Which polite closing should you use at the end of a letter? Copy-and-paste examples

Polite closings for cover letters and job applications

A cover letter is still the situation where your final line matters most, because it’s the last impression you leave with the recruiter before a potential interview. Here are the best closings to use depending on your situation.

Polite closings for a speculative application

Choose a closing that shows availability without sounding pushy:

• “Yours sincerely,”
• “Yours faithfully,”
• “I remain at your disposal for an interview and thank you for your consideration. Yours sincerely,”
• “Hoping my application will receive your attention, I send you my kind regards.”

Polite closings when replying to a job posting

Here, the company expects a profile that matches its criteria. These closings convey professionalism without overdoing it:

• “Thank you for considering my application. I remain available to discuss further.”
• “I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely,”
• “Thank you in advance for your consideration. Yours sincerely,”
• “I remain at your disposal for an interview. Yours sincerely,”

Polite closings for internal applications

Your relationship with the recipient changes everything: you may already know the person who will read your application. A slightly less formal tone can be acceptable:

• “Kind regards,” for a manager you already know.
• “I’m available to discuss this further. Best regards,”
• “Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you need any additional information.”
• Always finish with a full signature, including your name and contact details.

Tip: avoid stacking two politeness phrases in the same sentence (e.g., combining “sincerely” and “respectfully”). One is enough and it’s stronger when it stays simple.

Some closings can work against you. Avoid:

• “BR,” or overly casual sign-offs for a first contact.
• “I look forward to a quick reply,” which can sound demanding.
• Overly old-fashioned, pompous formulas.
• “Hi” / “See you” style endings, too casual.
• An overly long conclusion that repeats the whole letter.

Polite closings for professional emails

Professional emails follow different conventions than paper letters: they’re shorter and more direct, but they still require the same level of courtesy toward your recipient and the quality of your professional communication.

For a manager or a client

With a manager or an important client, these closings show respect without excessive deference:

• “Yours sincerely,”
• “With kind regards,”
• “Kind regards,” for an ongoing relationship with a regular client.
• “I remain at your disposal. Best regards,”

For a colleague or a partner

Between colleagues, a lighter register works very well while still keeping your email polished:

• “Have a great day,” / “Have a nice day,”
• “See you soon,” for a partner you meet regularly.
• “Kind regards,” (a classic, suitable in most situations).
• “Best,” for a close colleague (never for a first contact).

For an administrative or institutional email

Administrative correspondence tends to be more formal than everyday professional emails:

• “Yours faithfully,” for a public administration.
• “Yours sincerely,” for highly formal exchanges.
• “With kind regards,” for regulated professions, depending on context.

Note: many French professionals still consider an email without a closing to be impolite. Don’t assume it’s optional, even in a short exchange.

Polite closings in a personal context

Personal correspondence doesn’t follow the same rules as professional writing, but courtesy still matters for formal occasions, with a closing that feels sincere.

For a formal personal letter (invitation, formal thank-you)

• “Yours sincerely,”
• “With all my best wishes,”

For life events (wedding, birth, bereavement)

• “With all our love,” for a wedding or birth announcement.
• “Please accept my sincere condolences,” for a condolence message.
• “Wishing you every happiness,” for a wedding.

Friendly sign-offs

• “See you soon,”
• “Take care,”
• “Best wishes,”
• Kisses/hugs style endings are fine between close friends, but never in a professional context.

Polite closings in English

Writing in English should never be a word-for-word translation of a French formula, or you risk an awkward calque. It’s better to use the conventions of the target language.

Formal closings in English

• “Yours sincerely,” when you know the recipient’s name.
• “Yours faithfully,” when you start with “Dear Sir or Madam,”.
• “Best regards,” for a standard professional email, including with an international client.
• “Kind regards,” slightly warmer than “Best regards,” for an ongoing exchange.

Informal closings in English

• “Best” or “Cheers” between close colleagues in relaxed cultures.
• “Take care,” for a friendly sign-off.
• “Talk soon,” to signal a next exchange.

And what greeting should you use to start an email or a letter?

For an unknown recipient, in both letters and emails:

• “Dear Sir or Madam,” is the safe choice when you don’t know the name.
• “Dear Ms [Name]” or “Dear Mr [Name]” if you have identified the person.
• “Hello,” or “Hello Ms [Name],” for a more direct email, when the recipient is already known.
• “Dear [First name],” only if you know the person well.

Once the greeting is set, the first sentence should introduce your request politely, without unnecessary small talk. Here are some examples by context:

• “I’m writing to you regarding…” (a versatile first-contact line).
• “Following your advertisement dated [date], I would like to submit my application.”
• “I am applying for the position of [job title] that you posted on [source].”
• “Thank you for your message dated [date].”
• “I’m following up regarding…” (a gentle reminder).
• “I am writing to inform you about…” (for requests/administrative issues).
• “I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out regarding…” (for a recipient you already know).

Tip: avoid jumping straight to the point with no transition, even in a short email. A brief introductory line shows you’re taking the time to address your recipient properly.

Polite closings to avoid

Some turns of phrase can undermine an otherwise well-written message.

Overly casual closings

• “Kisses” / “Hugs”: never in a professional context.
• “See ya”: too relaxed.

Old-fashioned or pompous closings

• Overly ceremonial formulas.
• “I remain, with my deepest respect…” (rarely appropriate).

Ambiguous or unclear closings

• Mixed or inconsistent formality.
• Awkward literal translations of French formulas.

How to choose the right polite closing : 6 key tips

To choose the right closing every time and finish strongly, follow this six-step method:

1. Analyze your recipient: a recruiter, a professor, or a friend won’t expect the same register, your relationship guides the choice.
2. Define the context: first contact, ongoing exchange, or reply after an offer, each situation calls for nuance.
3. Adjust the level of formality: the greater the hierarchy or social distance, the more formal your closing should be.
4. Check consistency with the rest of the message: a casual email shouldn’t end with a very formal closing.
5. Be concise and clear: a short, well-chosen closing is better than a long-winded sentence.
6. Proofread carefully: a mistake in your signature or conclusion can harm the impression you leave.

You can download the list of polite closings here:

Examples of formulas of politeness by context

To go further on French writing conventions, the Office québécois de la langue française offers a reference guide. To improve spelling and written expression more broadly, Projet Voltaire provides resources dedicated to professional emails.