Most people spend a lot of time crafting the opening of an email but rush through the ending. That’s a mistake.
How you end an email can determine:
- Whether you sound professional or careless
- How the recipient perceives your confidence
- If your message gets a reply—or gets ignored
- Whether you build trust or damage credibility
In professional communication, the email closing is your final impression. Just like a handshake at the end of a meeting, it leaves a lasting signal about your tone, intention, and respect for the reader.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- How to end emails professionally and politely
- The best email sign-offs for business, work, and formal situations
- Casual and friendly email endings (without sounding unprofessional)
- Email closings for job applications, sales, networking, and follow-ups
- Common mistakes that hurt your credibility
- Real examples you can copy and adapt
Whether you’re a student, professional, freelancer, entrepreneur, or job seeker, this guide will help you end emails with clarity, confidence, and authority.
What Makes a Good Email Ending?
A strong email ending has three core elements:
- A clear closing line
- An appropriate sign-off
- Your name (and professional identity, if needed)
Let’s break these down.
1. The Closing Line: Your Final Message
The closing line prepares the reader for your sign-off. It may:
- Express gratitude
- Invite a response
- Indicate next steps
- Show politeness or warmth
Examples:
- “I look forward to your response.”
- “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
- “Please let me know if you have any questions.”
A good closing line feels natural and purposeful—not robotic.
2. The Sign-Off: Your Tone in One Word
The sign-off is where tone matters most.
It signals whether the email is formal, neutral, or casual.
Examples:
- Formal: Sincerely, Regards
- Semi-formal: Best regards, Kind regards
- Casual: Best, Thanks, Cheers
3. Your Name and Signature
At minimum, include:
- Your full name
For professional emails, add:
- Job title
- Company name
- Contact details (optional but useful)
This adds credibility and makes it easier for recipients to respond.
How to End a Professional Email (Business & Work)
Professional emails require clarity, respect, and confidence.
Best Professional Email Closings
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Sincerely,
- Regards,
- With appreciation,
These are safe, widely accepted, and appropriate across industries.
Example: Professional Email Ending
Thank you for reviewing the proposal. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Kind regards,
Sarah Thompson
Project Manager
ABC Solutions
This ending is polite, confident, and professional—perfect for business communication.
How to End a Formal Email (Legal, Corporate, Government)
Formal emails should sound respectful and structured.
Recommended Formal Closings
- Sincerely,
- Respectfully,
- Yours sincerely,
- Yours faithfully,
Avoid casual sign-offs like Thanks or Cheers in formal contexts.
Formal Email Example
I appreciate your attention to this matter and await your response.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Roberts
How to End a Casual or Friendly Email
Casual emails are common when communicating with colleagues, clients you know well, or friends.
Casual Email Sign-Offs
- Best,
- Thanks,
- Talk soon,
- Cheers,
- Take care,
Use these only when the relationship allows it.
Casual Email Example
Let me know what you think, and we can discuss it further.
Thanks,
Alex
How to End a Business Email to a Client
Client communication should balance professionalism and warmth.
Effective Client Email Closings
- Best regards,
- Thank you,
- Looking forward to working with you,
- With appreciation,
Client Email Example
Thank you for choosing our services. Please feel free to reach out if you need any assistance.
Best regards,
Daniel Cooper
How to End a Sales Email (Without Sounding Pushy)
Sales emails should guide the reader toward action—but gently.
Strong Sales Email Closings
- “Would you be open to a quick call this week?”
- “Let me know if this sounds helpful.”
- “Happy to answer any questions.”
Recommended Sign-Offs
- Best regards,
- Looking forward to connecting,
- Thanks,
Sales Email Example
If this aligns with your goals, I’d be happy to discuss next steps.
Looking forward to connecting,
Emma Wilson
How to End a Job Application Email
This is one of the most important email types. Your ending should show professionalism and enthusiasm.
Best Job Application Closings
- “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
- “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application.”
Sign-Offs to Use
- Sincerely,
- Kind regards,
Job Application Email Example
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your needs.
Sincerely,
John Miller
How to End a Follow-Up Email
Follow-ups should be polite and respectful—not demanding.
Effective Follow-Up Closings
- “Just checking in on the status.”
- “I appreciate your time.”
- “Looking forward to your update.”
Follow-Up Example
I wanted to follow up on my previous message and see if you had any updates.
Best regards,
Lisa Brown
How to End an Email When You’re Asking for Something
When requesting help, information, or action, politeness is key.
Polite Request Closings
- “I appreciate your assistance.”
- “Thank you in advance for your help.”
- “Please let me know if this is possible.”
How Long Should an Email Ending Be?
Your email ending should be:
- Short
- Clear
- Relevant
One closing sentence + sign-off + name is usually perfect.
Read Also : How to End a Conclusion
Email Ending Checklist (Before You Hit Send)
Ask yourself:
- Does the tone match the relationship?
- Is the sign-off appropriate?
- Did I include my name?
- Does it sound polite and confident?
If yes—you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Ending an Email
Ending an email is not an afterthought—it’s a skill.
When done right, a strong email ending:
- Builds trust
- Encourages replies
- Strengthens professional relationships
- Makes you sound confident and credible
By choosing the right words, tone, and sign-off, you can turn everyday emails into powerful communication tools.
If you consistently apply the strategies in this guide, your emails will stand out—for the right reasons.
