Resume Email Message Practice: Closing Lines and Follow-Ups
When you send a resume email, the closing lines and follow-up messages are just as important as the opening. A weak or unclear closing can leave the reader unsure of what to do next, while a strong closing makes your next step clear and professional. This guide gives you direct, practical closing lines and follow-up phrases for resume email messages, with realistic examples, tone notes, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Closing Lines for Resume Emails?
The best closing lines for resume emails are clear, polite, and action-oriented. Use phrases like “I look forward to hearing from you,” “Thank you for your time and consideration,” or “Please let me know if you need any additional information.” For follow-ups, keep it short and respectful: “I wanted to follow up on my application submitted on [date]. Please let me know if you need anything else.” Avoid vague or overly casual closings like “Talk soon” or “Cheers.”
Why Closing Lines Matter in Resume Emails
The closing of your resume email is your last chance to make a good impression. It shows the reader that you are professional, organized, and respectful of their time. A well-written closing also makes it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step, whether that is scheduling an interview, reviewing your attached documents, or contacting you for more information. Without a clear closing, your email may feel incomplete or confusing.
Formal vs. Informal Closing Lines
Your choice of closing line depends on the tone of the email and the company culture. Here is a quick comparison:
| Context | Formal Closing | Informal Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Job application email | “Thank you for your time and consideration.” | “Thanks for considering me.” |
| Follow-up email | “I appreciate your attention to this matter.” | “Just checking in on my application.” |
| Thank-you email after interview | “I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with you.” | “Thanks again for the chat.” |
| Request for feedback | “I would be grateful for any feedback you can provide.” | “Let me know what you think.” |
When to Use Formal Closings
Use formal closings when you are applying to a traditional company, a government job, or a position where professionalism is key. Formal closings show respect and attention to detail.
When to Use Informal Closings
Informal closings are acceptable when you have already had a conversation with the hiring manager, or when the company culture is clearly casual (for example, a startup or creative agency). Even then, keep it polite and avoid slang.
Natural Examples of Closing Lines
Here are natural, realistic examples you can adapt for your own resume emails:
Example 1: Job Application Email Closing
“Thank you for reviewing my application. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Example 2: Follow-Up Email Closing
“I wanted to follow up on my application for the Marketing Coordinator position, which I submitted on March 10. I remain very interested in the role and would be happy to provide any further details. Thank you for your time.”
Example 3: Thank-You Email After Interview
“Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the Software Developer position. I enjoyed learning more about your team and the projects you are working on. Please feel free to contact me if you have any follow-up questions.”
Example 4: Request for Update
“I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if there are any updates on my application for the Customer Service Representative role. I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity. Thank you for your time.”
Common Mistakes in Closing Lines and Follow-Ups
Many English learners make these mistakes when writing closing lines. Avoid them to keep your email professional:
- Being too vague: “Let me know” without specifying what you want the reader to do. Instead, say “Please let me know if you need any additional documents.”
- Using overly casual language: “Talk soon” or “Catch you later” can sound too informal for a job application. Stick with “I look forward to hearing from you.”
- Forgetting to include your contact information: Always include your phone number or email in the closing, especially if it is your first email to this person.
- Being too pushy: “I expect to hear back soon” sounds demanding. Use “I would appreciate any update you can provide” instead.
- Not proofreading: A typo in the closing line can make you look careless. Always double-check your email before sending.
Better Alternatives for Common Closing Phrases
Here are some common closing phrases and better alternatives to use:
| Common Phrase | Better Alternative | Why It Is Better |
|---|---|---|
| “Let me know.” | “Please let me know if you need any additional information.” | More specific and polite. |
| “Thanks.” | “Thank you for your time and consideration.” | More formal and complete. |
| “Hope to hear from you soon.” | “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.” | More professional and respectful of the reader’s schedule. |
| “Talk later.” | “I look forward to our next conversation.” | More appropriate for a professional context. |
How to Write a Follow-Up Email
Follow-up emails are common in the job application process. They show that you are interested and proactive. Here is a simple structure:
- Subject line: Keep it clear, like “Follow-Up on Application for [Position Name]” or “Checking In on My Application.”
- Opening: Remind the reader who you are and when you applied. Example: “I am writing to follow up on my application for the Graphic Designer position, which I submitted on April 5.”
- Body: Express continued interest and offer to provide more information. Example: “I remain very interested in this role and would be happy to provide any additional materials.”
- Closing: Thank the reader and include your contact information. Example: “Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].”
When to Send a Follow-Up Email
Wait at least one week after submitting your application or after an interview before sending a follow-up. If the job posting says “no follow-ups,” respect that instruction.
What to Avoid in Follow-Up Emails
Do not send multiple follow-up emails in a short time. One follow-up is usually enough. Also, avoid complaining about not hearing back or demanding an immediate response.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers, then check the suggested answers below.
Question 1
You are applying for a job at a law firm. Which closing line is most appropriate?
A) “Thanks, talk later.”
B) “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.”
C) “Let me know if you need anything.”
Question 2
You sent a job application two weeks ago and have not heard back. What is the best way to start your follow-up email?
A) “Hey, did you get my application?”
B) “I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Position Name] role, which I submitted on [date].”
C) “Why haven’t you replied yet?”
Question 3
You just had an interview. What should you include in your thank-you email closing?
A) “Thanks for the chat. Talk soon.”
B) “Thank you again for the opportunity. Please let me know if you have any further questions.”
C) “I hope you liked me.”
Question 4
Which of these is a common mistake in closing lines?
A) Including your contact information.
B) Being too vague about the next step.
C) Using a polite tone.
Answers
Answer 1: B. This is formal and appropriate for a law firm.
Answer 2: B. This is clear, professional, and reminds the reader of your application.
Answer 3: B. This is polite and leaves the door open for further communication.
Answer 4: B. Being vague can confuse the reader about what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I always include a closing line in my resume email?
Yes. A closing line is essential because it ends your email politely and tells the reader what to do next. Even a simple “Thank you for your time” is better than no closing at all.
2. How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email?
Wait at least one week after submitting your application or after an interview. If the job posting specifies a timeline, follow that instead. Sending a follow-up too soon can seem impatient.
3. Can I use the same closing line for every resume email?
You can use a similar structure, but it is better to tailor your closing to the specific situation. For example, a thank-you email after an interview should mention the interview, while a follow-up email should reference your application date.
4. What should I do if I do not get a reply after my follow-up?
If you do not get a reply after one follow-up, it is usually best to move on. Sending more than one follow-up can be seen as pushy. Focus on other opportunities instead.
Final Tips for Closing Lines and Follow-Ups
Writing effective closing lines and follow-ups takes practice, but it is a skill you can improve. Always keep your tone polite and professional, be specific about what you want the reader to do, and proofread your email before sending. For more help with resume email messages, explore our Resume Email Message Starters and Resume Email Message Polite Requests sections. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.
