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How to End a Letter (With Closing Examples)

The Best Options to End a Letter

Letter closing examples, more letter closing examples, letter closings to avoid, how to capitalize a closing, how to format a letter ending, what to include in your signature, signature examples, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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How you end a letter is important. It’s your last chance to make a good first impression on your reader. Choose the wrong closing, and you might damage the goodwill you built up in the rest of your communication.

What’s the best way to end a letter or email message? Your closing needs to leave the reader with positive feelings about you and the letter you have written.

In closing your letter, it is important to use an appropriately respectful and professional word or phrase.

Most formal letter closing options are fairly standard, but there are degrees of warmth and familiarity if you're using a less formal closing. Your relationship with the person to whom you're writing will shape which closing you choose:

• If you don’t know the individual to whom you’re writing, stick with a professional formal closing.
• If you’re writing to a colleague, business connection, or someone else you know well, it’s fine to close your letter less formally.

Above all, your closing should be appropriate. Choose the right letter closing, and your reader likely won’t remember how you ended your letter. Ideally, your message will resonate instead of your word choice.

Key Takeaways

• When you don’t know the individual to whom you’re writing, use a professional formal closing.
• If you're writing to someone you know well, it’s fine to close your letter less formally.
• Some closings are not appropriate for business correspondence, so avoid being too informal.

Review the best way to end a letter with formal, business, or personal letter closings, sample signatures, letter examples, and writing tips.

The Balance

The following are letter closings that are appropriate for business and employment-related letters.

Sincerely, Sincerely Yours, Regards, Yours Truly, and Yours Sincerely 

These are the simplest and most useful letter closings to use in a formal business setting. These are appropriate in almost all instances and are excellent ways to close a cover letter or a job inquiry . “Sincerely” is a classic way to end a letter or email. If you're not sure about options, it's a good one to choose.

Best Regards, Cordially, and Yours Respectfully

These letter closings fill the need for something slightly more personal. They are appropriate once you have some knowledge of the person to whom you are writing. You may have corresponded via email a few times, had a face-to-face or phone interview, or met at a networking event.

Warm Regards, Best Wishes, and With Appreciation

These letter closings are also appropriate once you have some connection to the person to whom you are writing. They can effectively tie back to the content of your message, providing a fitting conclusion. For example, if you are sending a thank-you note, it may be appropriate to use "With Appreciation." Only use these if they make sense with the content of your letter.

When you’re ending your letter, be sure to choose a letter closing that is appropriate to the topic of your letter and your relationship with the person to whom you are writing. Here are more examples to choose from:

• All the best,
• Best of luck,
• Best wishes,
• Cordially yours,
• Fond regards,
• In appreciation,
• In sympathy,
• Kind regards,
• Kind thanks,
• Kind wishes,
• Many thanks,
• Respectfully,
• Respectfully yours,
• Sincerely yours,
• Stay safe and well,
• Thanks again,
• Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Thank you for your recommendation,
• Thank you for your time,
• Warm regards,
• Warm wishes,
• With appreciation,
• With deepest sympathy,
• With gratitude,
• With sincere thanks,
• With sympathy,
• Your help is greatly appreciated,
• Yours cordially,
• Yours faithfully, 
• Yours sincerely,
• Yours truly,

There are certain closings you should avoid in any business letter or email. Most of these are simply too informal. Casual doesn't work with professional correspondence. Some examples of closings to avoid are listed below:

Some closings (such as “Love” and “XOXO”) imply a level of closeness that is not appropriate for a business letter. Slang or acronyms aren't appropriate either.

Capitalize the first word of your closing. If your closing is more than one word, capitalize the first word and use lowercase for the other words. For example:

• Best regards,

Once you have chosen a word or phrase to use as a send-off, follow it with a comma, some space, and then include your signature.

Printed letter: If you are sending a hard-copy letter, leave four lines of space between the closing and your typed name. Use this space to sign your name in ink. 

Email message: If you’re sending an email , leave one space between the complimentary close and your typed signature. Include your contact information directly below your typed signature.

Beneath your letter closing, include your signature. If this is a physical letter, first sign your name in ink, and then list your typed signature below. If this is an email letter, simply add your typed signature below your send-off.

Make sure to include your contact information in your letter.

If this is a physical letter, your contact information will be at the top of the letter. However, if this is an email, include that information beneath your typed signature. This will allow the recipient to respond to you easily.

Hard-Copy Letter Signature

Handwritten signature (for a printed letter)

Typed signature

Email Message Signature Example

Typed Signature Email Address Phone LinkedIn URL (if you have a profile)

To set up your email signature, go to “settings” in your email account. Follow the steps to add your signature and pre-populate future messages.

How do you start a business letter?

If you are sending a hard-copy version, start your business letter with your name and address, followed by the date, and then the recipient’s name and address. Then, include a salutation and the recipient’s name, e.g., “Dear Ms. Green.”

What are the parts of a business letter?

The parts of a business letter are the sender’s address, the date, the recipient’s address, a salutation, the message body, a closing, and the sender’s signature. If you send the letter by email, you can omit the address and date sections and include your contact information in your email signature.

30 Polite Closings and Sign-offs: How to End a Professional Letter

By Status.net Editorial Team on January 5, 2024 — 4 minutes to read

When it comes to ending a professional letter, choosing the right closing can make all the difference in leaving a positive impression. Here, you’ll find a few examples of closing phrases to help you wrap up your correspondence with a professional touch.

Formal Letter Closing Examples

Traditional sign-offs.

When ending a professional letter, you may want to use a traditional sign-off to convey formality and respect:

• Yours sincerely
• Yours faithfully
• Yours truly
• Best regards

(Remember to choose the one that feels appropriate for the context of your letter.)

Professional Goodbyes

Sometimes, you may prefer a more modern or professional goodbye. The following examples are suitable choices for various formal situations:

• Kind regards
• Best wishes
• Warm regards
• With appreciation

These options still maintain a level of formality while offering a touch of warmth to your professional communication.

Informal Letter Closings

Friendly farewells.

In this subsection, you will find a list of friendly yet professional farewells to use when ending an informal letter. These sign-offs are suitable for colleagues or business acquaintances with whom you have a positive relationship. Feel free to use any of the following examples to suit your needs:

Casual Sign-Offs

On the other hand, if you’re writing a letter to a close coworker, friend, or someone you have a more informal relationship with, you might want to consider using a casual sign-off. Here is a list of casual sign-offs that convey a sense of familiarity and friendliness:

• All the best
• Have a great day
• Catch you later
• See you soon

Email Signature Essentials

An essential part of ending a professional letter is your email signature. A well-crafted signature serves as your virtual business card and provides the recipient with your vital contact information. Some essential elements to include in your email signature:

• Your Name : Include both your first and last name. You may opt to include your middle initial if you prefer.
• Title : State your job title or position within the company. It’s essential in case the recipient needs to identify your expertise.
• Company Name : Mention the name of the organization you represent. This creates a clear connection between you and the business.
• Phone Number : Add your work phone number to give the recipient an alternative way of contacting you.
• Email Address : Even though they received your email, including your email address makes your details easily accessible.
• Website : If applicable, include the company website or your professional portfolio.

An example of a simple yet effective email signature:

Jane Smith Sales Manager, (…) Corporation Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected] Website:  www.xyzcorp.com

You may also consider adding a few additional elements to make your email signature stand out:

• Social Media Links : Including professional social media profiles, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, can make it easy for the recipient to connect with you.
• Company Logo : If your organization permits, you can include a small company logo to enhance brand recognition.
• Formatting : Use consistent font styles, sizes, and color schemes to showcase a polished image.

Keep in mind that less is often more when it comes to email signatures. You want to provide valuable information without overwhelming the recipient. Make sure your signature does not exceed four to six lines, and to keep the formatting simple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One common mistake you should avoid is using overly familiar or casual language. Though you might be tempted to use more personal closings like “Cheers” or “Yours truly,” these can come across as unprofessional. Instead, choose a proper closing from the examples provided above, such as “Sincerely” or “Kind regards.”
• Another mistake to avoid is using excessive punctuation or emojis. While these might be appropriate in informal communications with friends, they do not belong in professional letters. Stick to a simple comma or period after your closing phrase, followed by your typed or handwritten signature.
• Inaccurate or misspelled names can also be a significant source of embarrassment. Pay special attention to the spelling of the recipient’s name and their job title, as well as your own personal information. Double-check before you send out the letter to ensure there are no errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some professional sign-offs i can use to wrap up a formal letter of application.

These formal closing lines show professionalism and communicate the right level of politeness:

• With best regards,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Looking forward to your response,

What’s a casual yet professional way to end a business letter?

A casual yet professional way to end a business letter might include:

• Best regards,
• Kind regards,

I want to finish off a personal letter in a warm way, but not with ‘Love’. Any suggestions?

If you’re trying to finish a personal letter warmly without using ‘Love,’ you can consider these alternatives:

• Warm regards,
• Best wishes,
• Yours truly,

These options add a friendly touch while avoiding an overly familiar or intimate tone.

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How to End a Letter: 12 Useful Farewell Phrases

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Don't know How to End Your Letter?

It seems as if ending a letter should be the easiest part. After all, the content has already been planned and written; only a handful of words need to be added.

You probably know that you shouldn't end a letter to your mom the same way you'd end one to your boss. However, it might still be unclear what the best word choice is for each situation. What's the difference, for instance, between  sincerely  and  yours truly ? Is there any difference?

Each different phrase has subtle connotations attached to it that can shape your recipient's reaction. To understand how to end a letter, look at the following 12 farewell phrases and the situations in which they should be used.

Additionally, if you're ever uncertain about the content of your letter or simply want someone neutral to take a look at it, you can always consider submitting your letter to a professional editor for editing or proofreading . They can help you avoid embarrassing errors. 

1. Sincerely

Sincerely (or sincerely yours ) is often the go-to sign off for formal letters, and with good reason. This ending restates the sincerity of your letter's intent; it is a safe choice if you are not overly familiar with the letter's recipient, as it's preferable to use a sign-off that is both common and formal in such a situation.

Ending your letter with best , all the best , all best , or best wishes indicates that you hope the recipient experiences only good things in the future. Although it is not quite as formal as sincerely , it is still acceptable as a polite, formal/semi-formal letter ending, proper for business contacts as well as friends. 

3. Best regards

Quite like the previous sign-off, best regards expresses that you are thinking of the recipient with the best of feelings and intentions. Despite its similarity to best , this sign-off is a little more formal, meant for business letters and unfamiliar contacts. A semi-formal variation is warm regards , and an even more formal variation is simply regards .

4. Speak to you soon

Variations to this farewell phrase include see you soon , talk to you later , and looking forward to speaking with you soon . These sign-offs indicate that you are expecting to continue the conversation with your contact. It can be an effective ending to a letter or email when confirming or planning a specific date for a face-to-face meeting.

Although these endings can be used in either formal or casual settings, they typically carry a more formal tone. The exception here is talk to you later , which errs on the more casual side.

