best way to sign a cover letter

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How to Sign a Cover Letter (With Examples)

• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

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With so many applicants competing for the same job, you want to make sure every element of your application leaves the right impression .

Regardless of your letter’s contents, an improper closing section conveys a sense of unprofessionalism and ruins the entire application.

This article will show you exactly how to sign and end your cover letter professionally — so you leave a positive impression rather than a negative one.

Key Takeaways:

The end of your cover letter is what will create your final impression, so it’s important to summarize what makes you a good fit for the job, convey confidence, and thank the reader .

Avoid more casual phrases and avoid using exclamation points; express excitement about the job without slipping into less formal prose.

To be as professional as possible, you might want to physically sign your cover letter if you’re giving someone a hard copy, or use a digital signature for an electronic submission.

How to End a Cover Letter

Examples of how to end a cover letter, examples of how not to end a cover letter, does your cover letter need a written signature, how to sign an uploaded or printed cover letter, cover letter signature examples, how to sign an emailed cover letter, signature examples for emailed documents, final thoughts.

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Your cover letter should maintain a professional and formal tone throughout. This is especially true for the closing, as it’s the section that leaves a final impression on the reader.

“Formal” doesn’t require that you’re robotic and cold. Feel free to be friendly or positive, but always avoid casual language. Don’t use “thanks” or “cheers”, and avoid acronyms.

Every effective cover letter closing accomplishes three goals:

Summarizes your strengths. Sum up the relevant skills and qualifications you’ve mentioned and explain how you can bring value to the company.

Shows confidence and initiative. A generic cover letter closing such as “I look forward to your reply” will be read as nothing more than an empty courtesy.

Stand-out and convey a more action-oriented tone, with a line such as : “I look forward to discussing with you how my skills can create value and solutions for the team.”

Thank the reader. Be sure to show appreciation and offer thanks to the reader for their time and consideration.

As always, remain professional rather than casual. Avoid phrases such as “Cheers” or “Yours.”

While reading the following examples, note how they achieve the three goals:

Summarizes strengths

Conveys initiative and confidence

Thanks the reader

“I believe my six years of experience as a marketing specialist , specifically in the food industry, will be a perfect match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team. Thank you for considering my application.”

“With my extensive software engineering experience, I believe I can develop effective technical solutions for your firm. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss with you how my qualifications can contribute to the team’s success. Thank you for your time.”

“With my eight years of experience as managing director of similar projects, I am confident I can provide insight and value towards your firm’s goals. I would love the chance to speak with you on the position and what skills I could bring. Thank you for your consideration.”

“I am fascinated by your firm’s approach to creating effective user experiences. I would be delighted to discuss with you how I could leverage my ten years of UX experience to upgrade your solutions even further. Thank you for considering my application.”

“I look forward to any chance to speak about the position and what I can bring to the firm. I believe my personal values and extensive experience in the medical research field would make me a great fit for your organization. I appreciate your time and consideration.”

See if you can spot the more subtle errors in the next few examples.

“I believe my eight years of experience as a commercial trucker , especially in long-haul, will be a great match for this role. I look forward to speaking with you on how my skills can bring value to the team.”

“I look forward to an opportunity to discuss with you the position. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.”

“With my two years of experience as a sales representative , I am confident I can provide the necessary qualifications and skills. Thank you for considering my application.”

While they thanked the reader and summarized their abilities, the writer offered no call to action for the reader to follow-up with them.

It’s commonly asked if it’s really required to end cover letters with a handwritten signature. The answer is it depends on your letter’s format.

Cover letters written on paper should always include a handwritten signature. Doing so is considered proper business etiquette, and forgetting to do so will be seen as unprofessional by recruiters .

Even if the particular reader of your letter doesn’t care, it’s smart to err on the side of caution.

For cover letters delivered through email, a signature isn’t required. However, there’s no harm in creating an electronic signature to add a touch of professionalism.

Keep reading to see exactly how you should sign both an emailed and printed cover letter.

The formal rules for how to write a cover letter may seem numerous and pointless, but it’s important to follow them to avoid standing out as unprofessional amongst other applicants following them.

Most cover letters are emailed these days. However, you might find yourself needing to upload or mail a printer cover letter and wonder how to sign it.

In these cases, a handwritten signature would be included between the sign-off and your printed full name. Keep this in mind when you’re typing it out so you remember to leave enough room.

