How to end an email professionally (with examples)

How to end an email professionally (with examples)
Jobstreet content teamupdated on 15 August, 2023
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Writing multiple emails in a day is a normal part of everyday duties in the workplace. But unlike a personal email, you can't just end an email with phrases like "See ya!" or "XOXO." Workplace etiquette doesn’t work that way, after all. So, what do you write when you need to email a colleague?

It is a given that creating a positive impression through email communication is important in building trust, credibility, and respect with the recipient. As a matter of fact, the initial email sent out sets the tone for future interactions and shapes the relationship between the sender and the recipient.

Similarly, email sign-offs matter and how you end a work email also sets the tone of the relationship between both parties. First, they give a sense of closure to the conversation, signalling the recipient that it’s the end of a conversation and that the sender has finished expressing their thoughts.

It is also crucial for creating a positive impression, avoiding misunderstandings, and improving productivity and efficiency. For example, a friendly sign-off like" Best regards" can create a warm and approachable impression, while a more formal sign-off like "Sincerely" conveys professionalism.

In addition, sending a professional work email can help reinforce your brand or image. All you’ll have to do is to include a tagline, logo, or other branding elements consistent with your professional persona.

Overall, email sign-offs are a critical aspect of email communication that can effectively convey intention, tone and personality.

The value of a professional email closing

Establishes credibility and professionalism

By being professional, you demonstrate that you are trustworthy and reliable, which can help build a stronger relationship with the recipient. It can also boost your brand and reputation in your industry. As such, spending time to establish credibility and professionalism in your email closing can make a significant difference in the success of your communication.

Fosters relationships

A positive email closing helps nurture and sustain relationships between the sender and the recipient. In addition to that, it conveys the sender's appreciation and gratitude towards the recipient.

Leaves a lasting impression

A professional email closing can leave a lasting, positive impression on the recipient. It can also make the recipient feel valued and respected, opening doors to future opportunities.

Increases response rates

A positive email closing can increase the likelihood of a response from the recipient. Likewise, a well-crafted conclusion can encourage the recipient to respond promptly and positively.

Represents you and your brand

Your email closing speaks volumes about you and your brand. It can create a positive image of you and your organisation in the recipient's mind, leading to potential business opportunities.

Best practices for professional closing email etiquette in every situation

A woman typing a closing email

Be clear and concise

Write your email clearly and concisely. Skip complex words and industry jargon that might confuse the recipient. And throughout your email, aim to maintain a neutral, professional tone.

Avoid sarcasm or humour

Sarcasm or humour, as much as they can be fun, can get lost in translation in an email. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of these types of language when attempting to communicate professionally.

Use appropriate language

Ensure your language is appropriate in your email. For example, avoid profanity or any language that might offend the recipient.

Know that context matters

Be sure to provide the necessary context in your email. For example, clarify the purpose of the email and its importance.

Follow up

If you find yourself still waiting for a response, don’t hesitate to follow up. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The most common email closings

  1. Sincerely
    This is a formal way of closing an email. It is appropriate for business emails and shows that the sender is serious about the content of the email.
  2. Regards
    Slightly less formal than "Sincerely", it is still appropriate for most professional emails. In addition, it can be used to express goodwill towards the recipient.
  3. Best regards
    This closing is a slightly warmer way of expressing goodwill towards the recipient. However, it is still appropriate for professional emails.
  4. Best wishes
    The phrase “best wishes” conveys a sense of warmth and friendliness, making it great for less formal business emails.
  5. Cheers
    This closing is commonly used in the UK and is less formal than the abovementioned ones. It is a friendly way of ending an informal email.
  6. Thanks
    This closing is ideal when expressing gratitude. It is suitable for both casual and professional emails.
  7. Warmly
    This closing shows a sense of warmth and friendliness towards the recipient and is suitable for informal and personal emails.
  8. Cordially
    ⁠This closing conveys politeness and formality, making it appropriate for professional emails.

Creative email closings

  1. Add personal anecdotes
    Closing an email with a funny story or a personal anecdote can add a creative and memorable twist to your email. It also shows that you are approachable and relatable.

    ⁠Just be mindful of the tone and avoid anything offensive or inappropriate. Stay professional, and weave in a lighthearted closing to build rapport with the recipient and establish a more personal connection.

    ⁠For example: Thanks for your email, Bob. I'll get right on that project and have it done before the end of the day. And if all goes well, I might even treat myself to an extra cup of coffee as a reward. Just don't tell HR about my caffeine addiction. Have a great day!
  2. Include a call-to-action
    A call-to-action statement can encourage the recipient to take a specific action. This can be anything from scheduling a follow-up meeting to visiting your website for more information. Doing so provides clear direction and demonstrates your initiative and commitment.