This is an effective ending to a letter when you are sincerely expressing gratitude. If you are using it as your standard letter ending, however, it can fall flat; the reader will be confused if there is no reason for you to be thanking them. Try to use thanks (or variations such as thanks so much , thank you , or thanks! ) and its variations only when you think you haven't expressed your gratitude enough; otherwise, it can come across as excessive.

Furthermore, when you're issuing an order,  thanks  might not be the best sign-off because it can seem presumptuous to offer thanks before the task has even been accepted or begun.

6. [No sign-off]

Having no sign-off for your letter is a little unusual, but it is acceptable in some cases. Omitting the sign-off is most appropriately used in cases where you are replying to an email chain. However, in a first email, including neither a sign-off nor your name will make your letter seem to end abruptly. It should be avoided in those situations or when you are not very familiar with the receiver.

7. Yours truly

This is where the line between formal and informal begins to blur. Yours truly implies the integrity of the message that precedes your name, but it also implies that you are devoted to the recipient in some way (e.g., your friend or, as a more antiquated example, your servant ).

This ending can be used in various situations, when writing letters to people both familiar and unfamiliar to you; however, yours truly carries a more casual and familiar tone, making it most appropriate for your friends and family. It's best used when you want to emphasize that you mean the contents of your letter.

8. Take care

Take care is also a semi-formal way to end your letter. Like the sign-off all the best , this ending wishes that no harm come to the reader; however, like ending your letter with yours truly , the word choice is less formal and implies that the writer is at least somewhat familiar with the reader.

9. Your friend

Though it may seem obvious, ending a letter in this way is informal, and, as the sign-off itself states, is to be used only when writing to your friend.

Cheers is a lighthearted ending that expresses your best wishes for the reader. Due to its association with drinking alcohol, it's best to save this sign-off for cases where you are familiar with the reader and when the tone is optimistic and casual. Also note that because cheers is associated with British English, it may seem odd to readers who speak other styles of English and are not very familiar with the term.

11. With love

This ending (or the even simpler variation, love ) signals a familiar and intimate relationship with the reader. In other words, this sign-off should be used only in letters and emails to people with whom you are very familiar.

Because this sign-off signifies "hugs and kisses," it's probably best that you reserve it for letters addressed to those closest to you. It's definitely not meant for the bottom of your cover letter !

How to End a Letter: Sign-offs and Signatures

Of course, there is more to understanding how to end a letter than just the sign-offs. You might be wondering how to punctuate your sign-off, what to include in your signature, or what P.S. stands for at the end of a letter or email.

Punctuating Farewell Phrases

When writing your sign-off, it's important to remember to use proper capitalization and punctuation.

Only the first word should be capitalized (e.g.,  Yours truly ), and the sign-off should be followed by a comma (or an exclamation mark in some informal settings), not a period. Here are a few examples:

• Yours truly,
• Best regards,

Email Signatures

With emails, you have the option of creating a standard signature. Your signature will appear at the bottom of each of your emails. Ideally, it will make clear who you are and what your contact information is. For example, you may want to include the title of your position, or your degree(s), after a comma in the same line as your name:

Leslie Knope, Deputy Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation

In addition to including your phone number(s) and email address, consider adding the street address of your office. Reflect on the value of linking to your social media profiles (provided they are maintained with your professional life in mind).

If you are considering adding a signature to your personal email, which might be used for both business and personal communications, deciding what needs to be added is a little more complicated. Once again, include your necessary contact information, but only include information you think your recipient will need. After all, you don't want to overwhelm your reader with information.

Postscripts

A P.S. (or postscript ) comes after your sign-off and name. It is meant to include material that is supplementary, subordinated, or not vital to your letter. It is best to avoid postscripts in formal writing, as the information may go unnoticed or ignored; in those cases, try to include all information in the body text of the letter.

In casual and personal correspondences, a postscript is generally acceptable. However, try to limit it to include only humorous or unnecessary material.

So with these letter-ending techniques explained and your letter-ending vocabulary boosted, finishing your next letter or email should be no problem!

Image source: Freddy Castro/Unsplash.com

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Follow this Personal Letter Format to Sound More Sincere

With all the new technology of today, the golden age of handwritten letters may be past. But receiving a long, newsy letter is still a treat, and there are times when nothing but a mailed letter will do. Whether handwritten, printed, or typed, the standard letter format hasn’t changed.

What's the Standard Layout of a Letter?

Personal letters are a powerful way to connect with friends, family members, business partners, and more, in a way that emails and text messages just can’t compete with, but they can be challenging to write. Understanding the standard structure of a letter will help you compose it more quickly. There are three basic parts of a letter: the opening (address and date), the body, and the letter ending.

Your Home Address and the Date

If your stationery does not include your printed address, place it in the upper right-hand corner of the first page. Follow one or two lines below with the date. If your address is already printed, the date is placed in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.

The Body of the Letter

The best letters will share news and information, mix good with bad news , respond to the questions asked or news shared in a previous letter, and ask about the recipient. Include only information you would be happy for others to see. It is more likely that a mailed letter will stay private; e-mailed ones can easily be forwarded inadvertently or intentionally.

How to End a Letter

There are a few different ways to end a letter, depending on who you’re sending it to. Start your letter ending with something positive and if you can, wind up the letter with something your correspondent can relate to.

The Complimentary Close

• The preferred letter ending phrases for formal, social, or business correspondence are “Sincerely,” “Sincerely yours,” “Very sincerely,” or “Very sincerely yours.”
• “Kind(est) regards,” and “Warm(est) regards” fill a nice gap between formal and more intimate closings.

Friendly Letter Closings

• The most frequently used friendly letter closings are “Cordially,” “Affectionately,” “Fondly,” and “Love.”
• “Gratefully” is used only when a benefit has been received, as when a friend has done you a favor.
• “As always” or “As ever” is useful in closing a letter to someone with whom you may not be close or haven’t seen for some time.
• Sign with your first and last name if you’re writing to someone you’ve never met face to face.
• Put your last name in parentheses if you’ve only spoken with the person on the phone.
• Use your first name or nickname on letters to friends or business associates who know you.

4 Types of Letters Best Left Unwritten

Although personal letters can be a powerful force for good, the potential for a letter to be misinterpreted or to cause permanent damage in a relationship is equally strong. Here are four types of letters that you might want to think twice about sending.

• Woe-is-me: A letter full of misfortune and unhappiness won’t give your reader pleasure and will leave him or her worried or depressed.
• Tell-all: There’s nothing wrong with pouring your heart out in a letter, but providing too many intimate details could eventually lead to embarrassment.
• Gossip: It’s wrong to tell everything you know about someone’s trials and tribulations, so check your impulse to share.
• Anger: Bitter spoken words fade away, but written words stay on a page forever. Put a letter written in anger aside before sending it. Go back later and maybe you’ll soften the tone or decide not to send it.

These suggestions are highly effective when writing and ending personal letters. However, if this isn’t exactly the type of letter you’re looking to write, check out our guides to family holiday newsletters , sympathy notes and letters , and effective business letters .

Find our advice useful? Be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter for more etiquette tips, tricks, news, and updates.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / How To End A Business Letter (With Closing Examples)

How To End A Business Letter (With Closing Examples)

The closing of a business letter is the final impression you leave on your reader, and it is an essential part of the letter’s overall tone and style. It is a formal way of bringing the letter to a close and thanking the reader for their time and attention. There are various ways to close a business letter, and the choice of closing depends on the nature of the letter and the relationship between the writer and the recipient.

In this article, we will discuss some common ways to close a business letter and provide some tips on how to choose the appropriate closing for your letter.

The Importance of an Appropriate Closing for Professional Letters

A letter’s ending is a thoughtfully selected phrase or word that brings the letter’s content to a meaningful and formal conclusion. A letter’s closing is placed before the signature, where it expresses good wishes and bids farewell in a formal tone.

When effectively crafted, it helps the recipient convey appreciation and respect for the recipient. At the same time, it aims to draw the recipient’s attention to your letter and seal the respectful and competent impression you are trying to make.  

How to End a Business Letter?

There are several ways to end a business letter, some more compelling than others. Depending on the context and your relationship with the recipient, the closing remarks will range from formal to friendly. In any case, the ending of a professional correspondence should be written in a formal tone and convey professionalism and deference.

Here is a step-by-step guide for drafting an effective closing:

End with a purposeful and meaningful sentence

Between the central part of your letter (the body) and the closing, there should be a brief paragraph summarizing your letter’s message, proposing further action, or something else.

The final sentence of this paragraph is an effective way to achieve the following:

• Summarize your message
• Recapitulate key points
• Propose further action
• Extend a formal invitation
• Express your gratitude
• Initiate a future connection

Consider the context of the letter

A letter’s conclusion should be in line with the letter’s main points. For example, suppose the reason for writing a letter is to get feedback or request further action (a follow-up interview or a meeting). In that case, you should conclude the letter with a sentence such as “I await your reply with interest” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” No matter the specific context, business letters should always end with a formal and respectful “Regards,” “Appreciatively,” or “Respectfully.” This phrase serves as a bridge between the letter and the signature, right after the closing sentence.

Consider your relationship with the recipient

Phrases like “Regards,” “Appreciatively,” and “Respectfully” are frequently used for closing a business letter because they are neutral and professional. However, if you are writing to someone you have met and worked with, your closing phrase can show affection in addition to respect. A few examples that would be appropriate in this case are “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” and “All the best.”

If you are writing to a long-time business collaborator and someone you consider a friend, you can omit formalities and end with a short “Thanks” or “Talk soon.” Remember that a business letter is still official correspondence that must follow certain etiquette. Always keep your professional relationship with the recipient in mind, even if you are friends with them on a personal level.

End with your signature

In a formal business letter, the signature is typically placed at the end of the letter, after the closing phrase. You should add your title and a hyperlink to your online portfolio if you send the letter via email.  

The Ten Best Closing Phrases for a Formal Letter

Various types of closings can be used in business letters, depending on the nature of the letter and the relationship between the writer and the recipient. In this section, we will explore some of the most common types of closings used in business letters and guide you on how to choose the appropriate one for your letter:

Yours truly

Among the many traditional letter closings, this one is a timeless classic. “Yours truly” can be used in almost every context, as it is widely considered a safe, restrained, and neutral way to end a formal letter. 

“Sincerely” is an excellent alternative to “Yours truly.” No matter the context or recipient, this ending can always be used. Like the previous example, it shows that you are confident enough in your letter and that you do not need to impress the recipient with words. When compared to “Yours truly,” “Sincerely” may be more formal and concise.

Thanks again

A straightforward way of expressing gratitude, “Thanks again,” is a good choice when you’ve already thanked the recipient earlier in the letter or when writing a follow-up. Depending on the context, “Thanks again” can mean “I am thankful, but I do not want to sound eager” or “I do not want to bore you, but I would kindly appreciate an answer.” It is tasteful and polite.

