Signature on Cover Letter: 6 Complete Sign-Off Examples

By CVBooster Team · Published 2026-11-02 · Updated 2026-11-02

5 min read

A signature on a cover letter is a closing word, a few lines of space where you sign in ink, and your full name typed underneath. On a printed letter, sign by hand. On a letter sent as a PDF, use a scanned signature or leave the typed name alone. In an email, the typed name and contact details are the signature. Below are six complete cover letters with the sign-off shown for each situation, checked in November 2026. Pick the one that matches how you are sending yours.

The last four lines of a cover letter are the only part everyone reads, and the only part most people write on autopilot. Four lines. You can afford to look at them.

Example 1: the printed letter with a handwritten signature

If you hand over or mail a paper letter, leave about four blank lines under the closing, sign in ink, and type your name below.

Entry level: Printed letter, handwritten signature, complete example, 93 words

Entry level: Printed letter, handwritten signature (93 words)

Jordan Lee 14 Maple Street, Columbus, OH 43215 555-0142 | jordan.lee@example.com

December 1, 2026

Ms. Rosa Alvarez Hiring Manager, Brightway Library 200 Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Ms. Alvarez,

I am applying for the Library Assistant position. For the past two years I have worked at my university library circulation desk, where I handled about 150 checkouts a shift and trained four new student staff.

I would welcome the chance to bring that experience to Brightway. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[handwritten signature in ink]

Jordan Lee Enclosure: Resume

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What career offices say about signing

Fort Hays State University's career service, in its cover letter handout, has the rule in one line: "Remember to hand-sign your name above your typed name." Its sample letters end with the closing, the handwritten signature, the typed name and the word Enclosure.

Indiana University's guide to closing a cover letter adds the digital case: use a complimentary close "followed by your handwritten signature (or electronically scanned signature) and typed full name."

Saint Louis University's law career service, in its guide to resumes and cover letters, gives the ink advice: "Blue ink is preferable so the reader knows it is not a copy, but black ink is acceptable." The same page says "Do not sign in pencil or unusual color ink." For a paper letter, that settles the pen.

Five more sign-offs for other situations

Complete Mid level: Email, typed signature block example, 68 words, laid out as it would sit in the application form

Mid level: Email, typed signature block (68 words)

Subject: Application for Project Coordinator, Priya Nair

Dear Mr. Okafor,

I am applying for the Project Coordinator role at Northwind. For three years I have coordinated schedules for six engineering projects, tracking deadlines and keeping budget reports up to date. My resume is attached.

I would be glad to talk about how I can support your team.

Best regards,

Priya Nair Project Coordinator | 555-0173 priya.nair@example.com | linkedin.com/in/example

Complete Mid level: PDF letter with a scanned signature example, 58 words, laid out as it would sit in the application form

Mid level: PDF letter with a scanned signature (58 words)

Dear Ms. Patel,

I am writing to apply for the Accounts Payable Specialist position. In my current role I process about 400 invoices a month with a very low error rate and I reconcile vendor statements weekly.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome an interview.

Sincerely,

[image of scanned signature]

Marcus Webb 555-0119 | marcus.webb@example.com

Entry level: No contact name, simplified sign-off, complete example, 52 words

Entry level: No contact name, simplified sign-off (52 words)

Dear Hiring Team,

I am applying for the Retail Associate position posted on your careers page. I have two seasons of holiday retail experience, and I am comfortable on the floor and at the register.

Thank you for your time. I can start in January.

Yours faithfully,

Dana Reyes 555-0161 | dana.reyes@example.com

Complete Senior: Formal letter, enclosures listed example, 76 words, laid out as it would sit in the application form

Senior: Formal letter, enclosures listed (76 words)

Dear Dr. Singh,

I am applying for the Director of Nursing position. Over eleven years I have led nursing teams of up to 40 staff, and in my current role I reduced agency staff use by about a quarter through a retention program.

My resume and two letters of reference are enclosed. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

[handwritten signature in ink]

Hannah Brooks, RN, MSN 555-0126 | hannah.brooks@example.com

Enclosures: Resume, two letters of reference

Complete Senior: Networking letter after a conversation example, 77 words, laid out as it would sit in the application form

Senior: Networking letter after a conversation (77 words)

Dear Ms. Gomez,

Thank you for speaking with me at the supply chain conference last week. You mentioned that your team is hiring a Logistics Manager, and I would like to be considered. My resume is attached.

For six years I have run inbound logistics for a regional retailer, with a team of twelve and a yearly budget of about $2 million. I would welcome the chance to discuss it.

With thanks,

Chris Taylor 555-0155 | chris.taylor@example.com

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The sign-off, element by element

Closing word. Sincerely, Best regards or Yours faithfully (when you wrote Dear Sir or Madam). Not Cheers, not Thanks in advance.
Space. About four blank lines on paper. On a screen, one blank line.
Signature. Ink on paper. A scanned image or nothing in a PDF. Never a cursive font that makes you look like a wedding invitation.
Typed name. First and last name, exactly as it appears on the resume.
Contact details. Phone and email, one line.
Enclosure. Add the word and name the documents if you send more than the letter.

Keep the closing paragraph above the sign-off short and specific. For the paragraph itself, see how to end a cover letter. For the whole letter, see how to write a cover letter and the cover letter format guide. If you do not know a name, see how to address a cover letter.

If the posting says how to submit, follow that over any general rule here: some portals strip images, and some employers ask for plain text only.

What to leave out

A handwritten signature on an email. The typed block does the job.
A pencil, or a pen in a bright color. Blue or black ink only.
A signature image that is blurry or large. Crop it and keep it small.
A closing that does not match the greeting. Dear Ms. Alvarez goes with Sincerely.
A long title line. Your name and one line of contact details are enough.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a signature on a cover letter?

On a printed letter, yes: sign in ink above your typed name. In an email, a typed name with your contact details is enough.

How do you sign a cover letter sent as a PDF?

Use a scanned image of your signature, or leave the typed name without a signature. Both are accepted.

What goes under the signature on a cover letter?

Your typed full name, then your phone and email. Add the word Enclosure if you attach other documents.

Which closing should I use?

Sincerely or Best regards is safe. Use Yours faithfully only when the letter begins with Dear Sir or Madam.

Can I use an electronic signature?

Yes, a scanned or inserted image is fine. Keep it small and clear, and do not use a decorative font.

Looking for a worked example for your job title? Browse the resume examples by job title.

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