To finish a job application letter, write a short closing paragraph that restates fit and asks for a clear next step, then add a professional sign-off, your typed name, and—when you are emailing or mailing files—an Enclosures or Attachments line that lists the resume and other documents. That packet-focused close is what separates application-letter endings from a generic cover letter sign-off tip.
If you need broader ending formulas, see how to end a cover letter . This guide stays on the application-letter close: ask, sign-off, and enclosure lines. For what an application letter is, see what an application letter is .
Key Takeaways
- Closing = fit restatement + next-step ask
- Sign off with Sincerely or Best regards + typed name
- Add Enclosures/Attachments for email and mail packets
- Portal uploads can skip enclosure lines if files are listed
- Keep the final paragraph to 2–4 sentences
Anatomy of a strong application-letter closing
Four layers finish the letter: final paragraph, sign-off, typed name (and contact if needed), enclosure line when attachments travel outside an ATS form.
Final paragraph job: remind the reader of the role, give one reason to act, and ask for the next step without pressure.
Sign-off job: signal professionalism. Sincerely and Best regards remain the safest defaults for US applications.
Enclosure line job: inventory what you sent so a busy coordinator can match files to your name in an inbox—not only inside Workday or Greenhouse.
Key Takeaway: Treat the close as a mini checklist, not a thank-you slogan.
Write the final paragraph: fit + next-step ask
Start with the role title so forwarded emails stay clear. Then one proof point. Then the ask.
Strong ask examples: "I would welcome the chance to discuss how my forecasting work maps to this analyst role." Or "Please let me know if I can provide a portfolio sample or references."
Weak asks demand timelines ("Call me tomorrow") or apologize ("Sorry to bother you"). Stay direct and polite.
You may include a brief thank-you in the same paragraph. Do not make gratitude the only content of the close.
More line options live in cover letter closing lines that get callbacks —adapt them to mention enclosures when relevant.
Key Takeaway: Role + proof + ask is the entire final paragraph.
Before you list "Resume" on the enclosure line, confirm that resume parses in Workday and Greenhouse. Use HireFlow's free ATS resume checker .
Check your resume freeEnclosure and attachment lines (when and how)
Use Enclosures: for mailed packets. Use Attachments: for email. List each file on the same line or as a short indented list.
Example: Attachments: Resume; Writing sample (5 pages); References upon request.
When you apply through Workday or Greenhouse, the portal already tracks uploaded files. An enclosure line is optional inside a PDF uploaded there—but still useful if the same PDF might be forwarded by email later.
Do not list documents you did not send. False enclosure lines create follow-up confusion.
Order files consistently: resume first, then letter if separate, then supporting materials.
Key Takeaway: Enclosure lines inventory the packet—especially for email and mail.
Sign-off and name block for application letters
After the final paragraph, add a blank line, then Sincerely or Best regards, then another blank line (or signature space for print), then your typed full name.
Match the name to the resume and to any Workday or Greenhouse candidate profile. Nicknames should appear the same way everywhere.
For email application letters pasted into the body, put phone and LinkedIn under the name if your email signature is minimal.
Detailed signature channel rules are in how to sign a cover letter .
Key Takeaway: Standard sign-off plus consistent typed name closes the letter cleanly.
Before/after: finishing lines that work
Compare weak endings with application-ready closes that include the ask and packet notes.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| "Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you." | "I would welcome a conversation about the Operations Analyst role; resume and process map sample are attached." |
| Ends with sign-off but no mention of attached resume | Sign-off + name, then "Attachments: Resume; Portfolio PDF" |
| "Please hire me as soon as possible." | "I am available for an interview during the weeks of May 12 and May 19." |
| Repeats three resume bullets in the last paragraph | One fit sentence + ask; leave detail on the resume enclosure |
Key Takeaway: Finish with an ask and a file inventory—not a second resume.
Finish differently for portal, email, and mail
Portal (Workday/Greenhouse): final paragraph + sign-off + typed name inside the PDF or text field. Enclosure line optional because the UI lists uploads.
Email: final paragraph in the body, sign-off, name, then Attachments line that matches the files you actually attached.
Mail: final paragraph, wet-ink signature over typed name, Enclosures line, and physical copies in the same order listed.