Appreciatively

“Appreciatively” is suitable when writing to a person of great authority, and the etiquette requires a more conventional approach. It is a more formal way of saying “Thank you” and expressing gratitude and admiration. In other cases, “Appreciatively” can also substitute for “Thanks again,” especially if you have already thanked the recipient a few times too many.

Respectfully

There are situations where “Respectfully” is not the most suitable way to end a business letter, but they are rare. For example, if you are writing to your boss to inform them that you are taking legal action against the company regarding workplace harassment, “Respectfully” might sound sarcastic. However, this is a solid and unambiguous conclusion in all other cases.

“Faithfully” is equivalent to “Respectfully,” as is “Yours truly” to “Sincerely.” Essentially, they mean the same things, but a discerning recipient might recognize a difference in sentiment. “Yours faithfully” is typically used when the writer is not familiar with the recipient, or when the recipient holds a higher position of authority.

For example, it may be used when writing to a potential employer or when addressing someone in a government office.

Perhaps the best way to close a business letter, “Regards,” is not only practical but also reliable and versatile. It is like the inception of formal business correspondence—you read it without ever noticing it, yet it leaves a lasting impression of respect and subtle cordiality. Additionally, you can use adjectives to add additional layers of meaning, as demonstrated below:

• Best regards: Adding “Best” to “Regards” is like a polite smile. Individually, they are restrained and inconspicuous. But when you use them together, you get a closing phrase that is both discreet and friendly simultaneously. The warmer the adjectives, the friendlier this neutral phrase gets. 
• Warm regards: To the correct recipient, “Warm regards” would feel disarming. But if you want both your natural kindness and your good manners to stand out, this is the best way to end a business letter. There are many professional environments where both qualities are considered valuable and well respected. 
• Kind regards: “Kind regards” is somewhere in the middle between “Best regards” and “Warm regards.” It is not as friendly and buoyant as “Warm regards,” but it is more so than “Best regards.” It is a perfect combination of formality and familiarity, which makes it a great choice when you do not want to appear too much of either. 

“Best” is another classic way to end a formal correspondence. However, you should know that some recipients consider this choice sloppy and rushed, as “Best” might feel somewhat incomplete without another word. If the letter you are writing is essential and you want to leave a good impression, you have better options. It is a versatile closing that can be used in a variety of semi-formal or informal business situations, such as when writing to a colleague or business partner with whom you have a good relationship.

Examples of a Business Letter’s Closing

Here are a few examples of well-crafted closings:

Example 1: Thanking your business mentor

I am sincerely grateful for all the time and effort you have invested in me. If an opportunity for collaboration arises, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With appreciation,

Example 2: Submitting your job application

Thank you for your time and consideration. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to discuss my resume in person. I look forward to hearing from you.

Example 3: Getting an update on an interview

I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process. Please do not hesitate to ask for any additional information. 

Best regards,

Example 4: Sending a letter of resignation

I wish everyone at the company great success in the future, and I hope we keep in touch.

Example 5: Making a formal request

I would be grateful if I were to be considered for this promotion, and I thank you for finding the time to review my letter. I would be happy to schedule an interview at your convenience.

Faithfully,

Example 6: Filing a workplace harassment complaint

I hope it is possible to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue in person and agree on the most effective course of action.

Paul  

Tips to Consider

In this section, we will provide some practical tips and guidelines to help you choose the right ending for your business letter. These tips will cover various aspects of letter endings, including the tone, level of formality, and appropriate language to use, helping you to create a closing that is both professional and effective.

Begin with a new line

The closing of a business letter is usually placed on a new line, after the body of the letter, and any additional paragraphs such as a call to action or closing thoughts. The closing should be followed by a blank line before the writer’s signature block.

Placing the closing on a new line helps to visually separate it from the rest of the letter, making it easier for the reader to identify and understand. It also follows standard business letter formatting guidelines , which can help establish the professionalism and credibility of the writer.

If you are indenting the first lines of your paragraphs (a semi-block format), the closing phrase should begin to the right of the center and align with the date in the heading. If all your lines are flush with the left margin (block format), you should align your closing line with the rest of the text.

Start the closing with a capital letter

Just like the regular beginning of a sentence, the closing starts with a capital letter. If your sign-off contains more than one word, only the first one should begin with a capital letter. For example: “Kind regards”, “Best wishes”, “Truly yours” .

Use a comma

After the sign-off and before the signature (which should be in a new line), there should be a comma. You can view the examples shared earlier in the text for more clarity.

Leave space

You should leave a one-line space for your physical signature between the sign-off and your name. The same rule applies to letters and emails, even when the email does not contain an e-signature.   

In conclusion, the ending of a business letter is a crucial component that can significantly impact the tone and effectiveness of the message being conveyed. By choosing an appropriate sign-off and following proper formatting and etiquette, you can ensure that your letter leaves a positive and lasting impression on the recipient. Whether you opt for a traditional closing like “Sincerely” or a more informal sign-off such as “Best regards”, remember to keep your tone professional and respectful. By incorporating these tips and examples of business letter endings into your writing, you can ensure that your communications are clear, effective, and reflective of your business’s values and reputation.

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How to Close a Letter in American English

How many times have you spent considerable thought and effort writing a letter, only to reach the closing and then wonder how you should end it? And does it really matter whether you choose "sincerely" or "best" or "thanks" to close out your message?

While much of letter closing choices are based on personal style and attitude, there are slight differences in how different letter endings come across to the recipient of your writing. For this post, we'll discuss several common letter closings, more formally known as a valediction from the Latin vale dicere , which means "to say farewell." We will also discuss the situations for which each are best used, the connotations each might bring, and how to choose which one fits your overall intent or is complimentary with the letter you've written.

Sources we've used

Keep in mind that as with much of the advice you'll read online, ours might differ from that of another source. However, since it is important in business or formal communication to follow best practices set by respected organizations, we have used two American authorities— Barron's Educational Series and American Management Association —as our primary sources.

Closings for formal and business correspondence

Yours truly,.

According to Barron's, this is a formal closing and AMACOM states that this should be used when there is no personal connection between writer and recipient. Another version of this you'll see often is "Very truly yours," which again denotes a lack of personal connection between the writer and recipient of the letter. Despite the seemingly intimate associations with this phrase, it is very commonly used in business communication as a formal closing, whether you know the recipient intimately or not.

Respectfully yours,

Barron's also lists this as a formal closing and AMACOM suggests that it should be used when the letter is sent to someone either with acknowledged authority or when great formality should be used. Again, as with "Yours truly," this is a commonly used closing that connotes formality and can be used with formal business communication that is written to associates—whether they are typically on your contact list, or not.

Sincerely (yours),

Often shortened to just "Sincerely," Barron's suggests that this is a less formal closing while AMACOM states that it should be used when there is both a personal and business relationship between the writer and recipient. In general, this is a commonly used closing in American business correspondence that covers both well-known associates and those who are not well known. It is also a great choice for letters such as cover letters for a job posting, introductory letters for academic admission, or complaint letters in which the sender wishes to close with a conciliatory yet polite tone.

Cordially (yours),

Often shortened to just "Cordially," Barron's lists this as another less formal closing while AMACOM takes issue with "Cordially yours," stating that it is often used but incorrect.

So, in essence, consider this a great choice for closing business communication as long as the "yours" is not added. It works for both well-known acquaintances (in business) as well as recipients who are not regularly on your contact list. It is considered to be "proper" in both situations.

Regards, Personal regards, Kindest regards,

AMACOM doesn't list either of these choices in its preferred business letter closings, but Barron's lists them as potential personal closings. What this means is that if you plan to use them as business communication closings, or closings of letters written as cover letters or letters to admissions committees, they are acceptable yet slightly less formal than "Sincerely" or any of the versions of "Sincerely" (such as "Sincerely yours,").

This closing is an example of using your own attitude and personality to determine which closing to use in a letter.

Best, Best regards,

While not as formal as closings like "sincerely," "best" is a polite, semi-formal letter ending that could work in both a business context and when writing to acquaintances or friends. It is a polite way to let your letter's recipient know that you wish the best for them. "Best regards" makes the closing a bit more formal if you feel that "Best" is not quite formal enough for the situation.

While not overly formal or overly informal, "Thanks" is a closing that works well for business letters across the board—whether you are writing to someone not on your contact list, or to an acquaintance or peer within your organization. However, compared to how the other closings we've listed "sound" to the recipient, "Thanks" can fall a little flat or seem abrupt. To avoid this, choose "Best regards" or "Sincerely".

You should also hesitate to use "Thanks" if you've made a request in your letter, and rather choose "Thanks for your time," since the former assumes that the request will be granted, and the task will be accepted. Again, as with all the letter closings we have mentioned in this article, choose the best considering the type of relationship you have with the recipient and how formal or informal you want the letter to be.

Informal closings

Your friend,.

Obviously, this is not the best closing to choose for a formal business letter or cover letter. "Your friend," should be reserved for letters written to friends, as the closing implies. Putting this closing at the end of a letter to someone who is not your close friend will seem overly informal and assumptive.

While "Cheers," or "Cheers!" might be a light-hearted and casual way to end a letter in British English, for American English, make sure that you only use it for close friends or business associates that you know on a deeply personal basis. The primary reason for this is it is an expression used in relation to alcohol, or imbibing alcoholic drinks, so it can be interpreted as too informal by many American business associates unless you know them on an informal basis.

As with "Your friend," ensure that any time you use this closing, you are only doing so in a letter that is written to someone with whom you have an intimate and familiar relationship. Using this closing in a business letter or letter written to anyone else will be off-putting and potentially offensive to your reader. Therefore, ensure that you reserve this closing for only the most intimate recipient to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

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The Benefits of a Strong Closing

Things to consider when writing your ending, how to format the closing, what not to do, final thoughts, how to end a formal letter.

Updated March 6, 2023

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Throughout your life, you will have many occasions that call for a formal letter .

These might include:

• Thank you letters
• Cover letters
• Letters of employment interest
• Letters of resignation
• Letters for financial gain
• Letters for other people’s needs

Even in these days of texting and emailing, the formal letter still has a place and knowing how to create one, and end it properly, will serve you well in many areas of your life and career.

A well-written letter can easily make the goal you are aiming for that much easier to reach. A good letter shows you to be articulate, professional and polite.

While the body of your letter is important, it holds all the key information you want to impart, the final paragraph is just as important. This is your last chance to leave a good impression and invite further action.

The closing is essentially a few words to sign off. Doing so correctly shows professionalism, respect and appreciation for the person reading.

Primarily, you want your reader to feel positive about the letter and you. You also want to leave them wanting to know more and, in the case of a job cover letter, wanting to meet with you to discuss things further.

In many ways, the closing of your letter is more important than the opening. By the end of the letter, the reader has likely forgotten your opening but will remember your closing.

Your closing is essentially your last word, and your last chance to make your point. It allows you to emphasize again your enthusiasm and interest, as well as to encourage the conversation to continue further.