Your signature should always be written in black ink. The sign-off should always use professional language. Use the same font as the rest of your cover letter and avoid using italics. Consider the following choices:

“Sincerely,”

“Sincerely Yours,”

“Best Regards,”

“Most Sincerely,”

Avoid casual sign-offs such as:

[Your Name]

There is never really any reason to use a sign-off other than the proper four listed above. Just as is the case for greetings such as ” Dear Hiring Manager ” or “ Dear Sir Or Madam ,” using uncommon sign-offs just isn’t worth the risk.

The cover letter should be formatted single-spaced throughout, with an additional space between sections. This includes between your closing paragraph and sign-off. If your contact details are not written in the header, include them after your name.

Here we’ll provide you both a template and a visual example to help you sign your own printed cover letter. Note the spacing used in these examples.

Template Example:

“….thank you for considering my application.” [Sincerely, Best Regards] [Written signature in black ink] [Your full name (typed)] [Your e-mail address] [Tel:(including country/area code)]

Visual Example:

“…thank you for considering my application.” Sincerely, Alex Loizos [email protected] (555) 333 2222

Emailed cover letters do not need a handwritten signature. However, doing so adds a touch of professionalism and won’t hurt your letter.

An emailed letter with a signature looks the exact same as a printed one, except that your signature would be created electronically. Look up how to generate an electronic signature for whatever email service you use.

If you choose to not include a signature, then the rest of the sign-off stays the same. Same single-spacing, with consistent font and no italics.

Visual Example #1:

Visual Example #2:

“…thank you for your time.” Best Regards, Stacy Smith [email protected] (321) 412 2552

The importance of sending a well-written cover letter is underrated. Even with an impressive resume , hiring managers know you as nothing more than a name on a paper and a list of achievements.

Cover letters convey two things that resumes alone cannot: professionalism and initiative.

A discussion of your qualifications and achievements in your letter, followed by an offer for further discussion, is what will lead the recruiter to pick up the phone.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Sign a Cover Letter

When  writing a resume cover letter , you should focus on each aspect. One of these key aspects is the conclusion of your cover letter. A good ending to a cover letter includes a proper  cover letter signature . How you  sign off your cover letter  is crucial as it will either leave the prospective employer with a positive,  professional first impression .

Choosing  how to sign off a cover letter  the right way depends on a few factors, such as the  cover letter format  of your email. However, in general, it’s better to remain  formal and professional . You can be positive and even friendly, but  avoid casual language  such as “thanks”, “cheers”, or “take care”.

If you get it wrong by  making a small mistake  or by using inappropriate language in your  cover letter ending , you risk leaving the wrong impression on the hiring manager. As employers receive  so many applications for each position , this can be enough for yours to be discounted.

The  signature on your cover letter  is a crucial part of your cover letter that you need to nail. Ensure you  sign your cover letter the right way  and leave the hiring manager with a fantastic impression. Check out the information below to ensure you know how to  conclude your cover letter in the best way possible .

How to sign a cover letter when emailing

Emailing job applications, including cover letters and resumes, is the new normal. Regarding the conclusion of your cover letter, you may be asking yourself, “do I need to sign a cover letter that is  submitted electronically ?”

You need to  have the proper sign-off  when you conclude your cover letter, even by email.

It’s essential to know how and  where to sign a cover letter  if you are emailing it to a hiring manager. Use a  professional sign-off  (such as sincerely, sincerely yours, best regards, or most sincerely) at the end of the letter, followed by your full name written underneath. Doing so makes your  cover letter  and job application that much more effective.

If you’re emailing a  cover letter with a signature  you should use a  professional sign off  (such as sincerely, sincerely yours, best regards or most sincerely) followed by your  full name written underneath .

You don’t need to sign the letter by hand when  signing a cover letter electronically . Also  avoid using italics  or an alternative font as this can look childish. Just write your full name in the  same font as the rest of the letter .

It’s also essential to clearly  include your contact details  when you  sign off a resume cover letter . It would be a tragedy if you  nailed your cover letter , spent time tailoring your resume using a   resume builder , and then the employer  didn’t know how to contact you .

An easy, time-effective way of doing this is by  setting up an email signature . You should include your name, telephone number, email address and a link to your  LinkedIn profile  (and any other useful links which may help your application).

Closing signature examples

Here are some examples of  how to sign a cover letter electronically . The first example contains the very least you should include (name, email address, and phone number). The third is the ideal example of  how to sign a cover letter via email .

