Active Close The Best Closing Letter For Interview Requests

Jul 17, 2025 by ADMIN 60 views

Which Type of Closing Letter Requests the Employer to Call You for an Interview?

In the realm of job searching, crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial for making a positive first impression on potential employers. The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impact and encourage the hiring manager to take action. Among the various closing styles, the active close stands out as the most effective way to request an interview. This article delves into the nuances of different closing styles and explains why the active close is the preferred approach for securing an interview.

Understanding Different Closing Styles

Before we delve into the specifics of the active close, let's briefly examine the other closing styles mentioned: passive close, empty close, and interactive discussion.

Passive Close

The passive close is characterized by its lack of assertiveness and directness. It often ends with vague statements that do not explicitly request an interview or any specific action from the employer. A passive close might sound like this: "Thank you for your time and consideration." While expressing gratitude is essential, a passive close fails to capitalize on the opportunity to prompt the employer to take the next step. It leaves the ball entirely in the employer's court, which can reduce your chances of landing an interview. To illustrate, imagine sending out numerous applications with passive closing statements. You've highlighted your skills and experience, but you haven't explicitly stated your desire for an interview or made it easy for the employer to contact you. This can leave your application lingering in the pile, overshadowed by those with more direct and compelling closing statements.

The passive close often lacks a strong call to action, which is a crucial element in persuading the reader to take the desired next step. In the context of a cover letter, the desired next step is to secure an interview. A passive closing might express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration but fail to explicitly state the applicant's interest in discussing the opportunity further. This can leave the employer unsure of the applicant's level of enthusiasm and may result in the application being overlooked. In contrast, an effective closing statement should clearly and confidently communicate the applicant's desire for an interview and provide a clear path for the employer to follow up. By taking a more assertive approach in the closing paragraph, applicants can significantly increase their chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Empty Close

An empty close is even weaker than a passive close. It typically consists of generic and meaningless phrases that add no value to the letter. Examples of empty closes include: "Hoping to hear from you soon" or "Looking forward to your reply." These phrases are not only unoriginal but also fail to convey your enthusiasm or qualifications for the position. They come across as insincere and can leave a negative impression on the employer. An empty closing statement is like ending a presentation with a shrug – it leaves the audience feeling underwhelmed and unsure of the key takeaways. Instead of reinforcing the message and leaving a lasting impact, it diminishes the overall effect of the communication. In the competitive landscape of job applications, every word counts, and an empty close represents a missed opportunity to strengthen your candidacy.

The ramifications of using an empty close extend beyond simply failing to make a strong impression. It can actively detract from your application by suggesting a lack of genuine interest or initiative. Employers are looking for candidates who are proactive and eager to contribute to their organizations. An empty closing statement implies the opposite – a passive approach that waits for opportunities to come along rather than actively pursuing them. This can create a negative perception of your work ethic and suitability for the role. Moreover, an empty close fails to provide the employer with any clear direction on how to proceed. It doesn't encourage them to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview, and leaves your application in a state of limbo. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to craft a closing statement that is both compelling and actionable, leaving the employer with a positive impression and a clear call to action.

Interactive Discussion

The term "interactive discussion" is not a standard closing style in cover letters. It may refer to a more conversational approach in the body of the letter, but it doesn't typically define a specific closing technique. While engaging with the employer's needs and showing your understanding of their challenges is crucial throughout the letter, the closing should still have a clear call to action. It is essential to distinguish between creating a conversational tone within the letter's content and the specific purpose of the closing paragraph, which is to prompt action. An interactive discussion style, if applied inappropriately in the closing, might lack the directness needed to secure an interview. The closing should be assertive and focused, leaving no ambiguity about your desire to move forward in the hiring process.

An effective cover letter creates a balance between engaging with the reader and clearly stating your objectives. The interactive discussion style can be beneficial in demonstrating your understanding of the employer's needs and showcasing your ability to communicate effectively. However, it's important to ensure that this conversational tone doesn't overshadow the primary purpose of the closing, which is to secure an interview. The closing paragraph should serve as a strong and decisive conclusion to your application, reinforcing your interest in the position and providing a clear call to action. By maintaining a balance between engagement and directness, you can create a closing that is both persuasive and professional.

The Power of the Active Close

The active close is the most effective closing style for a cover letter because it directly requests an interview and makes it easy for the employer to contact you. An active close typically includes the following elements:

A confident statement expressing your interest in an interview: This clearly states your desire to discuss the opportunity further. For example, "I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications in an interview."
A specific call to action: This encourages the employer to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview. For example, "I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email to arrange a time."
Your contact information: Make it easy for the employer to reach you by including your phone number and email address.
A thank you note: Expressing gratitude for the employer's time and consideration is always a professional touch.

By using an active close, you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your proactive approach to the job search. You are not passively waiting for the employer to contact you; you are taking the initiative to make it happen. This confidence and assertiveness can make a significant difference in whether you secure an interview. Imagine two candidates with similar qualifications – one ends their cover letter with a passive close, while the other uses an active close. The candidate with the active close is more likely to stand out because they have clearly expressed their desire for an interview and made it easy for the employer to take the next step.

The active close also allows you to control the narrative and guide the employer towards the desired outcome – an interview. By explicitly stating your interest and providing your contact information, you make it easy for the employer to respond positively. You are essentially removing any barriers that might prevent them from reaching out to you. This proactive approach demonstrates your professionalism and your commitment to the job search. Moreover, an active closing statement can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager, making your application more memorable and increasing your chances of being selected for an interview. In the competitive world of job applications, taking control of the closing and making a clear request for an interview can be a game-changer.

Examples of Active Closes

To illustrate the effectiveness of the active close, here are a few examples:

"I am highly interested in the [Job Title] position and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached by phone at [Phone Number] or by email at [Email Address]. Thank you for your time and consideration."
"I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of this role, and I am eager to learn more. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview. My phone number is [Phone Number], and my email address is [Email Address]."
"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining [Company Name] and believe that my [Specific Skill] skills would be a valuable asset to your team. I am available for an interview and can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address]. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

These examples demonstrate the key elements of an active close: a clear statement of interest, a specific call to action, your contact information, and a thank you note. By incorporating these elements into your closing paragraph, you can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.

Key Takeaways for an Effective Closing

To summarize, here are the key takeaways for crafting an effective closing paragraph in your cover letter:

Always use an active close: This is the most effective way to request an interview and make it easy for the employer to contact you.
Express your enthusiasm: Let the employer know that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company.
Provide a clear call to action: Tell the employer what you want them to do next, such as schedule an interview.
Include your contact information: Make it easy for the employer to reach you by providing your phone number and email address.
Thank the employer for their time and consideration: Expressing gratitude is always a professional touch.
Proofread carefully: Ensure that your closing paragraph is free of any grammatical errors or typos.

By following these guidelines, you can create a closing paragraph that leaves a positive lasting impression on the employer and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to closing your cover letter, the active close is the clear winner. It is the only closing style that directly requests an interview and makes it easy for the employer to contact you. By using an active close, you demonstrate your enthusiasm, confidence, and proactive approach to the job search. While passive and empty closes can weaken your application, the active close strengthens your candidacy and increases your chances of securing an interview. So, the next time you're crafting a cover letter, remember to end with a strong, active close that encourages the employer to take the next step and invite you in for an interview. By mastering this crucial element of cover letter writing, you can significantly improve your job search success.