The wrong conclusion can send the message that you are not interested in furthering your discussion and may work to end the professional relationship.

There are a few things to consider when ending your letter.

You want to be polite, professional, summarize your purpose and leave an opening for them to contact you.

Polite . Even if you are writing a letter you do not want to be writing, or to someone whom you dislike, it is always important to remain polite. If you are rude this time, that reputation could follow you.

Professional . Always remain professional when writing a formal letter, even if the recipient is someone you know well. If you are in a professional setting, keep the closing formal.

Summarize your purpose . By the ending, your reader may have forgotten some important points you raised early on. Give a brief summary of those points.

Leave an open ending . Ensure that your ending encourages the recipient to take further action. You want them to be open to speaking or meeting with you to discuss things further and have a way to do so.

What to Include in Your Ending?

There are several things to consider when crafting your ending:

Call to Action

The call to action is important because it lays out what you would like the next steps to be and how your reader can get things moving.

They may be unsure themselves, so inviting them to contact you or follow up will move things in the right direction.

Reiterate Your Skills and Values

Depending on the type of letter you are writing, you have likely gone into some detail about your skills in the main part of your letter.

While you do not need to go into a lot of detail in your closing, it is good to mention them again to emphasize the ones that are most important.

Show Your Appreciation

Whatever your letter is about, it is usually appropriate to acknowledge the time the reader took to read or respond to your letter and give your thanks.

Professional Sign Off

Even if your letter is directed to someone you know well, your sign off should remain professional.

'Sincerely' or 'Yours truly' are most often used.

The following are some examples of letter endings for three situations:

Formal Endings: Have Not Meet the Recipient

In this example, your reader does not know you from any other stranger sending them a letter.

It is important to remain very professional because there is no personal relationship here, only business.

Several closings can be used in this case:

• Yours faithfully
• Yours sincerely
• Yours respectfully
• Respectfully

'Yours faithfully' should only be used when you don't know the name of the recipient (for example, addressing it to 'Dear Sir/Madam'); 'Yours sincerely' is most commonly used for letters addressed by name.

For example,

Dear Mr Jones, [Body text] Thank you for taking the time to look over my resume. I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to fill the position you have open. I would love the chance to meet and discuss the position further at your convenience. I can be reached at the information below. Yours sincerely, Jessica Bones

Dear Sir/Madam [Body text] Thank you for allowing me to bring these issues to your attention. I believe they deserve prompt attention so please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. I am open to meeting in person as well. Yours faithfully, Fiona Smithe

Formal Endings: Met the Recipient

These endings are for instances where you may have met the recipient of your letter, but you did not establish a relationship.

Keep in mind that your reader may not remember you and you may have to refresh their memory. Do not rely on them having the same memory of your meeting.

• Warm regards
• Sincerely yours
• With gratitude
• Best regards
• With appreciation

Here are some examples:

Again, it was wonderful to have met you at the career fair in July. I enjoyed our talk about the job market and what is available in our field right now. I will be graduating in two weeks and would love to get together to go over any job openings you might have or prospects at other places. I look forward to hearing from you, you can contact me on the number below. Warm regards, Hayley Coles

I thank you again for taking the time to show me the apartment. As promised, I have attached the signed lease and have enclosed a cheque for my deposit. As noted on the paperwork, I will be there to move in on [date]. I look forward to a good relationship as I continue as a tenant. With gratitude, Megan Creech

I found my experience as part of your work/study team to be unparalleled. I cannot express how much I both enjoyed the work and how much knowledge I gained from it. I would love to be considered for any groups you do in the future. I look forward to hearing from you on the email address provided. Sincerely yours, Alisha Ahuja

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Less Formal Endings

These endings are for correspondence that is still formal, but perhaps you have met the recipient a few times or have established a relationship.

Closings do not need to be as formal in these instances:

• All the best
• Best wishes
• Kind regards
• Many thanks

I found my internship experience to be amazingly fulfilling. I feel that I gained so much and learned so much from you over the past three months. I look forward to receiving my evaluation and I hope that you keep me in mind should you have any job openings soon. All the best, Joanna

In summary, I think I could do a lot of good at [your charity]. I have the skills and connections you need, and I am impressed with the work you do. I am so thankful that [mutual friend] put us in touch with each other. I believe this could be a beneficial working relationship. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss. Many thanks, Phoebe Horkam

In conclusion I would like to again express my interest in purchasing your house. Because you are selling without an agent, I can assure you that I have all my financials in order. I have a pre-approved mortgage, a solid down payment and many references both personal and business. It was great to meet with you both times to view the house and I hope that we can move forward soon with a sale. Thanks again, Montgomery Haftash

Depending on how your letter is being sent – email or hard copy – there are a few things to note regarding the format for the closing.

Your sign off should always be followed by a comma.

For example, 'Regards,' 'Yours truly,' 'Best regards,' 'Sincerely,' and so on.

Only capitalize the first word of your closing.

If you are sending your letter as a hard copy , leave four lines after your sign off and type your name. Sign your signature by hand in the space.

If sending your letter by email , leave one space between the ending and your typed name and then add your contact information under your name.

If sending by email, you can always include a link to your online portfolio if you have one and it is appropriate to do so.

There are several things you should not do when ending a formal letter.

Do not be overconfident and assume that you know the outcome, you have the job or that everything has been decided. The final decision still rests with the person to whom you are writing.

Do not be too personal . Even if the recipient is someone you know well, it is still a formal letter. A proper closing is still required and should not have an informal sign off such as 'See you' or 'Stay cool'.

No sign off . Using no sign off at all comes across as either too unprofessional or too abrupt. Either one you want to avoid.

Do not make spelling or grammar mistakes . Nothing turns off a reader like easily correctable mistakes.

Letter Closing Examples

Below are some examples of closing sentences for different types of letter:

Letters of Interest

Letters of interest are letters that are sent to apply for or enquire about a job.

Here are some example closings:

' If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. '

' I look forward to hearing from you and await your reply. '

' I am eager to discuss the position further and how I would be an asset to your team. '

Notice of Resignation

A resignation letter is to let your client or team know that you will no longer be working with them.

Example closings:

' It has been a pleasure working with you and I trust that my replacement will meet your needs fully. '

' I have enjoyed our working relationship and will remain available to answer any questions you may have during the transition. '

Formal Letter

A formal letter could be from one business to another or from a business to a bank or similar.

The closing should be formal with no personal touches:

' I hope that we can make this working relationship a profitable one, and one that is beneficial to both parties. '

' Please look over the contracts and contact us with any questions you might have. We hope this becomes a profitable partnership. '

Applying for a Loan

A letter applying for a loan is one where you hope the institution in question will loan you some money.

' As you can see, I have all my financial paperwork in order and accompanying this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon. '

' Thank you for taking the time to look over my loan application and please feel free to contact me if you need any more information. '

A Letter to a Professor

A letter to your professor could be for a work/study group or a special project.

' I have gained so much working with your group and I hope you keep me in mind for any further projects you have on [topic]. '

' I thank you for taking the time to look over my application for your work/study program. I would welcome the chance to be a part of your group and hope you keep me in mind. '

Closing and ending a letter is a lot more important than it first appears.

While your opening introduces you, it is the ending that your reader will likely take away with them the most.

Make sure you understand the tone of your letter, your reader and what you are trying to accomplish with the letter. Remembering those things will help you craft the ideal closing.

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The Complete Guide to Closing a Friendly Letter (With Examples)

Last Updated: March 28, 2024 Fact Checked

Adding a Concluding Paragraph

Picking a warm closing, ending with a directive closing.

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. 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 323,680 times.

"Sincerely,"… no too boring. "Thanks,"…eh, not quite. Letters are a great way to let your friend know you're thinking of them, but nailing the perfect ending can be tricky! The good news is we've compiled a great list of all the best ways to close an informal letter to a friend, so you can feel confident in your ability to choose the perfect ending your friend will love and appreciate. Message delivered!

Things You Should Know

• Go for a classic "Love" if you want to end your letter to a friend with affection. For example, "Can't wait to see your smiling face! Love, Daisy"
• Try "Kind regards" for someone you like but aren't super close to. You might say, "So great getting to know you better! Kind regards, William"
• Use "Gratefully" if your friend helped you out or gave you a gift. For example, you could say, "Thank you so much for the awesome shirt! Gratefully, April"
• Follow your chosen closer with your signature or even a nickname! There's no need to include your last name in an informal letter unless you want to.

• Try writing something like "Thanks for writing. I hope to see you soon."
• If you miss them, you could say, "It's not the same here without you!"

• For instance, you might write, "Remember, we'll be there on Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp. Be dressed to impress!" or "I cannot wait to tell you what happened at Jeff's house yesterday. Remind me when I see you so I don't forget!"

• For instance, "I'm planning to visit soon. I can't wait to see you!"
• If you did something fun you'd like to share, you might say, "I went on our favorite hike the other day. You wouldn't believe how gorgeous the flowers are now that its spring. So excited for you to see them!"

• You can also use "With love" or "Love always" if you feel like spicing things up.
• For example, "Looking forward to visiting you next week! Love, Margot"

• You could also go for "Hugs," "Yours," or even "Your friend."
• For example, you could say: "I'm counting down the days till you arrive! Affectionately, Jackson"

• Other options include "As ever," "Warm regards," or "Cheers."
• "Until next time" also works well. For example, you might say, "It was so nice seeing you at the dinner before my trip, hope to do another when I get back! Until next time, Amy"

• You could also say, "See you shortly," or "Can't wait to see you soon!"
• For example, you might say, "I have been waiting and waiting to see you—can't believe the time has almost come! See you soon, Will"

• "Thankfully yours" or "Gratefully yours" are other fabulous options.
• Try something like, "I can't thank you enough for all your efforts in helping me move—you are a complete and total lifesaver! Gratefully, Rose"

• Funny options include: "Smell ya later," "Straight from the mind of a genius," "You heard it here first," or "After a while, crocodile."
• Try something like: "Well, now you're up to date, and I hope you're impressed with all the info I've so diligently stored and relayed just for you. Your humble servant, Jess"

• "Take it easy," "Take care of yourself," or "Kind thoughts" would also work here.
• Go for something like: "I'm always thinking of you alone in the big city, but I know you can handle it easily. Take care of yourself, Ron"

• "Have a great weekend!" is another great option.
• For example, "I can't wait to hear how your fabulous plans go down. Have a great weekend, Vera"

• Try something like, "I've snuck in a gift card to the best spa in town—their massages are to die for! Enjoy, Elliot"

• You could also use "You're amazing" or "You're awesome."
• "I was so bummed to hear that you've been feeling down, especially when you're the person I can always count on to lift me up! You're simply the best. Never change, Rae"

• You could also use "Stay safe" or "Watch out for yourself."
• For example, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Be safe, Jeff"

Using a Signature and a Postscript

• Affectionately,
• Stay as you are!