Sincerely yours,

Mary Washington [email protected] 70997654

Best regards,

Mary Washington 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Portland, Oregon, 97035. [email protected] 70997654

Mary Washington 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Portland, Oregon, 97035. [email protected] 70997654 www.linkedin.com/marywashington www.personalwebsite.com

Examples of Bad Signatures on Cover Letters

Including  this part of a cover letter is essential , and doing it well can give your chances of being hired a serious boost. However, there are things you should avoid writing in your cover letter signature. In a cover letter, you as an applicant have a chance to show off some of your personality, but that  does not mean you can be too casual .

Here are some  examples of words you should avoid writing  when you are signing off your cover letter:

• Best wishes
• Take it easy
• Affectionately

It is also a good idea to not use abbreviations of words, such as “thx”. Also, erase any messages that are automatically included by your cell phone. Delete messages such as “Sent from my x phone” before sending.

How to sign a paper cover letter

Though it is  becoming less common , you may need to either  mail a cover letter  or upload one to a website. In these cases, you should leave enough space between the sign-off and your full name to  include a handwritten signature . After printing your cover letter, you should sign your name  using black ink .

For  written cover letters , you should use a formal business  cover letter format  which  includes your contact details  and those of the employer at the top of the page, as well as a  heading and salutation . As you include your contact details at the top, there is  no need to include them  with your signature as you would in an email.

Though the  importance of signing a cover letter  shouldn’t be underestimated,  how to end a cover letter  is only one part of your application. Read more  cover letter advice  for information on  writing the other parts of your cover letter  and also spend time researching  how to write a resume . Using  resume templates  is an effective way of  producing professional-looking results  quickly.

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How To End a Cover Letter (With Closing Examples)

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Closings not to use, how to sign a cover letter, set up an email signature, more cover letter writing tips.

Hugo Lin / The Balance

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your letter in as professional a manner as possible. End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature.

As with any job-related correspondence, it's best to opt for a more formal language and tone—a cover letter is no place for "XOXO," “Cheers,” or even a casual "take care" as a closer.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence, such as thank-you notes and/or emails to schedule interviews or pass along references.

• Sincerely yours
• Best regards
• With best regards
• Kind regards
• Yours truly
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully
• Respectfully yours
• Thank you for your consideration

A cover letter is a formal correspondence, so it's important not to be too casual or friendly when writing it. Here are some letter closings that are fine to use when emailing or writing to a friend, but are not appropriate to use in a cover letter. 

• Affectionately
• Best wishes
• Eagerly waiting for a response
• Warm regards
• Warmest regards
• Take it easy
• Have a great day
• Have a nice day
• Yours faithfully
• Abbreviations (Thx or any other abbreviated word isn't appropriate)
• Any emoticon (no smiley faces)
• Sent from my phone (if your phone automatically includes it, you can remove it in the settings)

For a printed letter, follow the closing with a comma. Then, on a new line, put your name. Leave a space above your typed name for your written signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

If you're sending an email, you can add your contact information below your name. For example:

Best regards,

Your Name Your Email Address Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL

Whichever sign-off you choose, make sure always to capitalize its first letter.

To simplify, you can set up an email signature that includes your contact information.

An email signature will make it easy for correspondents to readily see how to get in touch and saves you the time of typing the information repeatedly.

Use a Professional Email Account

It’s a wise idea, when conducting a job search, to set up an email account (and accompanying address) dedicated. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t miss emails from potential employers who might be interested in interviewing you. It also will allow you to provide a professional-sounding email address on your resume and cover letter. This email address should be comprised simply of your name (examples: “John.T.Smith@gmail.com or marjoriejones@email.com).

Too often, job candidates use their personal email accounts to apply for jobs, often using “cute” email names such as “Crafty_catlady@yahoo.com” or OrcWarrior100@gmail.com.” This casual practice often raises hiring managers, eyebrows, raising red flags about whether a candidate is a serious, qualified applicant for the job to which they are applying.

It’s better to err on the side of safety and separate your professional and personal email accounts.

What To Include in Your Signature

In your signature, include your email address and phone number. You can add your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easy for your recipients to view your skills, accomplishments, educational background, and work history. Depending on your field, you may also want to include a link to your Twitter account; if you do so, make sure that your account is professional and appropriate for viewing by potential employers. 

Find out how to set up a professional email signature, including formatting style and links to help you save a signature in your preferred email program.

