Writing a personal letter is quite simple; you don’t have to think much. But when it comes to ending a business letter, you must have to think not once but twice.

Every single word you are going to add in the letter matters a lot.

I already shared a post where I mentioned the most appropriate salutations and greetings for business letters. Now it’s time to learn how to end a letter. Let’s dive in.

What are the Best Closings for Business Letters?

Here are some closing words you can use without thinking twice. I know it’s a hassle to draft a letter, especially a cover letter, and then wait for more time to send it. Therefore, it’s better to know what is suitable to sign off notes and use them right away.

Sincerely

You are showing your sincere attitude through it. In almost every formal letter, whether it is a recommendation letter, cover letter, or acceptance letter, this line works like wonder.

Classic Letter Closing Example- Yours Sincerely,

Looking Forward

I use this closing line for almost every business letter. When a reader reaches the end, he reads this line and doesn’t ignore it. Nine out of 10 times, it brings a good response or if I say honestly, “a response- at least. 

You can write the following closing lines for a formal letter,

• Looking forward to your response, (when I know a person, I try writing quick or kind response)
• Looking forward to working with you, (you depict high-interest in a job or project through it)
• I look forward to meeting you, (When you are expecting a business invite or an interview call then go for it)

Regards

It shows that you have the best intentions in your heart for the person of interest. Many different versions of regards are available such as, 

• Kind regards, 
• Best regards, 
• Warm regards, - used to sign a letter to a friend or family most of the time.

Well, it is a less formal closing for a business letter. Therefore, it’s widely used for both formal and informal letters. Since you want the best of someone you are writing to, so it can be used when you are applying for a career opportunity or when you are just keeping tabs on your friends.

Thanks

Although it has been widely used as a sign off for a letter, you shouldn’t use it unless there is something you are thankful for. It shows your gratitude. 

For example, when you have sent a cover letter and resume, and you got an email with an interview appointment, then yes, it is the time to say Thanks. 

Try different variations of it, such as

• Thanks!
• Many Thanks, 
• Thanks again, (in case you have thanked him before in an email)
• Thank you for considering me. Let me know if you have any questions. (when you got an interview call email or letter)
• Thank you, 
•  

Best

One of the most effective business letter closing lines is a different version of best, such as

• All the Best!
• Best wishes, 
• Best Regards, 

It depicts that you want that letter recipient to only experience the best thing in the upcoming future in his life. When it’s your first time with the person, then try using other formal phrases for closing. 

However, when you have established a connection, then try using it since through it, you are showing a kind gesture.

How to Capitalize Closing Words of a Letter?

It’s simple when there is just one word, then capitalize the first letter such as Thanks, Best, Sincerely, etc.

However, when closing lines has more than one word, then capitalize only the first letter and keep the first letter of every other name in small caps.

Here is how:

• Yours sincerely, 
• Best regards, 
• Thanks!

How to Punctuate the Closing Words?

Don’t use a full stop, instead always end closing lines with a comma (,), and you can also use exclamation marks at the end of certain words such as Thanks ! or Best regards!

What Words Shouldn’t You Use to End a Business Letter?

It’s essential to keep everything strictly formal while writing a business letter. Some words set an informal and casual tone. Try not to use the following terms.

With Love,- It is quite clear that Love is not a word for a professional field, it offers a romantic and intimate vibe that you don’t need to throw on a professional contact. Even when you know a colleague very well, don’t go with it.

XOXO - You can use it as a closing line for a letter to your loved ones and close friends- strictly, don’t use it for business correspondence.Check simple methods to end a letter to a friend.

Hugs, - Use it as a sign off of the romantic letter

Take Care, It might sound a good closing, but it instantly set a semi-formal and friendly tone. You can use it when you are quite familiar with a letter recipient. However, avoid it when you are contacting a hiring manager or recruiter.

Cheers, - although it is common to use it in British letter writing format but try to use it only when you know the letter recipient for quite some time. 

Yours truly, understand when it is right to use this closing line

Wrap Up

Finally, you know how to end a letter formally. Try to avoid semi-formal and casual closing lines when it’s your first time. Keep it strictly professional. Also, double-check your capitalization and punctuation. After all, the first impression is the last.