• You can also use a nickname if the person usually calls you by it.
• For example, "See you next Tuesday, Bestie #1! Love, Bestie #2"

• For example, you might write, "P.S. You'd better write me back, goofball!" if your friend isn't great about sending mail back.
• Alternatively, you could try, "P.S. I hope this letter gets there before I do!"

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• ↑ http://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-end-a-letter.html
• ↑ https://blog.ung.edu/press/parts-of-a-letter/l
• ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/letterclosings.html
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/using-thanks-and-regards-in-email-and-letters
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-sign-off-with-gratitude-alternatives

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To end a letter to a friend, write out something positive in the last paragraph to leave your friend with a good feeling. For instance, you could say, “I plan on coming for a visit soon. I can’t wait to see you!” If it’s a close friend, follow this with an affectionate salutation like “Fondly” or “With love.” Alternatively, write a more casual salutation like “See you shortly” or “Take care.” For a fun salutation try saying something silly like, “Later Gator!” Finally, put a comma after the salutation, then skip a line and sign your name. To learn how to add a “P.S.” note at the end of your letter, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to End a Letter: 10 Examples & What to Avoid

How To End A Letter: 10+ Closing Letter Sample

Have you ever found yourself puzzling about  how to end a formal business letter? Then, you know how it feels. You're  almost done composing that all-important letter  and now feel stuck because you can't  decide on the proper closing sentence ​. Should you put formal letter ending salutations and closings like “Yours sincerely”, drop the laconic “Best” or leave the closing blank at all? Choosing the right closing is even more important for a cover letter, as inappropriate closing can reduce your chances for an interview.

In today's article, you will find:

• 10+ examples of best business letter closings you can use in your cover letter
• things to avoid when signing off your email
• professional tips for writing a closing sentence for different types of letters.

Need help with your resume and cover letter? The experts of our  resume writing service  can update your old documents or create new ones tailored to your dream job. Order with a special welcome discount and start your communication with the employer on the right foot!

10 effective business letter closings

Professional correspondence is a valuable skill for any profession, and you can prove it by using the appropriate closing phrase. When finalizing your business email, you need to pick one of the tried-and-true, formal options. Note that business letters aren't the best place to get overly creative. So, here are the best options to sign off an email:

• Sincerely Sincerely is put #1 because it's the most common and universal way to close all kinds of business letters. Speaking about its meaning – it restates the content of your letter in one word, pointing out that your letter's intent is sincere. This closing works for all types of instances, and if you are curious about  how to create eye-catching a cover letter , keep in mind that it works best for job applications too.
• Yours truly A little less formal than the previous one, yours truly is better to use when addressing someone you are on a good note with. Although, like a previous one, this closing is all-purpose, yet its tone assumes a bit of warmth which may be misinterpreted if you use it writing to someone you've never met.
• Yours faithfully First of all, note that yours faithfully is used to address the unknown recipient (in this case, you start a letter with Dear Sir/Madam). This is another universal closing which doesn't carry any additional meanings or calls to action. it's mostly used in British business correspondence, whereas yours truly is an American popular option.
• Thanks (or Thanks again) Use thanks when writing to someone you've successfully collaborated with (a vendor, a colleague from other department and more) or a person who did you a favor. If you've already thanked the person once in the letter body, opt for thanks again. Again, if you are going to use this statement, make sure that the tone of your letter is appropriate – friendly and positive.
• Speak to you soon Speak to you soon or see you soon is used to close a letter to someone you know personally and intend to talk to face-to-face. In particular, it can be used when you're appointing the meeting with your contact or confirming an appointment. Craving more effective email writing advice?
• Regards (or Kind regards) Regards is another commonly used letter ending which indicates professionalism and respect and is quite universal. This one is often complemented with additional words which slightly alter the original meaning: kind regards(indicates a bit of warmth – do not use in cold emails), best regards (a safe bet – it's like adding a polite smile to standard regards) and warm regards (semi-formal option).
• Hope this helps Let's assume that you are giving advice or providing consulting to someone via email. For instance, you are sharing some tips for overloaded writers with your college student to help with their next assignment. Or, you are sharing the information about  the custom editing website  that can help with their resume. In this case, hope this helpscomes across as a perfect closer.
• Respectfully This letter ending speaks for itself – use it when writing to someone you deeply respect and admire, provided that the content of your email is appropriate. For example, this closing won't work in a letter of complaint or a similar one. It works best when you address a company's high-level executive or another authoritative person.
• Take care You should use this letter closing carefully, as it's more common for personal letters. Don't use it when addressing to potential customers, vendors, or your boss. However, it might be acceptable to end your letter with take carewhen writing to a colleague you've known for years and are on a good note with. Wish your relationships with coworkers were better?
• Best Best or all the best has a direct meaning – you wish the recipient all the good things. So, feel free to use it in your business correspondence, even though it sounds a bit less formal than sincerely or respectfully. Like the above-mentioned examples, it's multi-purpose and can be used in letters to business contacts across industries.

There's plenty of effective closings to choose from – use the above options depending on the context of your email and your familiarity with the letter's recipient.

How to write an effective formal letter?

Formal letters have their structure and writing style. If you are looking to give your business correspondence skills a boost, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the right letter structure. Start your letter by date, company, your recipient's address, and name. Make sure that your letter has the introduction, body, conclusion, and a professional sign-off.
• Add a formal greeting. Address the recipient by name. If you don't know who your recipient is, write Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Sales Department.
• Start with the introduction and your intent. Just like in a physical letter, when writing a formal email, you need to introduce yourself in a couple of sentences (when writing to a colleague or supervisor, skip this part). Then, explain the purpose of your letter (to sell something, to discuss the marketing strategy in detail, to be considered for a job, etc.).
• Write a letter body. In this section, write the main information you'd like to share with the recipient. Add the essential details, but don't be too wordy. Whether you are sending an email or a printed letter, remember to be brief.
• Add a formal conclusion. If necessary, reiterate the main points of your letter and add a call to action. Make sure that your conclusion is more than one word - at least one meaningful sentence. End a letter with one of the closing salutations above.
• Be polite. Even if you are writing to a coworker whom you know well, be respectful and polite. Thank them for their time and show that their help is greatly appreciated.
• Proofread. Nobody likes receiving professional correspondence full of errors. Do a quick spell check before you hit Send to ensure a professional impression.

How to sign off an email: 5 things to avoid

To create effective professional emails, it's also important to know what types of closings to avoid. If you end your letter in one of the below ways, it might discredit your professional image and make a negative impression on reader.

Informal closing

Cheers, with love, best wishes, and xoxo are all great for handwritten letters to your best friend. Yet, when it comes to formal letters, they are totally unacceptable. They show that you are either not familiar with business etiquette or simply don't care. Neither is the impression you want to make.

No sign-off

In rare cases, no sign-off is acceptable – for example, when you are responding to an email chain or giving an urgent and brief answer to a colleague's letter. In all other situations, sending an email without a closing shows poor etiquette and a lack of respect for the recipient.

Sent from my iPhone

There's an ongoing debate on whether sent from my iPhone is professional.  On the one hand, when you continue a long conversation with someone, the person will be more receptive to typos and mistakes as they know you've written that email on the go. On the other hand, when you reach out to an important client or prospective employer, this closing doesn't make the right impression.

Using emojis in business emails  is unprofessional. Consequently, don't use them in the closing as well. Although, if your contact is using emojis, you might want to respond to them in the same style and keep the conversation on a friendlier note.

Typos and grammar mistakes

This rule applies to your letter content in general rather than a signoff, but is worth being repeated. Proofread the letter several times to exclude writing mistakes of any kind. Errors in writing make a negative impression on a reader and can cost you an interview, an important contract or your boss's loyalty.

Avoid being too informal, too relaxed or careless when signing off your business letter. This will leave a poor impression both about you as a professional and a company you work for.

How to end a cover letter for a job application

Writing a cover letter requires an extra effort since, if written poorly, you'll never get a response from a hiring manager. The closing of a cover letter should be kept strictly professional since you don't know the person you're emailing. Moreover, you want to make the best possible impression on the recipient and demonstrate expert writing skills and understanding of business etiquette. So, your best options for closing this type of letter are Sincerely, Best regards or Yours faithfully.

How to end a thank you letter?

The rules for ending a thank you note are the same as for cover letters except for one small difference. Since you've already spoken to the recipient in person, the closing might vary depending on the tone and contents of your interview. You can say with sincere thanks if the interview went on a friendly note or thank you for your consideration if you believe the interview went great.

Get expert help with your business letters

When you need to write a cover letter, sales letter, or inquiry letter, perfect grammar, structure, and writing style are essential to make the right impression. If you have any concerns about how your letter is written let a professional editor review it before sending it. At ResumePerk, we have 100+ talented editors who will revise the grammar, punctuation, and logic in your letter to help you achieve your goals.

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How To Write a Reference Letter (Examples and Free Template)

Pass along your praise in a meaningful way.

Teacher job searches frequently require something many other careers don’t: a letter of reference. Both principals and teachers may find themselves asked to write these letters for their employees or coworkers. Wondering what to include and how to make the recommendation useful? Here’s how to write a reference letter for a teacher.

Want to make things even easier? Grab our free reference letter printable template, which walks you through the whole process. Just fill out the form on this page .

What is a reference letter?

How to write a letter of reference, reference letter example: principal for teacher, reference letter example: teacher for coworker.

Reference letters are just what they sound like: a testimonial about a person’s professional qualifications, abilities, and achievements. They’re written by someone who knows the applicant well and can speak to specifics about their career.

These days, most jobs don’t require reference letters since employers perform reference checks themselves. However, academia is different. Many teaching jobs require candidates to submit written letters of reference as part of their application packet. This is just one part of their overall evaluation of a candidate, of course. But these letters remain a key part of many teachers’ job searches.

Letter of Reference vs. Letter of Recommendation

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but reference letters are almost always specific to a job search. Students often need letters of recommendation for scholarships and college applications. If you need help writing a letter of recommendation for a student, check out these articles:

• Tips for Writing a College Recommendation Letter
• Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples

Writing a reference letter can feel like a daunting task, but these tips can help. Don’t forget to grab our free printable letter of reference template too!

Review Reference Letter Samples

If you’ve never written a reference letter or you want to up your game, take a look at some samples first. One of our favorite ways to do it is to use AI like ChatGPT to generate some reference letter samples specific to your situation. You definitely don’t want to copy these word-for-word, but you might find some helpful phrases or get a better idea of the format you should use. We’ve included some sample letters below too.

Brainstorm Ideas First

Before you begin writing, do a quick brainstorming session and jot down your thoughts about these prompts:

• What three words first come to mind when you think of this teacher?
• List this person’s biggest strengths as an educator.
• List a few times when this teacher really impressed you.
• Has this person won any awards or accolades worth mentioning?
• What makes this teacher special compared to their peers?
• What would this teacher’s students say about them? What about parents or co-workers? (If you have examples, round them up to include in the letter.)