Cover letters, whether submitted through email or traditional mail channels, are always the first impression you provide a potential employer. Make sure that this impression is a good one by following the “best practices” outlined in these links so that your cover letter shines.

Having an appropriate close is just one of the many steps required to craft a winning cover letter.

Review how to write a cover letter , including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, typical cover letter formats, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

How to Sign a Cover Letter: Paper vs Digital

In This Guide:

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter

What to include in your cover letter signature

How to sign a cover letter when emailing

How to sign a paper cover letter

How to sign a cover letter when it is an attached file

When it comes to your cover letter, you usually have just one chance to make a good first impression.

That’s why you would want to make it all perfect.

You might think that your signature is not important, and it wouldn’t matter what you put there, but you can not be more wrong.§

As employers receive hundreds of resumes for every open job position they have, even the smallest detail might be used against you for the purpose of pre-selection.

So, how to perfect your cover letter signature?

Well, that depends greatly on the method you choose for sending your cover letter. So we are going to explore the 3 cases:

• Signing your email cover letter
• Signing your hard copy cover letter
• Signing your uploaded cover letter

And as we go along, we are going to give you examples for each method .

If you have some doubts about your overall cover letter performance, that would be a good time to learn how to tell a story with your cover letter and build your perfect cover letter .

But if you are ready to dive into the details of your cover letter signature, stick around.

Do you need to hand sign your cover letter?

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Every cover letter needs some kind of sign-off with at least a closing phrase and your names.

But apart from that, a hand signature inserted into your cover letter is entirely up to you.

If you are emailing your cover letter, your potential employer would not be expecting a hand signature. However, if you are mailing a physical cover letter, or uploading it, hand signing your cover letter can be a nice touch.

What to include in your cover letter signature?

What you include in your cover letter signature depends on the method you use for sending it over to your potential employer.

However, every cover letter signature should include a closing phrase and your names.

From this point forward, you can include a handwritten signature, or your contact information, depending on the type of cover letter you are sending.

If you have chosen to email your cover letter, it is nice to include your contact information just after your names, but you usually don’t need a handwritten signature.

And if you decide to mail a hard copy of your cover letter, it is a charming touch to include a handwritten signature, but don’t really need the contact information, as it would only clutter the page.

How to sign a cover letter when emailing?

When emailing your cover letter to a potential employer, it is essential for you to list your contact information in the bottom of your email .

At the very least, a hiring manager should be able to find your name, email address, and phone number, but you can also include an address, LinkedIn profile , or a portfolio.

Your contact information is so essential because the hiring manager would need to be able to easily contact you.

It would be a shame if you nailed your cover letter, and build a perfect resume , and the hiring manager has no way to contact you for an interview.

If you want to really nail it, you need to make sure you are sticking to the same font throughout, and not use anything too special in your signature, as it might come across as childish.

Last but not least, send out your cover letter using a professional email address. That does not mean that you need to use your work email address, as that would be a huge mistake.

To get the best result, use a free online email service like Gmail, and set up your email in the format [email protected] .

Just to make things easier on your part, here is how your email signature should look like:

[email protected]

(555) 555-5555

And if you want to add in some additional contacts, you can do so by listing them below these like this:

Sincerely, John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 https://linkedin.com/in/john-doe

How to sign a paper cover letter?

When it comes to a hard copy of your cover letter, you no longer need to list the contact information in your signature. In most cases, both your contact information and that of the employer is listed at the top of the page.

Here, just like in any other cover letter sign-off, you need to add a closing phrase and your names.

What you can add here as a nice touch is including a handwritten signature.

Typically, you would want it to be positioned between the closing phrase and your full name, so make sure you leave enough space between the two for you to sign it after you print it out.

And here is how your paper cover letter sign-off should look like:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here) Jane Doe

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space.

When you have decided to attach your cover letter to your email, or upload it to a job site, you can only type in a closing phrase and your names, and that would be perfectly fine for a signature.

However, a handwritten signature might really make some good impression on the hiring manager.

If you decide to go for it, you have two options:

• Print out your cover letter with a structure for a hard copy, sign it and then scan it, and you are ready to upload it
• You can sign on a blank piece of paper and scan it, and then insert it into your cover letter digital file

Either way, it would make a good impression.

Just make sure you leave enough blank space for a signature if you go for it.