    ⁠Keep the language positive and use phrases such as "I look forward to hearing from you" or "Let's work together on this project."

    ⁠For example: Thanks for your time, Sarah. I appreciate your help with this project and your expertise in the field. Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to make your job easier. Also, I would love to schedule a quick call to discuss new ideas. Let me know if that works for you. Enjoy your day!
  3. Insert a meaningful quote or phrase
    When wrapping up an email, consider including a quote or phrase that resonates with your message. This can effectively convey your sentiments and leave a lasting impression.

    ⁠For example: Thanks for your hard work and dedication, Alice. As Maya Angelou once said, People will forget what you said, “People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And you consistently make everyone around you feel supported and valued. So keep up the great work, and let me know if you need anything from me.

    ⁠Best regards.
  4. Use an email signature
    Ending an email with an email signature is one of the many ways to add a professional touch, reinforcing your credibility and establishing your identity. It also provides the recipient important contact information, such as your name, title, company, and contact details, efficiently promoting your personal or business brand.

    ⁠For example: Thank you for your prompt response, John. I am looking forward to working with you on this project. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

    ⁠Best regards,
    ⁠[Your Name]
    ⁠Marketing Manager
    ⁠ABC Company
    ⁠(123) 456-7890
    ⁠www.abccompany.com

Email closings: what to avoid

  1. Overly informal or unprofessional sign-offs
    Ensure your sign-off matches the context and the style of your message.
  2. Complex and unprofessional closings
    Stick to simple, professional sign-offs such as Best regards, Sincerely, or Thank you.
  3. Violating any company guidelines
    Some companies have specific policies for how employees should sign off on emails. Be sure to follow these guidelines to maintain consistency and professionalism.
  4. Using slang, abbreviations, and emojis
    While you might use these in personal emails or texts, you need to understand that texting abbreviations and internet shorthands have no place in professional communication.
  5. Neglecting spelling and grammar
    Make sure your sign-off is free of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors.
  6. Using too many exclamation marks or emojis
    While it's important to show enthusiasm and positivity in your emails, it's best to limit emojis and exclamation marks to one or 2 per email. Save them for more lighthearted or friendly emails instead.
  7. Ending with a question instead of a closing remark
    If you end an email with a question, the recipient may assume you're seeking a response or expecting further discussion. This can delay the flow of information or timely project completion.

How to avoid generic or cliché phrases

Be authentic

Being yourself and maintaining a natural tone in your email closing is valuable. It's not always necessary to sound overly formal or professional, especially if it doesn't align with the nature of the communication or the relationship with the recipient. By being authentic, you establish a genuine connection, foster a more personal rapport, and create a sense of approachability. This can contribute to better understanding, stronger relationships, and a more open and engaging email exchange.

Keep it simple

Sometimes, a simple “Thank you” or “Take care” can be an effective and professional way to end an email without relying on cliché phrases.

Employ a clear directive

Include a clear call-to-action in your closing if you want the recipient to take action, such as scheduling a meeting or responding to a question. It also eliminates ambiguity and provides a clear pathway for the recipient to follow, enhancing communication efficiency and productivity.

Consider cultural differences

Different cultures may have varying norms and expectations regarding appropriate email etiquette. This means that some closings may be more appropriate depending on the context and the recipient's cultural background. Therefore, when choosing your email closing, it is important to be mindful of the context and the recipient's cultural background. This demonstrates respect and sensitivity, helping avoid potential misunderstandings or unintended offence.

Examples of good and bad email closings

A few examples of good professional email closings include:

  1. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  2. Warmly, [Your Name]
  3. Take care, [Your Name]
  4. I appreciate your help on this matter. Please let me know if you need anything else.
  5. With gratitude, [Your Name]
  6. Let's talk soon. Best wishes, [Your Name]
  7. Cheers to a productive week, [Your Name]
  8. I appreciate your prompt response. Have a great day!

Here are some examples of bad professional email closings:

  1. L8r, dude!
  2. Catch ya on the flip side!
  3. Later, gator!
  4. Stay cool, bro!
  5. To infinity and beyond!
  6. Peace out!
  7. Love and kisses!
  8. TGIF, baby!
  9. Here's to the weekend!
  10. Keep it real, homie!

6 tips on how to tailor the closing of your emails

A woman thinking how to tailor her closing emails

Tailoring the closing of a professional email to the audience and purpose can help you build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and others. Here are 6 tips to do just that:

Know your audience

Consider the recipient's position, age, cultural background, and relationship with you to strike the right tone and create a sense of connection and professionalism. For instance, a more formal and respectful closing might be appropriate when corresponding with superiors like your boss or clients, whereas a more casual closing could be suitable for colleagues or familiar contacts.