Personalize the Letter

If you can, try to write a letter that’s specific to the job the teacher needs a reference letter for. Find out what they’ll be doing in their new role or position so you can include the most relevant qualities in your recommendation. Some reference letters are more general, so it’s OK if you can’t personalize them to the job.

Ask the teacher if there’s anything specific they’d like you to mention. You may also ask if there’s anything they’d prefer to keep confidential. For instance, if the teacher has a disability, they may not want to disclose that information yet.

Write an Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the teacher you’re providing a reference for. Include information such as how long you’ve known them and whether you’re speaking as a colleague, coworker, mentor, or supervisor.

Verify Their Qualifications and Experience

In the next paragraph, speak to the teacher’s education, including any special certifications or professional development achievements. Mention any awards, honors, or accolades they’ve earned. You can keep this section fairly short; the teacher has likely listed all of this on their CV already. Your reference letter will just help verify these qualifications.

Highlight Their Best Qualities

In the body of your letter, write two or three paragraphs that really help identify what makes this teacher special. Don’t try to squeeze in everything you know; instead, think about what really helps the person you’re recommending stand out. For each paragraph, focus on one of these areas (or other relevant topics), choosing the two or three overall that seem most important for this person.

• Subject matter knowledge and expertise
• Pedagogy skills
• Student and/or parent relationships
• Professional development
• Community relations
• Communication skills
• Leadership roles
• School pride and loyalty
• Personal traits, such as passion, enthusiasm, dedication, creativity, etc.

Provide Specific Examples and Anecdotes

This is where you really have the chance to make your letter valuable to the candidate. It’s easy to describe a person as “passionate about recognizing diversity” or “excellent at differentiating learning.” Without examples, though, these are just words. Try to anchor each quality you mention with specific examples or anecdotes that back up those words. Here are a couple of examples:

• “Alana is passionate about recognizing and celebrating diversity in her classroom. She frequently draws on her strong community relationships to bring diverse speakers and cultural activities to her classroom. Last fall, she organized an incredibly popular school-wide Diversity Fair where students and their families were encouraged to share their own cultures and experiences and learn from each other. One parent noted, ‘I’ve lived in this community for three years, but this is the first time I really feel like I know my neighbors.’”
• “One of Jamie’s strongest qualities is their ability to differentiate learning for their students. They’re always willing to determine what’s keeping a student from doing their best and finding new ways to overcome challenges. For instance, Jamie was instrumental in helping our school implement text-to-speech software that assists struggling readers and those who have visual impairment. This leveled the playing field in their history and geography classes, helping students focus on the subject at hand instead of spending too much time deciphering text.”

Conclude With a Strong Endorsement

You’ve come all this way, so don’t fall short at the very end! This is the time to state your personal recommendation in no uncertain terms. Sum up your major points, and offer to provide more information if needed.

• “I’m pleased to recommend Alana Whitmore for an elementary teaching position at your school. Her commitment to diversity, creative classroom approaches, and compassion for students and fellow coworkers would make her an excellent addition to any education team. If you want to discuss her qualifications further, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Write Professionally and Proofread Carefully

This is a business communication, so strive for a professional but warm tone overall. If it’s a paper letter, use the standard business letter format (on your school letterhead if you’re an administrator). In an email, be sure your signature includes contact information such as a phone number and school address.

Don’t forget to proofread! A letter riddled with spelling errors and grammar mistakes is unlikely to hold much sway with a hiring committee or selection panel. Use a program like Grammarly to help you edit your letter until you’re satisfied with the final version.

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Alana Whitmore for any opportunity that may arise that aligns with her exceptional skills and dedication as an elementary school teacher. In my capacity as the principal of Maya Angelou Elementary, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the invaluable contributions Alana has made to our school community.

Alana has worked here for seven years, three as a fifth-grade teacher and four in third grade. She came to us fresh from earning her teaching certification at Lancaster University, and continued her education over the last several years to earn her Master’s of Education in Curriculum Design and Development. She was honored with our district’s Teacher of the Year award in 2022 and was the keynote speaker at our state’s education conference in 2023.

Alana is an exemplary educator who consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the academic and emotional growth of her students. Through her inventive teaching methods and personalized approach, she ensures that every child in her classroom is provided with opportunities to thrive and succeed. During a recent observation, I noted how she cleverly adapted her unit on volcanoes to embrace different learning styles. She provided choices like watching a video, reading an article, or listening to a short podcast to build background knowledge. Students individually chose the option they preferred, then used their knowledge to work with a partner to design a poster, write a report, or give a short presentation on the topic. Students were all engaged throughout the process, enjoying a measure of autonomy while still meeting the stated learning objectives.

Furthermore, Alana excels in building strong and collaborative relationships with parents and guardians. She understands the importance of fostering open communication and partnership between home and school, and she actively seeks opportunities to involve families in their child’s education. One parent reached out to me to share these thoughts: “Ms. Whitmore is the first teacher who seems to care about me as a parent and a person. She went out of her way to arrange a videoconference that met my hectic work schedule, and seemed genuinely interested in the suggestions I had for helping my son. Knowing that she really cares has made this school year so much better for us all.”

In addition to her effectiveness in the classroom and with parents, Alana is highly regarded by her colleagues for her collaborative spirit and willingness to share her expertise. Last year, she helped organize a very well-received professional development day, with a variety of sessions that allowed every teacher to find a subject that truly mattered to them. She serves as a mentor to one of our new teachers, who told me that Alana has helped him see how he can put his college educational theories into practice in the real world. Other teachers regularly share praise for Alana’s cooperative spirit, and she’s been awarded “Coworker of the Year” by our staff three years in a row.

Alana embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator: She is dedicated, passionate, and deeply invested in the well-being and success of her students. Her commitment to differentiation, parent relationships, and collaboration sets her apart as a truly outstanding teacher. I wholeheartedly recommend Alana Whitmore for any role or opportunity where her skills, expertise, and dedication can make a meaningful impact. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Gina Torres Principal, Maya Angelou Elementary

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Jamie Lin for any teaching position that may become available within your school. As a fellow teacher and colleague at Ridgemont High School, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jamie and have witnessed firsthand their exceptional talents and dedication to the field of education.

Jamie came to our school as a teacher of history and geography in 2019, working with ninth- through twelfth-grade students each year since. Before joining our team, they earned their Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on diversity studies. During Jamie’s four years here, they have been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times and received the award in 2023. Jamie frequently speaks at educational conferences on subjects like cultural relevance and student diversity.

One of Jamie’s greatest strengths is their ability to foster diversity and inclusivity within the learning environment. Whether discussing historical events or exploring global cultures, Jamie ensures that all students feel valued, respected, and represented in the curriculum. They frequently draw on their strong community relationships to bring diverse speakers and cultural activities to the classroom. Speakers and cultural presentations have included representatives of several indigenous communities and local authors from a variety of backgrounds. They also invite community politicians and activists to debate key issues, while students observe and then question the speakers themselves.

In addition to their dedication to diversity, Jamie is a remarkably creative educator who consistently goes above and beyond to engage students in meaningful and thought-provoking learning experiences. They have a passion for project-based learning, teaching critical thinking and problem-solving by having students tackle real-world issues. Through their projects, Jamie’s students have painted cultural murals on the walls in the school courtyard, helped translate our school handbook and other documents into three different languages, and created clubs for fellow students interested in topics like history, geography, and global cultures. Jamie believes in demonstrating what you’ve learned in meaningful ways, and their students thrive in this environment.

Furthermore, Jamie excels at building strong community relationships both inside and outside the classroom. They actively collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community members to create a supportive and enriching learning environment that extends beyond the walls of the school. Last fall, Jamie organized an incredibly popular school-wide Diversity Fair where students and their families were encouraged to share their own cultures and experiences and learn from each other. One parent noted, “I’ve lived in this community for three years, but this is the first time I really feel like I know my neighbors.”

Overall, Jamie Lin is an exceptional educator who embodies the qualities of excellence, creativity, and community engagement. Their passion for teaching, dedication to diversity, and innovative approach to education make them an invaluable asset to any school community.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jamie Lin for any teaching position and am confident that they will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of their students and colleagues. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Fatima Sundaram Teacher of Civics and Government, Ridgemont High School

Grab our free reference letter template!

This free editable template guides you through the process of how to write a reference letter. Just fill out the form on this page for instant access.

Have more questions about how to write a reference letter? Come ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

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3 Sample Leave Of Absence Letters (And Do’s And Don’ts of Writing)

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Needing time off work happens from time to time, which means you’ll need to write a leave of absence letter request. A well-written letter can increase your chances of being granted a leave of absence and staying on good terms with your supervisor and your team.

If you’re in need of a leave of absence, we’ll go over how to request a leave of absence from work, provide some example leave of absence letters, and some common reasons for needing a leave of absence.

Key Takeaways:

A leave of absence is an extended period of time when you will not be formally working while still maintaining your position at a company.

The formal process for requesting a leave of absence involves sending a letter to your supervisor as well as higher management and getting this request approved. You do this for documentation purposes, as well as to clarify your specific needs in your request.

Leaves of absence are taken for various reasons, including medical needs, birth or adoption of a child, or other urgent personal needs.

How to request a leave of absence from work

Example letters for leave of absence, leave of absence letter template, what is the family and medical leave act, do’s and don’ts for requesting a leave of absence, common reasons to request a leave of absence, leave of absence faqs.

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When requesting a leave of absence from work, be sure you know your company policies and state laws regarding your work absence and then determine how long you are going to be gone. Here is a more detailed list of how to request a leave of absence from work:

Know your company policies and state laws regarding work absences. The first thing you’re going to want to do is check your employee handbook and become familiar with your company’s policies on leaves of absence.

See what the leave benefits are (if there are any). Check whether or not your company will still pay you during this leave and plan accordingly.

Determine the time frame. Your second step is determining how long you will need time off of work.

Keep in mind that you’re going to need to justify each day taken off, and your supervisors are not likely to approve a leave of absence that requests an excessive amount of time off without good reason. If you have a doctor ’s note or other documentation specifying the amount of time you need off, be sure to include that and factor it in.

Meet with your supervisor to discuss your absence. As soon as you determine that you need a leave of absence and the general timeline, meet with your direct supervisor to discuss your request.

Consider your options. After meeting with your supervisor, consider the options you discussed or the available options. You may have the opportunity to temporarily reduce work hours, work from home, or other measures in which you will still be working but with added flexibility for your circumstances .

Create your leave of absence letter. Finally — after considering all of the above steps — you’ll create your formal letter notifying your boss of your leave of absence. Craft this letter for your supervisor and whomever else you are required to notify formally.

Tell your team. After sending your letter, decide with your supervisor how you will inform your colleagues of your absence. You may need to tell them personally, or someone may take care of it for you.