If you decide to go for the basic version of your cover letter signature, you just need that:

Sincerely, Jane Doe

But if you are determined to add in your handwritten signature, make sure you go for that:

Sincerely, (leave enough white space here)

So that when you print it out, you can add in your signature in the blank space. And from that point forward, you only need to scan it, and you are ready to go.

We are all done, now you know how to get the best out of your cover letter signature.

Let’s go through the most important points once again:

• If you are emailing your cover letter, make sure you list your essential contact information in your email signature, so that it would be easy for the hiring manager to contact you
• If you are sending out a hard copy of your cover letter, you don’t need to list your contact information in the signature, but it is a nice touch to include a handwritten signature
• When you are attaching your cover letter to an email, or uploading it to a website, you can go with the basics – closing phrase and your names, but it is again a nice touch to add your scanned signature to the document

Now upgrade your cover letter signature, and perfect your application documents to get your dream job.

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How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to 

start your cover letter

 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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Touro University Career Blog

Top 5 tips for creating a winning cover letter.

• April 17, 2024 April 17, 2024

Cover letters c an be a powerful way to add a compelling narrative about your skills to your job application, but like all things career-related, they need to be done effectively.

A cover letter should never be an afterthought. The goal is for your cover letter to enhance your chances of getting an interview, but when done incorrectly, they have the exact opposite effect! 

Here are the top 5 tips for creating a winning cover letter.

1)  Tell Me Why You Are The Best Candidate:   Cover Letters are written in 1st person, which provides the opportunity to really sell yourself to that company.  Hiring managers want to hear that you are the best candidate and the perfect fit for that Company and position, so focus your cover letter on making that specific case, i.e. find the match between your education and past experience and the employer’s specific needs.  I advise students to target their cover letters based on what the reader wants to hear.  Dedicate a paragraph to a description of what makes that company unique or special,  followed immediately by a paragraph that demonstrates that your interests, skills and abilities (just so) happen to be a perfect match for that environment! You can even paraphrase some of the language in the job description to highlight your own skills and experience.

2) Generic Templates:   I cannot tell you how many times I have seen generic cover letters sent to multiple companies, where the writer has changed only the relevant contact information.  Again, the goal of your cover letter is to describe why you are perfect fit for the specific position and that company. There is no way a generic format can accomplish that.  Write an individually tailored cover letter for each job application that describes your qualifications and fit for that position.

3)  To Whom It May Concern:   One of the quickest ways to ensure that your cover letter and resume are ignored is by including the generic and impersonal “To Whom It May Concern” line.  If you can, try to find the name of the hiring manager so you can address him or her specifically.  Most companies are very good at hiding that information, so instead of “To Whom It May Concern (or its close cousin, “Dear Sir or Madam”) try to target your cover letter with something more specific and personable like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Professional.” 

4)  A Warm Lead:   If you know someone at that company, reach out to him or her and ask if he would submit your resume and cover letter on your behalf, or at the very least, if you can use his or her name on your cover letter.  Companies love internal referrals, so nothing beats a current employee submitting on your behalf.  When that is not possible, being able to add a line (with permission) like “Chaim Shapiro, Assistant Director of Career Services at Touro recommended that I apply for this position,” lends credibility and can be a powerful way to get your application noticed and moved to the next level of review. 

5) Should I even bother?    This may be a bit controversial, but I usually advise students to only include a cover letter when the application requires it specifically.  Why? Cover Letters are a powerful tool that can enhance your chances at landing the job but, I have found that most applicants do not take their Cover Letters seriously.  Most students do not have 2-3 hours to invest in a targeted cover letter for each of their applications, so they revert to a generic format that ends up doing a lot more harm than good.  Do not make that mistake. Write a targeted cover letter for each job, or just let your resume do your talking!

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How important is a cover letter? Very. Here's how to stick the landing: Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Have a question?  Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like me to answer?  Submit it here .

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Question: I’ve always had trouble crafting a cover letter. It often seems redundant to the information in my resume. What is a good strategy for writing a cover letter? – Dierdre

Answer: Your No. 1 priority in your job search is to make you stand out among the sea of applicants. Start by personalizing your cover letter for the respective position.

Hiring managers are well-versed in spotting generic cover letters. Many don’t even mention the organization or the specific position. A cover letter customized for each role you apply to will set you apart from the other candidates.

Your cover letter should complement, not replicate, your resume. Resumes itemize employment information and qualifications, while customized cover letters provide an additional opportunity to tell your story and delineate your goals and intangibles. Cover letters should contextualize the value of the experience outlined in your resume.

