Resume Email Conversation Practice: Closing Lines and Follow-Ups
When you send a resume email, the closing lines and follow-up messages are just as important as the opening. A weak or unclear ending can make your application feel unfinished, while a strong closing leaves a professional impression and encourages the recipient to take the next step. This guide gives you direct, practical closing lines and follow-up phrases for resume email conversations, with tone notes, common mistakes, and practice support.
Quick Answer: What to Use for Closing and Follow-Ups
For a resume email closing, use a polite, action-oriented line like “I look forward to hearing from you” or “Thank you for your time and consideration.” For a follow-up, wait 5–7 business days, then send a short email with a clear subject line such as “Follow-Up on Application for [Job Title]” and a polite request for an update.
Why Closing Lines Matter in Resume Emails
The closing of your resume email is your last chance to show professionalism and clarity. A good closing does three things: it thanks the reader, restates your interest, and suggests a next step. Without it, your email may seem abrupt or incomplete. In conversation terms, think of the closing as the polite way to end a discussion—you wouldn’t just walk away without a word.
Formal vs. Informal Closing Lines
Most resume emails require a formal tone, especially when applying to traditional companies or for professional roles. However, some startups or creative industries may accept a slightly informal tone. The table below compares common closing lines.
| Context | Formal Closing | Informal Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard application | “Thank you for your time and consideration.” | “Thanks for considering my application.” |
| After an interview | “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications.” | “It was great talking with you.” |
| Follow-up request | “I would be grateful for any update you can provide.” | “Just checking in on my application.” |
| Thank-you note | “Thank you again for your time and insights.” | “Thanks again for your help.” |
Nuance note: Formal closings show respect and distance, while informal closings suggest friendliness and familiarity. Use formal closings unless you have already built a rapport with the recipient.
Natural Examples of Closing Lines
Here are realistic examples you can adapt for your own resume emails.
Example 1: Standard Application Closing
“Thank you for reviewing my resume and cover letter. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.”
Example 2: Follow-Up After No Response
“I wanted to follow up on my application for the Marketing Coordinator position, which I submitted on March 10. I remain very interested in the role and would appreciate any update you can share. Thank you for your time.”
Example 3: Post-Interview Thank-You
“Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the Software Engineer position. I enjoyed learning more about your team’s projects and feel confident that my skills align well with your needs. Please let me know if you need any additional information.”
Example 4: Polite Request for Feedback
“I understand you are busy, but I would be grateful for any feedback on my application. Your insights would help me improve for future opportunities. Thank you for your consideration.”
Common Mistakes in Closing Lines and Follow-Ups
Even experienced job seekers make these errors. Avoid them to keep your email professional.
- Being too vague: “Hope to hear from you soon” is weak. Instead, say “I look forward to your response regarding the next steps.”
- Using overly casual language: “Cheers” or “Talk later” can seem unprofessional. Stick with “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Forgetting to include your contact info: Always add your phone number and email under your signature.
- Following up too soon: Wait at least 5 business days. A same-day follow-up can seem pushy.
- Writing a long follow-up: Keep it to 3–4 sentences. Busy hiring managers appreciate brevity.
Better Alternatives for Common Phrases
Replace weak or overused phrases with these stronger options.
| Weak Phrase | Better Alternative | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| “Hope to hear from you.” | “I look forward to your response.” | Standard closing for most applications. |
| “Let me know if you need anything.” | “Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information.” | After an interview or when offering further details. |
| “Just checking in.” | “I am writing to follow up on my application.” | Follow-up emails where you need to be clear. |
| “Thanks in advance.” | “Thank you for your time and consideration.” | When you want to be polite without assuming action. |
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Answers are provided below.
Question 1
You applied for a job and haven’t heard back in 10 days. Which follow-up subject line is best?
A) “Hey, any news?”
B) “Follow-Up on Application for Graphic Designer Position”
C) “Checking In”
Question 2
Which closing line is most appropriate for a formal resume email?
A) “Talk soon!”
B) “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
C) “Let me know.”
Question 3
True or False: It is acceptable to send a follow-up email the day after you submit your application.
Question 4
You just had a job interview. What should your thank-you email include?
A) A request for a decision immediately.
B) A thank-you, a specific point from the interview, and an offer to provide more information.
C) A joke to lighten the mood.
Answers
Answer 1: B. It is clear and professional. A is too casual, and C is vague.
Answer 2: B. It is polite and formal. A and C are too informal.
Answer 3: False. Wait at least 5 business days to avoid seeming impatient.
Answer 4: B. It shows appreciation, engagement, and professionalism. A is pushy, and C is inappropriate.
FAQ: Resume Email Closing and Follow-Ups
1. How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email?
Wait 5 to 7 business days after submitting your application or after an interview. If the job posting mentions a specific timeline, follow that instead.
2. What should I write in the subject line of a follow-up email?
Use a clear subject line like “Follow-Up on Application for [Job Title]” or “Thank You – Interview for [Job Title] on [Date].” Avoid vague subjects like “Update” or “Hello.”
3. Can I use the same closing line for every resume email?
It is better to adjust your closing based on the context. For example, after an interview, mention something specific from the conversation. For a standard application, a general thank-you is fine.
4. Is it okay to send a follow-up if the job posting says “no calls or emails”?
Respect the instruction. If the posting explicitly says not to follow up, do not send one. Instead, wait for them to contact you. If you are unsure, you can send one polite follow-up after two weeks, but be prepared for no response.
Final Tips for Strong Closing and Follow-Up Emails
Keep your closing lines concise and professional. Always proofread for typos and check that your contact information is correct. When following up, be patient and polite—hiring managers are often busy. For more guidance on structuring your resume email, explore our Resume Email Conversation Starters and Resume Email Conversation Polite Requests sections. If you have questions about our approach, see our Editorial Policy or visit the FAQ page.