Your letters should be sent after meeting and discussing your absence with your direct supervisor, but prior to discussing this absence with your coworkers. Here are some examples of letters for a leave of absence for different scenarios you may encounter:

Leave of absence email request example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Megan Gordon] February 19, 2021 Dear Sharon, I’m writing to request a formal leave of absence from work starting next month due to a recent family emergency. I plan to take this leave from March 8, 2023, through April 2, 2023. I plan to return to work on April 5, 2023. As discussed, this is a tentative date based on my current family circumstances. I will update you with adequate notice if I need to create a plan for returning to work at a later date. In preparation for my leave, I am willing to train my colleagues to complete projects in my absence and communicate with my clients. During my leave, I will be available periodically to answer urgent questions through email or cell phone. Thank you for your assistance in this process and your consideration. Regards, Megan Gordon (618)-219-8705 [email protected]

Medical leave of absence request letter example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Treyvon Moore] June 1, 2021 Dear Ms. King, I am submitting this request for a leave of absence following an upcoming medical procedure on June 26. My doctor requires a recovery period of two weeks, so my leave will begin on June 28 and end on July 9, 2023. I have attached her signed recommendation. As per my doctor’s orders, I will be able to return to work on July 12, 2023. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist in covering my workload during my absence. Thank you for your time and understanding. Best regards, Treyvon Moore (919)-231-8124 [email protected]

Leave of absence for personal reasons request letter example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Elena Forbes] Dear Mr. Gilbert, I am writing to formally request a leave of absence from my position at XYZ Company from August 31 to September 15, 2023. The reason for this leave is due to personal circumstances that require my immediate attention and presence. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my absence and minimizing any disruption to the team’s operations. During my absence, I will ensure that all pending tasks are completed or handed over to a designated colleague. I am confident that my colleagues have the expertise to manage any unexpected situations that may arise in my absence. I am also open to being available for consultation via email or phone to address any urgent matters that may require my input. Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if there are any specific procedures or forms I need to complete in order to finalize this request. Sincerely, Elena Forbes (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Here is a template for a leave of absence request that gives an example of how you might format a written letter.

Leave of Absence Written Letter Example

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Other Relevant Contact Information] December 8, 2020 [Your Supervisor’s Name] [Company or Organization] [Company or Organization Address] Dear [Supervisor’s name], This is a formal written request notifying of my intention to take a two-week leave of absence for personal reasons. As discussed in our meeting yesterday, I hope to take this leave from [start date] through [return date] if this is still a timeframe that works for you. I will be able to return to work on [return date]. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in making preparations for my absence. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any further questions. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Sincerely, [4 lines of blank space for a written signature] [Your name]

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal labor law established in 1993. The FMLA’s purpose is to protect employees who have genuine private concerns outside of work that they need to take time off from work. There are several key points to FMLA that you will want to understand when requesting a leave of absence:

Eligibility. The FMLA states that eligible employees must receive an unpaid leave of absence in the event of family reasons (birth, adoption, etc.) or health issues. The FMLA only applies to companies that employ more than 50 individuals, and to employees who have worked at least a year with the company for at least 1,250 hours ( part-time ) over the past year.

What you receive. Note that while companies are not mandated to pay employees who take leaves of absence, these employees’ benefits remain, most importantly their employer-sponsored health insurance. Employees who are approved for a leave of absence under the FMLA must receive the same job they had when they left or a job of similar pay with similar responsibilities.

How many weeks. You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off out of the year under the FMLA. If you need to take a leave of absence to care for a military service member who’s dealing with a serious medical condition, this time frame is extended to 26 weeks. These weeks don’t have to be taken consecutively, and federal holidays don’t count against your total days taken off through the FMLA.

Other state laws. Some states also have laws that are more generous for employees. For example, in California , employees still receive 60-70% of their average earnings while on a family leave of absence. Be sure to look into your state’s guidelines to learn the exact details.

The FMLA is the absolute minimum that companies of this size must follow. Many organizations choose to offer much more generous leave packages, especially for those leaving for parental leave.

When giving your leave of absence letter, you should give plenty of notice and be sure to inform your boss first. Here are some more general rules of thumb when requesting a leave of absence.

DO: Give adequate notice.

DON’T: Wait until the last minute.

Give your supervisors and your team time to plan for your absence by submitting your request as soon as possible.

DO: Communicate with your direct supervisor first.

DON’T: Tell coworkers or clients before your supervisor.

You don’t want your supervisor to feel like you are keeping secrets, as this can erode trust. So be sure to tell her of your plans before you tell others.

DO: Offer gratitude and further assistance.

DON’T: Make the details of your departure unclear.

Try to let your team know explicitly how you can help in preparation for and during your absence. Be helpful to others in whatever capacity you are able, as your absence may increase their workload.

Having a new child, medical reasons, or a death in the family are some of the most common reasons to request a leave of absence. Some more common reasons to request a leave of absence outside of normal PTO include:

New child. Maternity and paternity leave are the most common reasons why employees take extended leaves of absence. Different companies might have different policies, but the FMLA covers the bare minimum requirements for coverage (more on that below).

Medical reasons. When you need to get surgery or treat a condition, you probably won’t be able to continue with your normal occupation for a little while. The FMLA also covers these reasons, including if the medical issue is with a family member that you’re caring for full-time.

Education. Choosing to go back to school is a legitimate reason to request a leave of absence, but it’s best to talk to your supervisor about your goals and get on the same page about how your education will help you do more at work.

Death in the family. Employers won’t always make you take PTO days when you suddenly need to attend a funeral or deal with a death in the family.

Military. People in the Army Reserve should be forthcoming when taking a job, but most employers are happy to have armed service members working for them. These leaves of absence may also be taken for family members who need time off for military reasons.

Jury duty. It can happen to any over the age of 18. When this happens and you are picked to be a part of a jury, depending on the court case, you could be out of work for a couple of weeks. When this happens you need to let your employer know.

What does it mean to take a leave of absence?

A leave of absence is an extended period of time off from work that is due to circumstances not covered by PTO or sick days. A leave of absence is usually longer than what either your PTO or sick days would cover. It is usually the result of out-of-the-ordinary circumstances such as childbirth, death in the family, or medical reasons.

Is a leave of absence better than quitting?

Yes, a leave of absence is better than quitting. If you know you will want to return to your job, or even if you don’t know, but you consider it a possibility, then a leave of absence is a good choice. Quitting your job is final, which will make your professional circumstances much harder down the line.

How do you ask for a leave of absence?

To ask for a leave of absence:

Research your company’s leave of absence policy

Determine your reasons and time frame

Meet with your supervisor

Consider your options

Draft a leave of absence letter

Inform your coworkers

These steps ensure you ask for leave of absence in a professional, thought-out manner.

Can an employer refuse to give you unpaid leave?

Yes, an employer can refuse to give you unpaid leave depending on your reasons and company policy. If your reasons are not covered by FMLA or some other state or Federal law, then it is up to the discretion of your employer to decide what type of unpaid leave is appropriate. That is why it is important for you to look into company policy before you ask for a leave of absence.

What are some reasons for taking a leave of absence from work?

Having a child, caring for a sick family member, or pursuing your education are some common reasons for a leave of absence. Having a medical emergency, a death in the family, and jury duty are other common reasons for needing a leave of absence.

U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act

Office of Personnel Management – Fact Sheet: Family and Medical Leave

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Roger Raber has been a content writer at Zippia for over a year and has authored several hundred articles. Having retired after 28 years of teaching writing and research at both the high school and college levels, Roger enjoys providing career details that help inform people who are curious about a new job or career. Roger holds a BA in English from Cleveland State University and a MA from Marygrove college.

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Judge in Trump's hush money case raises questions about social media post claiming to preview jury verdict

The New York judge overseeing Donald Trump’s hush money trial has asked attorneys in the case about a social media post purporting to preview the former president's guilty verdict.

“Today, the Court became aware of a comment that was posted on the Unified Court System’s public Facebook page and which I now bring to your attention,” Judge Juan Merchan wrote in a letter dated Friday.

“My cousin is a juror and said Trump is getting convicted,” the post stated, according to Merchan’s letter. “Thank you folks for all your hard work!!!!”

Merchan said that the comment, which was attributed to a user identified as Michael Anderson, was “now labeled as one week old,” and was posted in response to a routine notice from the court posted on May 29 about oral arguments unrelated to proceedings in Trump’s case.

When a defendant who has been convicted by a jury but has not yet been sentenced learns of alleged jury misconduct, he can move to set aside the verdict under New York criminal procedure law. If a defendant can prove that jury misconduct “may have affected a substantial right of the defendant,” the remedy is a new trial.

NBC News has not verified the claims made in the comment or the identity of the user who published the post, which has since been deleted. NBC News also hasn’t independently confirmed the comment’s existence.

A Trump campaign official said “we’re investigating” when asked about Merchan’s letter.

Attorneys for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday afternoon, nor did a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Trump was convicted last month on 34 counts  of falsifying business records tied to reimbursing Michael Cohen for hush money paid to Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 campaign. Trump had pleaded not guilty in the case and denied Daniels’ claims that she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006. Trump’s sentencing in the case is scheduled for July 11.

Zoë Richards is the evening politics reporter for NBC News.

Explore how Microsoft's partnership with Khan Academy is enhancing the future of education with AI innovation and tools for teachers >

• AI in education
• Published May 14, 2024

6 ways to use Microsoft Copilot for end-of-school-year tasks

• Content Type
• Education decision makers
• Microsoft Copilot

The end of the school year is a hectic time for educators everywhere. Between reviewing content, completing assessments, and maintaining classroom management, it’s easy to feel the pressure of too many responsibilities and not enough time to accomplish everything.

Whether closing out the academic year in the northern hemisphere or preparing for the next one in the southern hemisphere, Microsoft Copilot offers innovative and efficient ways to complete many of the tasks that occupy these transitional times of year. From drafting student feedback to composing newsletters and offering planning suggestions for events, Copilot adapts to whatever task it’s asked. To get started, all you need is a basic understanding of how to access and use Copilot.

Start using Copilot for your end-of-school-year tasks

Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that you can use to complete end-of-school-year tasks, like produce new content and differentiate instruction, with your Microsoft school account. With Copilot, creating a resource is simple and quick—just write instructions (aka, a prompt) and Copilot does the heavy lifting for you. You can prompt Copilot to draft lesson plans, quizzes, rubrics, and visuals that would otherwise take hours to develop from scratch.

You can learn how to use Copilot by visiting Meet your AI assistant for education: Microsoft Copilot .

When you’re ready to get started, go to copilot.microsoft.com or download the iOS or Android mobile app.

Writing prompts for the end of the school year

Prompting Copilot to generate content requires practice. Including specific information in your prompt helps produce more relevant responses.

An effective Copilot prompt:

• Asks the tool to take on a role called a persona .
• Provides an objective  that tells the tool what to do or produce.
• Defines the audience  who will be using whatever Copilot generates.
• Includes context  that gives the tool background information.
• Sets boundaries  that limit or constrain responses.

Elements of a Good Prompt infographic which includes tips for writing prompts that produce more relevant responses.