You are essentially looking for a fit between your skills and personality to a defined role and work environment. A customized cover letter gives the hiring manager a preview of an interview. It signals that you are genuinely interested in the organization and discussing why you might be a prime candidate.

Remember to tailor the letter to showcase your relevant qualifications and accomplishments and project how you would fit in the role. Hiring managers look for people who will not only be a good fit but will also be an asset to their company for the long term. A well-crafted cover letter can demonstrate your potential value and fit for an organization.

I wish you much success in your career journey.

Work or school?: Should I accept a job offer while still in college? Ask HR

Poor job review: How do you respectfully disagree with a performance review? Ask HR

I enjoy my job, but the recent uptick in the cost of living feels almost like I’m taking a pay cut. What’s the best way to ask for raise without jeopardizing the good relationship with my employer? – Mack

Request for raises should not surprise most employers. However, you should be thoroughly prepared to state your case for a more competitive wage.

First, do your research. Examine market salary data and assess how it compares with your own. Be sure to factor in your experience, job duties, and education. Review similar job postings to gauge comparable starting salary information and perks or bonuses used to attract talent. Understand your organization’s compensation philosophy and pay merit increase process. HR can help you better understand their pay structure if it is unclear.

Be prepared to confidently justify your request for higher pay. Has your workload increased due to staffing shortages? Have you taken on additional assignments or roles and learned new skills or technology? If possible, quantify the value you have added to their business.

Especially given the state of the economy, be prepared for your employer to stand their ground and not make out-of-cycle raises.

Next, plan a meeting with your manager with an apparent reason for the discussion and a brief agenda to stay on track – craft written talking points for the meeting. Choose a time and date when your workload is moderate. Be sure to communicate your satisfaction with the job and the organization. Be open to feedback and ask for a follow-up meeting to discuss the final decision. Your manager will most likely need to consult with HR or their manager before making any pay adjustment decisions.

Remember, your employer may be unable to accommodate your request due to budget constraints. If a pay increase is not feasible, inquire if there are considerations for earning a raise in the future. Be prepared with alternative suggestions, such as learning a new skill or taking on stretch assignments. Consider areas where the company is struggling and make suggestions on ways you can fill the gap. Be creative.

Regardless of the outcome, remain flexible and open. Look at alternative perks, benefits, or bonuses instead of a base pay increase.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How important is a cover letter? Very. Here's how to stick the landing: Ask HR

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Your Introduction Matters: How To Write A Professional Email When Sending Your Resume And Cover Letter

When applying for jobs, we tend to send our resumes and cover letters through email in the wrong way. Scroll down to learn what to write when sending the same via email. 

• Anukriti Srivastava
• Updated - 2024-04-20, 12:42 IST

Basic Guidelines While Drafting Email

• Keep the subject line clear and concise with the job title and your name mentioned.
• Express your interest in the position and how you found out about the job in the opening line of the email.
• Briefly summarise your qualifications and relevant experience in the body of the email.
• Introduce yourself briefly and elaborate on your interest in the position, skills and experience that make you a suitable fit for the position.
• Attach your resume and cover letter in PDF format and rename it for easy reading.
• Include contact information such as your phone number and email address, so that the recipient can easily get in touch with you.
• Include a closing statement, thanking the recipient for their time and consideration.
• Proofread your email and attachments for grammatical errors before sending.

Sample Email To Send Resume For Job

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Your skin and body like you are unique. While we have taken all measures to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our social media channels is credible and expert verified, we recommend you consult a doctor or your dermatologist before trying a home remedy, quick hack or exercise regime. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at [email protected]

Politics latest: Government attempts to win over peers with Rwanda concession - as Sunak says bill will pass tonight 'no ifs, no buts'

The Rwanda bill is going through parliament in what is anticipated to be a long night for Rishi Sunak, with MPs already rejecting proposed amendments from the Lords. Earlier today, the prime minister vowed deportation flights will happen at any cost, declaring "enough is enough".

Monday 22 April 2024 20:19, UK

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• MPs have rejected limitations to the Rwanda bill put forward by the House of Lords last week
• The bill has now gone back to the House of Lords, where some peers may attempt to insist on their amendments again
• Rishi Sunak is pushing MPs and peers to pass his key policy tonight, saying they will sit through the night if necessary
• At a news conference this morning he also vowed Rwanda deportation flights would start 'come what may'
• Explained:  Why the Rwanda bill has not passed through parliament yet
• Tap here   to listen to this week’s Politics at Jack and Sam’s podcast
• Live reporting by Samuel Osborne  (now) and  Ben Bloch  (earlier)

By Jennifer Scott , political reporter

We started the day with Rishi Sunak promising to get his Rwanda bill through parliament tonight, "no ifs, no buts". So how is it looking for the prime minister?

