how you format it. Here are some tips to help you make a positive final impression:
1. Keep it simple and professional.
You don’t want your signature block to be the most visually striking part of your application. Instead, it should blend in with the rest of your documents and reinforce your professional image. Stick to basic fonts and avoid using flashy colors or images. Your name should be the centerpiece, and the rest of the information should be secondary.
2. Include appropriate contact information.
Your signature block should include all the relevant contact information the employer needs to reach you. This typically includes your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address. Depending on the position you’re applying for, you may also want to include links to your website or social media channels. Make sure all of this information is up to date and accurate, or the employer won’t be able to get in touch with you.
Another thing to consider is how you arrange this information. You may want to list your name in bold or larger font, and put your contact information in smaller font below it. This can help draw the recruiter’s eye to your name and make it easier to read.
3. Add a professional email signature.
If you’re emailing your application, you should also consider adding an email signature to your message. This will give the recipient more information about you and make it easier for them to reply. Your email signature should include your full name, job title (if applicable), company (if applicable), phone number, and any relevant links or social media handles. But don’t go overboard—keep it brief and to the point.
4. Use a consistent format across all your application materials.
When you’re applying for a job, you’ll typically submit several different documents, such as your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials requested by the employer. Make sure your signature block is formatted consistently across all of these documents. This will give your application a cohesive look and help you appear more organized and professional.
5. Proofread carefully.
Finally, before you submit your application, double-check your signature block (and the rest of your documents) for typos and errors. Sloppy mistakes can make you appear careless or unprofessional, so it’s important to take the time to proofread everything thoroughly. If possible, ask a friend or family member to review your application and provide feedback before you submit it.
By following these tips, you can create a signature block that reinforces your professional image and makes it easy for the employer to contact you. Good luck with your job search!
Typical Sign-Off Phrases for a Formal Job Application
A formal job application is an essential document that can make or break your chances of securing a job. After showcasing your skills and experiences, concluding your application with a suitable sign-off phrase is essential to leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. Here are some typical sign-off phrases for a formal job application that you can use to end your document with a professional touch:
1. Best regards
‘Best regards’ is a popular sign-off phrase used in formal job applications. It shows respect, politeness, and professionalism towards the hiring manager. This phrase is ideal for someone who is applying for a job in a corporate company or any other professional organization. It conveys that you are respectful and that you appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position.
2. Sincerely
‘Sincerely’ is another commonly used sign-off phrase in formal job applications. It is simple, direct, and indicates that you are genuine in your interest about the job. This phrase is best suited for someone who wants to convey that they mean what they have written in the application. ‘Sincerely’ expresses that you are sincere and honest about your qualifications and experience and that you would like to be considered for a position in the company.
3. Thank you for considering my application
‘Thank you for considering my application’ is a sign-off phrase that expresses gratitude towards the hiring manager for taking the time to go through your application. Using this phrase shows that you are appreciative of the manager’s time and that you are genuinely interested in the job position. Additionally, it is a friendly way to conclude your application that leaves a lasting and positive impression on the hiring managers.
If you want to take it a step further, you can include a few sentences in the conclusion that reiterate your qualifications, express your enthusiasm for the position, and explain how you can contribute to the company’s success if given the opportunity.
Remember that ending your formal job application with the right sign-off phrase is crucial to leave a professional and pleasant impression on your potential employer. Be sure to use one that is most appropriate for the position you are applying for and the culture of the company.
Following Up After Submitting Your Application
After submitting your job application, it’s essential to follow up to demonstrate your interest in the position. However, before you do so, consider the company’s stated guidelines for applications. If they say not to follow up, avoid doing so.
In the case where you are supposed to follow up, sending an email after a week shows the employer that you are genuinely interested in the job. You can check the status of your application and see if there is anything else you need to send in or any additional actions required. In your follow-up email, reiterate your qualifications, and thank them for considering your application.
When writing your follow-up email, ensure that it remains professional and concise. Avoid using emoticons and jargons as they make the email appear unprofessional and may harm your chances of getting the job. Keep the tone of the email courteous and respectful, and ensure no errors are present in your text.
Here’s an example of what you could say when following up:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to you regarding my job application as [position] that I submitted in [date]. I want to express my interest in this position and find out if there is anything else you need from me concerning this application.
My qualifications, experience, and skills make me the perfect candidate for this job, and I would be honored to discuss further my qualifications and how I can best serve your company. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you and have a great day,
[Your Name]
Remember, when following up on a job application, timing is key. Don’t be too presumptuous or overbearing. If you don’t receive any feedback after the second follow-up email, move on and keep searching for other opportunities.
Moreover, you could also consider following up via phone instead of email. If you decide to do so, ensure that you prepare what you want to say ahead of time and be sure to introduce yourself and state the purpose of your call.
When following up via phone, your tone is vital. Speak confidently, politely, and respectfully. Try to engage the recruiter as best as possible. If you don’t get feedback on the phone, request if you can send an email to follow up on your application.
FOLLOWING UP AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION – FINAL THOUGHTS
Whenever you follow up regarding a job application, be sure to exercise professionalism, sincerity, and patience. Even if the company indicates not to follow up after submitting your job application, you can still send a thank-you email.
Keep the tone of the email respectful, and if they respond, thank them for their time and consideration. Although following up takes effort and time, it can give you an edge over other candidates and demonstrate your strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and desire to join their team.
Final Checklist Before Clicking “Submit”
Ending a job application in a formal manner is crucial for making a positive first impression. It shows that you take job applications seriously and are committed to applying for the position. By the time you’re ready to submit your application, you should have already created an excellent resume and cover letter that showcase your qualifications and experience. Now, it’s time to check that everything is perfect before you click “submit.” Here are the essential elements to consider.
1. Review the application form
The first step is to review all the information you’ve entered into the application form. You should go through each field one by one to ensure that you have followed the instructions given by the employer. Check for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, and ensure that your responses make sense and are error-free. Go through the entire form as if you were the employer and imagine what impression it would make on them. A well-crafted job application form has the potential to enhance your chances of getting hired.
2. Proofread your resume and cover letter
Most of the time, you will need to upload your resume and cover letter as attachments or copy-paste them into the application form. Ensure that all the details in both documents are correct, and there are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Check that the formatting is consistent, and the font type and size are the same throughout. Your resume and cover letter should be easy to read and visually appealing.
3. Double-check your contact details
Ensure that your contact details, including your phone number, email address, and home address, are correct. Mistakenly entered contact information can make it difficult for the employer to contact you for an interview, and you may miss out on the opportunity altogether. Moreover, providing false information can also reduce your chances of securing the job in case you are successful in other stages of the recruitment process.
4. Follow up where necessary
After submitting your job application, it is essential to follow up with the employer through a polite email or phone call to confirm that they have received your application. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the recruitment process. It can also help you get their attention and increase your chances of getting an interview.
5. Save and store a copy of your application in a safe place
When submitting job applications online, it is crucial to save and store a copy of your submissions for future reference. In case you are invited to an interview, it is essential to review the details of the application as you may be quizzed on the information that you provided. You can either save the application in a cloud-based storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, or you can print a hard copy and keep it in a file. Having a copy of your job application also helps in identifying any areas for improvement if your application is unsuccessful, allowing you to refine your application for future job applications.
Please note that ending a job application in a formal manner is a reflection of your professionalism and interest in the job. A well-crafted application shows that you have taken the time to find out about the company, the role you are applying for, and have thought about why you are the best candidate for the job. By following the steps above, you can increase your chances of being shortlisted and being invited to an interview.