Throughout this post, you’ll find sample prompts that include these components. We recommend borrowing inspiration from them and adjusting to make them fit your own classroom, or you can copy and paste the examples without modifications if you are just beginning.

Now let’s learn how Copilot can help you complete six common end-of-school-year tasks.

1. Craft student feedback at the end of the school year

Copilot can help you write end-of-school-year feedback in a style and tone that all students can understand. Simply craft a prompt that includes the subject area and details about the feedback you want to provide, and Copilot can draft a constructive, supportive statement written specifically for students. For example:

You are a fourth-grade teacher who is writing feedback on a student’s current reading skills. The student uses details to explain what text means but is unable to draw inferences in fiction. The student can identify in-text examples that illustrate a given theme but is unable to independently produce a theme without guidance. Write a short statement that explains this feedback to a student. Include a description about why using details is important and 1-2 ways to develop this skill. The paragraph should be written with plain text so that a fourth-grade student will understand.

You can always refine your prompt if the response is not what you expected. Simply include something like, “Re-write this feedback in Spanish” without selecting New topic , and Copilot will continue where you left off. Give it a try.

2. Write end-of-school-year reflections

Educators often write end-of-school-year newsletters for families, update class blogs with a final post, and draft reflections on school year goals. Copilot can assist with all these tasks and can help you create personalized, engaging visuals for your content. For example, you can use the following prompt to produce a summer newsletter for families.

You are the science department leader for a middle school in New York City. Draft a summer newsletter for families that includes an introduction that talks about the past year and 5 sections: Science Books for Young Adults, Science at Home, Science Summer Camps, Science Events in NYC, and NY Science Museums. Only include information that can be linked to a website to learn more. The newsletter should be written in plain text using an informal tone.

You can also share your experiences, memorable moments, and insights from the school year and Copilot will help you find creative ways to share this information with colleagues, families, and students.

3. Organize classroom materials at the end of the school year

The last few weeks of a school year includes packing up classrooms for the summer, collecting books and devices, and organizing materials for the next year. Copilot can create checklists or reminders for end-of-school-year tasks like these and offer suggestions that you might not even consider. For example:

You are a high school media specialist who checks out technology to administrators and educators. Write a checklist of the 3 most important things to do before returning each of the following devices: document camera, tablet, digital projector, games, and wires. Make each device a section heading and use bulleted lists for the content. Write the checklists so that the content is easily understood by people with varying levels of technological expertise.

Another way to use Copilot when you are organizing classroom materials is to ask for suggestions for efficient ways to declutter and prepare your classroom for the next school year.

4. Plan an end-of-school-year celebration

Many schools celebrate major milestones like the start of summer or moving from lower grades to higher grades with a party or ceremony. Copilot can be your personal planner and assist with brainstorming ideas for end-of-school-year events, awards ceremonies, or virtual gatherings. It can even suggest ways to be more inclusive in areas you might not have considered, like food options in the prompt below.

You are a guidance counselor in charge of helping rising eighth-grade students transition from middle school to high school. Draft a letter to middle school teachers that shares the biggest differences between middle school and high school. Include paragraphs on class schedules, touring the high school, meeting educators, extracurricular activities, and summer reading books. The letter should be written in a formal, conversational tone.

Whether you are creating invitations, planning activities, or drafting speeches, Copilot can be your creative collaborator.

5. Develop transition materials at the end of the school year

When students enter elementary school or move to middle or high school, everyone involved in the transition needs to know how to prepare for this change. Students need to know what to expect, families need to know how to support their children, and current educators need to provide relevant information. Copilot can help create transition materials so that everyone stays informed using a prompt like this example:

You can also use Copilot to write welcome letters, tips for success, or information about what to expect in the upcoming year.

6. Streamline parent communication at the end of the school year

Copilot can help you create templates for parent-teacher conferences at the end of the school year, as well as student progress updates, and letters to families. For example, you can ask Copilot to create a message to families about signing up for conferences with the following prompt.

You are a high school math teacher who teaches introductory algebra. Write a letter to families about parent-teacher conferences. Include an introductory paragraph that thanks families for their ongoing support and paragraphs about what will happen during the conferences, why conferences are important, who should attend, and how to prepare for the meeting. Conclude the letter with a paragraph about how to sign up for a conference slot. Write the letter using an approachable, informal tone.

Microsoft Copilot is a versatile AI tool for educators that adapts to your specific needs. To learn more about Microsoft’s AI solutions and resources, check out Smart learning: AI resources every educator should know and the  AI for educators learning path on Microsoft Learn. Most importantly, enjoy the end of the school year with your students and the time you saved by using Copilot. 

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ATS Resume Templates

Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.

If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably already know more about applicant tracking systems (ATS) than the average job seeker. That gives you an advantage! Why?

Many companies use ATS to manage resumes and applications. In fact, Jobscan research shows that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

If an ATS can’t read or understand the information on your resume, then your application might not be seen when a recruiter searches for candidates with specific skills or experience – even if you have those skills or the experience!

Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly in order to give you the best chance of getting a job interview. That means that you need an ATS resume template.

We’ve designed 15 ATS resume templates that can be downloaded as Microsoft Word files and easily edited. Download one for free or use our free resume builder to get a customized ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Free ATS Resume Templates

Executive and Management ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

As a leader, you want your experience and accomplishments to shine. These resume templates give you opportunities to show the measurable results you’ve achieved, as well as your hard and soft skills .

Using correct formatting is critical here. The ATS needs to be able to parse all of that vital information and categorize it correctly. You also need your resume to be searchable by an ATS so that when a recruiter filters candidates by skills, your application stays on the list.

Entry-Level ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

You might not think you have a lot to show on your resume, but you do! These templates provide sections where you can highlight your education, internships, volunteer experience , personal accomplishments, and more.

An ATS-friendly resume will help you get found by recruiters and hiring managers. This is important because an entry-level position could have hundreds of applicants! Use these templates to make sure the ATS picks up your skills and experience.

Make your resume faster with our free resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

Jobscan users have been hired by:

ATS Resume Templates - What You Need to Know

How to make the perfect ats resume.

Remember, an ATS is just a computer filing system. It needs to be able to scan and understand the text on your resume in order to correctly parse the information and sort it properly.

An ATS will never auto-reject a resume, but an ATS optimized resume does make it easier for a recruiter to find you among the sea of applicants.

Even more importantly, an ATS-friendly resume naturally follows expert-recommended resume writing standards as well. That means that when the recruiter personally views your resume, it will include the relevant information they’re looking for and will be formatted in a way that makes it easier to read

Follow these tips for making the perfect ATS resume :

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

Focus on quality over quantity. Each job you apply for is unique, even if they all have the same title. Every company has different needs for that role. The job description will make it clear which hard skills, soft skills, experience, and education the company is looking for. So tailor your resume to show them that you are the perfect candidate.

Tailoring each and every resume can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort!

You can speed up this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Powered by AI-technology , this tool analyzes your resume against the job description and provides you with a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. It also tells you exactly what you need to do to increase your score.

2. Match your resume keywords to skills found in the job description

Recruiters might use an ATS’ search function to find applicants with specific skills. How do you know what skills they will search for? By examining the job listing. Use a resume scanner to automatically pick out the hard and soft skills the recruiter might search for, and then include those on your resume.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t search applications for those skills, they’ll definitely be looking for mentions of them on each resume they review.

3. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords

Some ATS will only return resumes with the exact keywords the recruiters would search for. For example, if you included “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume but the recruiter searched for “SEO,” your profile may not appear in the results. Try to include both the acronym and the unabbreviated form of the term.

Use a tool like Jobscan’s resume fixer to make sure your resume doesn’t contain mistakes that will eliminate you from consideration.

4. Use Chronological or Hybrid resume format to write your resume .

Recruiters do not like the functional resume format . Unless you’re making a career change, a functional resume is going to work against you. (And even then, we recommend you steer clear of the format for a career change resume .)

The best format for the ATS is traditional reverse chronological. You can also use chronological and hybrid resume formats as these are familiar to most recruiters.

5. Use an easy-to-read, traditional font

For readability, use a traditional serif or sans serif font. Untraditional or “fancy” fonts can cause parsing errors, which means the full text of your resume won’t be searchable.

6. Use standard resume section headings

Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” will confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly.

7. Save your file as a .docx if possible

A docx file is most compatible with ATS.

What is the best resume format for ATS?

There are three standard resume formats to choose from in your job search. They shape your first impression and determine the way recruiters and hiring managers view your fit as an applicant.

Your resume formatting can also determine how well your resume is parsed within an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how likely you are to be noticed as a result.

Regardless of the format you use, the most important thing is to use standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education. That will make it easier for the ATS to categorize the text.

How to tailor your ATS-friendly resume to a job

Tailoring your resume proves to recruiters that you’re an experienced professional. Most importantly, it shows them that you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Follow these three steps for tailoring your resume to a job description:

1. Examine the specific job description of the position

Go line by line through the job description and ask yourself these questions:

• “Does my resume experience section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
• “Am I using the same language found in the job description or job posting?”

You might find several different or missing skills and keywords in your generic resume.

2. Match skills and keywords from the job description

Mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job description is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.

The best way to show you’re the best fit for the position is to take words from the job posting and strategically put them in your job descriptions and other resume sections. A resume scanner will automatically pull out these keywords in seconds and speed up this process.

3. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters might search for people who have done the job they’re hiring, so list your job titles clearly and match the titles to the one in the job posting when possible. If you haven’t held the job before, list it under your name at the top or as part of your summary section.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to assist with human resources, recruitment, and hiring. While each system offers a different package of features, applicant tracking systems are primarily used to help hiring companies organize and navigate large numbers of applicants.

For example, an ATS stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other recruitment and hiring data that HR teams can easily access and organize. It will also track job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.

Ultimately, an ATS automates time-consuming administrative tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending notifications and emails to job candidates and employees.

Can you add graphics to your resume?

When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume , the rule is: The simpler, the better. ATS are improving at scanning different formatting features, but not all of them are good at this.

Adding graphics and images could cause ATS parsing errors , which means the text on your resume won’t be fully searchable or accurately categorized by an ATS. We recommend that job seekers err on the side of caution. Avoid graphics, images, and photos.

Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?

They can be. We talked about some formatting features to avoid on your resume – fancy graphics and non-traditional fonts. Those features can trip up an ATS, even if they’re on a Word document or Google Docs file.

However, as long as you follow the guidelines on this page, or use one of these ATS resume templates, you’ll be fine.

How to get your cover letter past the ATS?

To increase your cover letter’s chances of passing an ATS, focus on using a clean format without complex formatting, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, and ensure that your content is easy for the ATS to parse.

Consider using a tool like Jobscan’s cover letter generator to help you create an ATS-friendly cover letter. If you already have a cover letter, run it through our cover letter checker tool to get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.

More Resume Resources

Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Resume Builder

Resume Writing Guide

Score your resume and start optimizing it to get more job interviews