It all comes down to two amendments that peers have long been pushing for, and that have been continually rejected by the government. 

One is from crossbencher Lord Hope, who is calling for a better mechanism to declare Rwanda a "safe country" than parliament ruling it so.

And one is from Labour's Lord Browne, who is trying to make sure those who have worked with British armed forces don't get deported.

Earlier, MPs dismissed both proposals yet again - the government has a solid majority in the Commons to win such votes, despite Labour supporting the amendments - so the bill has headed back to the Lords, where peers have to decide whether to try again. 

There is no offer of compromise for Lord Hope, so it seems his amendment will be pushed forward - though rumour has it Labour might not support it this time round.

However, there has been a concession on Lord Browne's proposal, with the government now saying it will reassess all those who had worked in Afghanistan with specialist units but had their asylum claims turned down. 

The Labour peer is keeping the government waiting over whether this goes far enough for him not to push for a vote though. 

"I will tell you my Lords why I am minded to consider doing so, though I haven’t yet made up my mind," he told the chamber.

"Because we my Lords are now part of a grand coalition… and we will not be silent until today’s promise is honoured by this government or the next one."

It would be a dream for the government not to face another round of ping pong and see these votes go into the early hours.

But it is far from over yet...

The panel turns to a heated discussion over reports Rishi Sunak will be hosting drinks later tonight amid his push to get his key Rwanda bill through parliament.

Ms Cooper says she thinks the public "will be shocked to see that after passing this very cruel piece of legislation, Rishi Sunak and some of his chums want to celebrate."

But Tory MP Mr Loughton protests: "We're not celebrating, we're having a drink."

Ms Cooper insists "it sounds like it's a celebratory drink" and Mr Cooper says: "You lot need to get out more in the Lib Dems."

Ms Cooper, deputy leader for the Liberal Democrats, tells Sophy it is "hard to tell" how long proceedings will go on for tonight: "All I can say from our side is Lib Dems will keep voting against it as long as we have to."

But Mr Loughton says he thinks the Labour opposition will "melt away".

"Labour don't want to be seen to be wrecking this bill because actually the public do want to see something happen," he adds, saying he thinks it will go through tonight.

That concludes tonight's Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge.

A concession has been offered on the Rwanda bill in the House of Lords to prevent a peer from pushing his amendment to a vote.

Lord Sharpe, a Home Office minister, said the Ministry of Defence had decided to "reassess all eligibility decisions made on ineligible asylum applications with credible claims to links with Afghan specialist units".

He said it meant once the review has concluded the government "will not remove to Rwanda those who have received a positive eligibility decision as a result of this review where they are already in the UK as of today".

He added: "The government recognises the commitment and responsibility that comes with combat veterans, whether our own or those who have shared courage by serving alongside us. And we will not let them down."

Lord Browne has now spoken about the concession and said he hasn't decided if it is enough to prevent him from pushing the amendment.

He said: "Should I trust them at their word? They left these people behind, they messed up any subsequent evacuation plan.

"Why should I trust them now? I will tell you my Lords why I am minded to consider doing so, though I haven’t yet made up my mind, because we my Lords are now part of a grand coalition… and we will not be silent until today's promise is honoured by this government or the next one."

He added: "So while I may not press my motion this evening, I look forward to the day when a Labour government repeals this immoral and unlawful excuse for legislation in total."

Amnesty International UK has warned airline companies they should be "mindful" members of the public may take an "extremely negative view" if they are involved in Rishi Sunak's scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The organisation's chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: "Though the government seems not to care about trashing the UK's reputation as a law-abiding country, airline companies ought to view this entirely misguided enterprise very differently.

"Any involvement by commercial airlines in Rwanda refugee flights may open them up to legal challenge on the grounds of complicity in the government's human rights violations."

Earlier, we reported that UN experts had warned airlines involved in the scheme could be held responsible for any violations of international human rights rules (see 18.20 post).

