Much of our communication is electronic, so it’s critical to know how to end an email. We’ll share what to say (and what not to say) in your digital correspondence. That way, your emails always impress your recipients and encourage them to take prompt action on your inquiry.
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Why Does It Matter How You End An Email?
The way you end an email matters because it can determine how your recipient perceives you and what action they’ll take (if any) after reading your message. So, if you want to be thought of as professional and respectful, your email closing must demonstrate that you are. And, if you want your reader to do something for you, your ending must compel them to get started.
Pro Tip: Treat your emails like in-person conversations. You offer closing remarks and say goodbye when you speak to someone live, so why wouldn’t you do it in an email?
How To End An Email
Your email closing should include several elements. Let’s dive into each one.
Final Remarks
The last lines of your email should express gratitude to the reader for their time and remind them of the point of your message. For example, if you need your direct report to contribute information to a presentation by the end of the week, your final remarks could be something like this:
“Thank you so much for all of your help on this project. We’re in the home stretch, and I look forward to reviewing your latest contributions on Friday morning.”
Full Name
Including your full name helps your reader remember who you are — especially if you have a common first name. Once you’ve corresponded with someone for a while, it may be appropriate to omit your last name. But, remember: your message could get forwarded to someone else who doesn’t know you, so it’s generally best to use your full name regardless.
Title
Your title identifies what you do and helps your recipient place you in the organization. Since your title will likely change throughout your career, you should always include it — even in emails to people you know.
Pro Tip: You should also include the company you work for beside or under your title. That way, people from outside of your organization know where you work.
Contact Information
Your reader needs to know how to reach you if they want to follow up outside of email. At a minimum, you should include your work phone number. In addition, consider sharing other relevant information, like a secondary email address or the URL to your LinkedIn profile or company website.
Professional Email Closing Examples
It’s generally best to end your work-related messages with professional email closings. Some examples include:
- Sincerely,
- Best,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- With gratitude,
- Thank you,
- Respectfully,
These phrases are formal and classic. They never go out of style, so feel free to use them in any email correspondence.
Semi-Professional Email Closing Examples
If you’ve got a good rapport with your email recipient, you could use semi-professional closings, like:
- Many thanks,
- Have a great day,
- Thanks in advance,
- Cheers,
- Warmly,
- Yours truly,
- Thanks for your consideration,
These phrases suggest that you and your reader are on friendly terms. As a best practice, wait for them to use these more casual closings first, so you know they are comfortable with them. And, remember: when in doubt, use one of the professional endings.
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Email Closings To Avoid Examples
There are ways you should never end a work-related email — no matter how well you know the recipient. Emails closings you should avoid include:
- Your friend,
- See you later,
- Love,
- Peace,
- Hugs,
- XOXO,
These phrases are too informal for the office and should be reserved for personal emails to family and friends.
Examples Of How To End An Email
Let’s tie everything together with a few examples of how to end an email:
Professional #1:
Thank you,
Bob Hope
Entertainer, Bob Hope Enterprises
111-111-1111
Professional #2:
Best regards,
Susie Queue
President
CCR Industries
222-222-2222
Semi-Professional #1:
Thanks in advance,
Davy Crocket-Jones
Software Developer
We Make Cool Apps, LLC
333-333-3333
Semi-Professional #2:
Have a great day,
Sarah Lee
Sr. Graphic Designer, Stunning Graphics, Inc.
444-444-4444
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the worst way to end an email?
The worst way to end an email is to forget to write an ending! Runners up for the worst closing include phrases that are too informal or that feature slang, such as “Later,” “Love,” or “Thx.”
What are some creative ways of ending an email?
Creative ways to end an email include “Cheers,” “Warmly,” or “With thanks.” Remember, your closing should reflect your relationship with the email recipient.
How to end an email sincerely?
You can end an email sincerely with phrases like “Sincerely,” “Sincerely yours,” “Regards,” or “Best Regards.”
How to respectfully end an email?
You can respectfully end an email with phrases like “Kind Regards,” “Regards,” “Best,” or “Sincerely.”
The Bottom Line
Now that you know how to end an email, you can confidently write work-related correspondence. You can also apply this new skill to the cover letters and emails you write during your next job search.
If you need a little help crafting the perfect cover letter and resume, check out the best resume writing service. And visit ZipRecruiter to search and apply for your dream job.
