You’ve done the hard work of writing a professional email, and now it’s time to figure out how to end it. Knowing how to end an email professionally is crucial for writing clear, actionable emails that leave your recipient with a positive impression. This guide will walk you through how to end an email professionally, from closing phrases to best and worst sign-offs to what your signature should include. We’ll cover:
- Professional Email Closing Phrases
- 8 Professional Email Sign-Offs to Use — and 6 to Avoid
- What to Include in a Professional Email Signature
- How to End an Email Professionally: Examples
Professional Email Closing Phrases
Professional email closing phrases are the sentences you use before officially signing off the email. These phrases should restate and clarify the purpose of your email and end with a call to action.
“Whether I’m emailing a prospect to get a meeting or emailing a recruiter to get an interview, I want to be sure that the reader understands exactly what the next step I’d like them to take is,” Otis Perry, business development representative at Forage, says.
The recipient should know exactly what to do next after reading your email, whether sending you times to meet, reviewing a document, or telling you the next steps.
What Tone Should You Use When Ending a Professional Email?
To determine what tone to use at the end of your professional email, Daniela Camejo Sanchez, senior writer at WriterArmy, a content production agency, says it’s all about knowing who you’re communicating with.
“Especially if this is the start of a conversation with a person you don’t know, do your research,” Camejo Sanchez says. “Ask yourself, how do they present themselves professionally? What is their brand like? Do they seem like they value formal exchanges over more casual ones, or vice versa? You can tell a lot about a person by reading a few professional posts they’ve shared online.”
Yet no matter who you’re emailing, Perry says to remember there’s a human behind the email, too.
“I often try to dance the line between a formal and casual tone,” he says. “I definitely want to be respectful and not say anything that may offend or disengage the reader. However, I want to humanize my email as much as possible and communicate in a conversational tone so it’s easier for readers to digest.”
Professional Email Closing Phrases Examples
- Thank you so much for connecting! I look forward to speaking with you at [date and time].
- I’ve sent over [materials you discussed]. Please review and let me know if you have any questions.
- Thank you again for meeting with me today. I look forward to learning about the next steps of the interview process.
- I look forward to joining the team! I’ll see you for my first day on [date].
- Thank you again for giving me more information about the opportunity! I’ve attached my resume and will await next steps.
- Please let me know if you have any questions by replying here or reaching out to me on Teams.
- I look forward to reading your responses in the attached sheet below on Friday. I’ll be in touch about next steps the following week.
8 Professional Email Sign-Offs to Use — and 6 to Avoid
You’ve come up with the longest part of the end of your professional email. Now, it’s time to pick a sign-off. While some people have strong opinions about which ones they prefer, you can’t go too wrong as long as you choose something professional that suits the context of your email.
“I always say ‘thank you so much for your time,’ or ‘thanks in advance’ if the purpose of my email was to ask questions or if I’m providing instructions on a project to someone,” Camejo Sanchez says. “Expressing gratitude and kind regards is always a good idea!”
Professional email sign-off examples include:
- Sincerely
- Best
- Regards
- All the best
- Thank you
- Thanks
- Thank you in advance
- Stay tuned
There are a few professional email sign-offs to avoid, most of which are too casual or inappropriate for the workplace. Examples of these include:
- Love
- Thx
- Yours
- Yours truly
- XO
- Peace out
What to Include in a Professional Email Signature
After you’ve signed off, you want to include your name and, depending on who you’re talking to, a few additional details. For example, if you’re speaking with a recruiter or a networking connection, you may want to share additional contact information and a link to your website. Besides your name, you may consider including:
- Your current title
- Your university and graduation year (if you’re a student)
- Your phone number
- Your location
- A link to your website or online portfolio
- A link to your LinkedIn or other professional social media accounts
How to End an Email Professionally: Examples
Now that you know what to write in a closing phrase, have your sign-off, and nailed your signature, you know how to end your email professionally. Here are a few email examples for everyday work situations, from job search to team collaboration.
In a Networking Message
I’d love to connect over the phone to learn more about the position. Are you available any time next Monday, January 2nd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST? You can reach me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.
Best,
Charlotte Smith
Example University Class of 2026
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
After a Phone Screening
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I’ve attached my resume and online portfolio for your review. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
Michael Johnson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-1
After an Interview
Thank you again for your time today. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing about next steps!
Sincerely,
Isabella Rodriguez
Data Analyst
Brooklyn, NY
When Accepting a Job Offer
Thank you so much for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with you soon! I’ll see you on October 2nd in the New York office.
Cheers,
Shayna Coleman
(XXX) XXX-XXX
Collaborating With a Coworker
Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to jump on a call or discuss this further in Slack!
Best,
Caitlin Imler
Program Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
Sending an Update to Your Team
Please review the above and let me know if you have any questions or feedback. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Lucy Grose
Chief of Staff, Company Z
Madison, Wisconsin
How to End an Email Professionally: The Bottom Line
When figuring out how to end an email professionally, ensure that your writing is clear, actionable, and gives all the information the reader needs to take next steps. That doesn’t mean you need to be devoid of humanity or empathy. Remember, there’s another person behind the screen.
“Try to avoid being demanding or assumptive when asking for someone’s time or energy in your emails,” Perry says. “I think it’s important to communicate from a confident yet humble place.”
Learn more professional email tips:
- How to Respond to a Job Interview Email (With Examples)
- How to Accept a Job Offer (With Examples)
- How to Write a Job Interview Thank You Email (With Template)
- How to Write a Thank You Email After a Zoom Interview
Image credit: Christina Morillo / Pexels