On Sophy's panel tonight are Conservative MP Tim Loughton and Daisy Cooper, deputy leader for the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Cooper says the Liberal Democrats have opposed the bill at every stage, adding the government should instead reintroduce safe and legal routes, scrap the "unworkable, expensive" scheme and spend the money on getting the asylum backlog down.

But Mr Loughton says: "This bill needs to go through."

There is "absolutely nothing" new to debate with the amendments this evening, he says, adding: "Now, let the legislation go through. We need the Rwanda scheme to start."

Tory MP Danny Kruger is the first guest on the show.

He tells Sophy Ridge he is sure the government will win tonight and the Rwanda bill will be passed.

"I have got some anxieties about it but the overall principle is the right one and I'm pleased that the government is pushing back against the Lords," he says.

He is sure the bill will pass, he says, adding there is "a bigger story here which is about our membership of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg".

The court "doesn't respect the UK parliament as the sovereign power in our country", he says.

It is "incompatible with our democracy".

Mr Kruger adds: "I'm hopeful the Rwanda policy will work, if it doesn't that makes it really obvious we need to leave the European Court, which might well be the battleground for the next election. So I think there's a big story here about who rules Britain."

Our weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  is live now on Sky News.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing the audience into the corridors of power.

Tonight, Sophy will be joined by  Danny Kruger, Conservative MP for Devizes .

On Sophy's panel tonight are:

• Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing & Shoreham
• Daisy Cooper, deputy leader for the Liberal Democrats

Watch live in the stream at the top of this page, and follow all the latest updates and key moments right here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  from Monday to Thursday on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

Tonight, we think, is going to be the night when finally Rishi Sunak gets his Rwanda legislation through parliament.

I know it feels a bit like we've been marched up this hill before, and trust me, I don't want to play the role of the Grand Old Duke of York again, but all the signs are that by the end of the day, or at least by the early hours of the morning, the Rwanda bill will be law.

Voting started in the afternoon. It's going to go on until the evening, as the Lords add amendments that are then thrown out by the Commons. Ping pong, in the parliamentary jargon.

But no matter how late it gets, Rishi Sunak has vowed to push his plan through parliament tonight, and we'll of course be bringing you every twist and turn.

But then, what happens next?

Well, according to the prime minister, flights to Rwanda will start taking off in 10 to 12 weeks.

If you're sceptical about whether that will happen, and you feel the Grand old Duke of York has taken you up this hill before, I get it.

But that's what the prime minister says. Apparently, commercial flights have already been organised and officials are on standby.

Here's the thing though, even if that does happen, and flights taking migrants to Rwanda start in July, that's not going to be the end of the prime minister's problems.

Right now, the record numbers of small boats arriving in the UK can be dismissed by the government saying, "Look, we wanted to get Rwanda through, but that's been blocked by those pesky Labour peers, or the courts."

But what happens if migrants are leaving on flights to Rwanda and yet the small boats keep arriving on Britain's beaches? Who's to blame then?

On the show tonight, we'll be discussing the politics and the policy on a busy evening here in parliament.

Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  will be live on Sky News from 7pm.

The government has won two votes on the Rwanda bill this evening, after MPs voted to reject two amendments made in the House of Lords last week.

The bill will now be sent back to the Lords, where some peers may attempt to insist on their amendments again.

It will then go back to the Commons with amendments where it will be voted on again.

Last week peers amended the bill to include an exemption for Afghan and other nationals who had assisted British troops overseas and a provision meaning Rwanda could not be treated as a safe country unless deemed so by an independent monitoring body.

This morning Rishi Sunak declared "enough is enough" and said MPs and peers will sit through the night if necessary to get the bill passed.

Airlines involved in Rishi Sunak's Rwanda scheme could be held responsible for any violations of international human rights rules, UN experts have warned.

Siobhan Mullally, Gehad Madi and Alice Jill Edwards, the special rapporteurs on human trafficking, migrants' human rights and torture, warned airlines and regulators could be "complicit" in breaching the rules by facilitating removals to Rwanda.

"Even if the UK-Rwanda agreement and the Safety of Rwanda Bill are approved, airlines and aviation regulators could be complicit in violating internationally protected human rights and court orders by facilitating removals to Rwanda," they said.

The experts added: "If airlines and aviation authorities give effect to state decisions that violate human rights, they must be held responsible for their conduct.

"As the UN guiding principles on business and human rights underline, aviation regulators, international organisations and business actors are required to respect human rights."

The UN experts have expressed their concerns to the UK government, as well as national, European and international aviation regulators.

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