Internal applications sometimes use a short form essay. Still end with a next-step sentence and your name block if the field allows free text.
Key Takeaway: Same closing logic; enclosure lines matter most outside the ATS UI.
Closing checklist before you submit
- Final paragraph names the role and one fit reason.
- Include a polite next-step ask.
- Choose Sincerely or Best regards.
- Type your full name consistently with the resume.
- Add phone/email if missing from the header.
- Add Attachments/Enclosures when sending files by email or mail.
- Confirm listed files are actually attached or enclosed.
- Skim for template brackets like [Your Name].
Then submit. If the portal accepts a separate letter upload, use a clear file name such as Lastname_Firstname_ApplicationLetter.pdf.
Key Takeaway: A closing checklist prevents missing asks and phantom enclosures.
Full closing samples for email and portal letters
Email sample close: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the Customer Success Manager role and how my renewal playbooks could support your mid-market segment. Thank you for reviewing my application. Best regards, Sam Rivera. Attachments: Resume; QBR one-pager."
Workday PDF sample close: "Please consider my application for Req ID 88421, Financial Analyst. I am available for interviews the weeks of June 2 and June 9. Sincerely, Sam Rivera." Skip the attachments line if the portal already shows uploaded files.
Career-change close: "Although my recent title is teacher, the classroom data tracking and parent stakeholder work map directly to this operations coordinator role. I would appreciate a conversation about the transition. Resume and certification list enclosed."
Internship close: "I am excited to contribute to the summer product design internship and can share additional Figma files on request. Thank you for your consideration. Attachments: Resume; Portfolio PDF."
Notice how each sample names the role, states a next step or availability, and—when emailing—lists files. That pattern is the finish line for an application letter.
Avoid stacking three thank-you sentences. One thank-you plus one ask is enough for humans reading on a phone between meetings.
Key Takeaway: Steal the structure of these closes; replace every proper noun and file name with yours.
Common ways application letters fail at the finish
Leaving bracket placeholders such as [Company] in the last paragraph is an immediate credibility hit. Search the document for square brackets before you upload to Greenhouse.
Listing Enclosures: Transcript when you forgot to attach the transcript forces an awkward recruiter follow-up—or silence.
Introducing a brand-new achievement only in the last three lines confuses readers who already skimmed the body. Move new proof up into the middle paragraph instead.
Ending with "I look forward to hearing from you soon" without naming the role makes forwarded threads harder to track in shared inboxes.
Pasting a marketing email signature with unsubscribe links under your name looks odd on a formal application letter. Use a minimal name-and-phone block.
If you applied through Workday and also emailed the hiring manager, keep both closes consistent so the asks do not contradict each other on start-date availability.
Key Takeaway: Most finish errors are placeholders, phantom enclosures, or vague asks—easy to catch with one slow read.
Next step for your applications
Finish the letter, then make sure the resume on your enclosure line is ATS-ready—or get a human rewrite from $29.
Frequently asked questions
Close with one short paragraph that restates fit, states a clear next-step ask (interview, call, or review of materials), then add a standard sign-off and your typed name. If you are mailing or emailing attachments, add an Enclosures line listing resume and other files.
Application-letter closings emphasize the packet: next-step ask plus enclosure or attachment lines that list resume, transcripts, or portfolio. Cover letter endings focus more on tone and sign-off phrasing. Both need a confident final paragraph—but application letters document what you attached.
Restate the role title, one reason you fit, and a polite ask to discuss next steps. Avoid begging, repeating your entire resume, or introducing new unrelated skills in the final lines.
Yes for email and mailed packets when you send more than the letter. Write Enclosures: Resume, Portfolio PDF—or Attachments: Resume. Workday and Greenhouse file uploads often make the line optional because the portal already lists files, but it still helps email reviewers.
Sincerely or Best regards are standard. Place your typed full name underneath. Add phone and email under the name if they are not in a letterhead.
You can include a brief thank-you inside the final paragraph, but do not let it replace the next-step ask. Pair gratitude with a clear request to review your application or schedule a conversation.
Two to four sentences for the final paragraph, plus sign-off and name. Keep the whole letter to one page. Recruiters skim endings quickly.
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