Introduction
Ending a professional email may seem simple, but it can be tricky to navigate the nuances of business communication. Your email closing is often the last impression you’ll leave on the recipient, and it can impact how the message is received. In this article, we’ll explore the most common ways to end a professional email and provide tips for choosing the right closing for any situation.
“Sincerely”
The most common way to end a professional email is with “Sincerely.” This closing is appropriate for formal communication, such as when sending a job application or other important business-related messages. “Sincerely” is a safe and conservative choice that can be used in just about any context.
Example:
Dear John,
I hope this email finds you doing well. Thank you for your time on the phone earlier today, and I appreciate your help with this matter. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you further.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
“Best regards”
“Best regards” is another common way to end a professional email. It is a bit more relaxed than “Sincerely,” but still polite and respectful. This closing is suitable for messages that are somewhat formal but not overly serious, such as when reaching out to a colleague or business acquaintance you have a good rapport with.
Example:
Dear David,
Thank you for your recent email. I appreciate your insights and am grateful for your thoughtful comments. I look forward to continuing our conversation and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Best regards,
Susan Smith
“Thank you”
While “Thank you” is not typically used to close an email, it can be a great option for messages where you want to express gratitude or appreciation. It’s a warm and friendly way to end an email and can help build good relations with the recipient.
Here are some tips for using “Thank you” as an email closing:
- Only use “Thank you” if you’ve actually expressed gratitude or appreciation in the body of the email.
- If you’re asking for a favor, consider using “Thank you in advance” to show that you appreciate the recipient’s help.
- Use “Thank you” sparingly, as it can lose its impact if overused.
Example:
Dear Emily,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Your insights were invaluable, and I’m grateful for your generous support. I look forward to implementing some of your suggestions and will keep you posted on my progress.
Warm regards,
Michael Chen
“Yours truly”
“Yours truly” is a formal and respectful way to end an email. It’s often used in more formal communication, such as when sending a business letter or corporate communication. This closing conveys professionalism and respect for the recipient and is appropriate in situations where you want to maintain a high level of formality.
Examples:
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Thank you for your recent email regarding the proposal. I appreciate your feedback and look forward to discussing the matter further. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist you.
Yours truly,
Sarah Lee
“Cheers”
“Cheers” is a friendly and casual way to end an email. It’s typically used in informal communication among colleagues or business associates you have a relaxed relationship with. “Cheers” is a closing that conveys a sense of warmth and good wishes, and it can help build rapport with the recipient.
Example:
Dear Kim,
Thanks for your help on the project. It was great working with you, and I enjoyed collaborating with such a talented team. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon.
Cheers,
Tommy Nguyen
“Looking forward to hearing from you”
“Looking forward to hearing from you” is a common way to close an email when you’re requesting a response from the recipient. It’s an effective way to convey a sense of anticipation and can help encourage timely responses.
Example:
Dear Maria,
I hope this message finds you doing well. I’m writing to follow up on the proposal I sent you last week. I’m eager to discuss the matter further and would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Steven Kim
Conclusion
There are many different ways to end a professional email, each with a unique tone and purpose. Whether you want to convey respect, gratitude, warmth, or anticipation, there’s a closing that can help you achieve your goals. When choosing a closing for your email, it’s important to consider the context, audience, and intended tone of your message. By doing so, you can create a lasting and positive impression with your recipient.
