End your cover letter on a strong note

"Good to begin well, better to end well." -- English proverb

In previous Resumania columns, I've noted the importance of beginning a cover letter with an attention-grabbing opening statement. But to leave prospective employers with a favorable impression, you also should write a solid conclusion. Consider using your last few sentences to reassert your interest in the position and inform the hiring manager of your plans to make contact.

Here's an excellent example from a legal professional:

COVER LETTER: "As this letter and my attached resume show, I am well suited to take on the responsibilities of your open legal assistant position. I will call your office next week to discuss my qualifications and your staffing needs in greater depth."

These candidates, on the other hand, closed on sour notes:

COVER LETTER: "Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you in the new future."

When is that, exactly?

COVER LETTER: "As an overview, I love to collaborate to enlighten direction based on targetted markets."

You're off "target" with this statement.

COVER LETTER: "Please, before you blow me off as 'overqualified,' understand that what I am overqualified for is being a department-store greeter."

Duly noted.

COVER LETTER: "Making me an addition to this workforce will not be a problem."

We're not so sure about that.

COVER LETTER: "All I ask is for you to consider my perspicacious aspiration to become an erudite factotum in your organization."

Well, we are in need of a good erudite factotum.

This last typo is from a job seeker whose first name is Doug:

CLOSING: "Sincerely, Dog."

Cattiness is his biggest pet peeve.

For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.

(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies" and "Job Hunting For Dummies," 2nd Edition. His most recent book is the newly released "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition.)

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