Match the tone

Matching the tone of your closing with the overall tone of your email helps to maintain consistency and coherence in your communication. For example, if your email carries a formal tone, it is appropriate to use a formal closing. Conversely, if your email adopts a friendly and casual tone, your ending can be more relaxed.

Be professional

Regardless of your audience, avoiding slang or inappropriate language in your email is essential. Instead, your closing should always be respectful, courteous, and in line with professional standards. Doing so reinforces your credibility, showcases your professionalism, and helps to establish a positive impression.

Consider the purpose of the email

If your email involves making a request or seeking specific information from the recipient, ensure that your closing includes a clear call to action. This helps to guide the recipient on the desired next steps and encourages a prompt response.

On the other hand, if the purpose of your email is to express gratitude, appreciation or convey positive sentiments, choose a closing that aligns with that sentiment. Consider using a finish that reflects your appreciation, such as "Thank you" or "With sincere gratitude."

Use the recipient's name.

Addressing the recipient by name in your closing adds a personal touch to your email and helps establish a connection. It demonstrates that you value their time, attention, and individuality.

It also shows that you have taken the time to address them specifically, rather than sending a generic email. This small gesture can go a long way in building a positive relationship and enhancing the recipient's engagement with your message.

Keep it concise

A concise closing is clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. Avoid using lengthy or complicated phrases that may confuse or irritate the recipient.

Consider these examples of different closings for different situations:

Emails to clients

Using "Sincerely"

  1. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
  2. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again. Sincerely, [Your Name]
  3. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, [Your Name]
  4. We value your partnership and are committed to your satisfaction. Sincerely, [Your Name]
  5. Once again, thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Using "Best regards."

  1. Thank you for your continued business. Best regards, [Your Name]
  2. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to your next order. Best regards, [Your Name]
  3. If you need any assistance, please get in touch with us. Best regards, [Your Name]
  4. Best regards to you and your team!
  5. I hope this information is helpful. Best regards, [Your Name]

Using "Yours truly."

  1. Thank you for your business. Yours truly, [Your Name]
  2. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to working together. Yours truly, [Your Name]
  3. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours truly, [Your Name]
  4. Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours truly, [Your Name]
  5. We hope you have a great day. Yours truly, [Your Name]

Emails to coworkers or supervisors

Using "Thanks"

  1. Thanks for your help on this project. Let me know if you need anything else.
  2. I appreciate the feedback you provided. Thanks for taking the time to review my work.
  3. Thanks for your patience while I worked through this issue. I'll keep you posted on the next steps.
  4. Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming meeting. I'll make sure to update my calendar.
  5. Thanks for your support in getting this task done. Let's catch up soon to discuss the next steps.

Using "Best"

  1. Best regards, [Your Name]
  2. Best wishes, [Your Name]
  3. Best, [Your Name]
  4. All the best, [Your Name]
  5. Best of luck, [Your Name]

Using "Cheers"

  1. Cheers, [Your Name]
  2. Thanks again, and cheers, [Your Name]
  3. Have a great weekend, and cheers, [Your Name]
  4. Cheers to your hard work on this project, [Your Name]
  5. Let's catch up for coffee soon. Cheers, [Your Name]

Emails to managers or executives

Using "Regards"

  1. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, [Your Name]
  2. Please let me know if you need any further information. Regards, [Your Name]
  3. I appreciate your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
  4. I look forward to hearing back from you. Warm regards, [Your Name]
  5. Thank you for your ongoing support. With kind regards, [Your Name]
  6. Please let me know if I can assist you with anything else. Regards, [Your Name]
  7. I appreciate your prompt response. Regards, [Your Name]
  8. Thank you for your leadership on this project. Kind regards, [Your Name]
  9. I value your feedback and input. Best regards, [Your Name]
  10. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards, [Your Name]

Using "Thank you"

  1. Thank you for your time and consideration.
  2. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
  3. Thank you for your ongoing support.
  4. Thank you for your valuable input.
  5. Thank you for your leadership on this project.
  6. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
  7. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
  8. Thank you for your feedback and guidance.
  9. Thank you for your timely response.
  10. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me.

Using "Respectfully"

  1. Respectfully submitted for your review and consideration.
  2. I respectfully request your feedback on this matter.
  3. Respectfully, we need to explore this issue further.
  4. I appreciate your respectfully considering my proposal.
  5. I respectfully ask that we consider an alternative approach.
  6. Respectfully, I would like to offer my opinion on this matter.
  7. I respect your expertise and appreciate your guidance.
  8. Respectfully, I would like to request a meeting to discuss this issue further.
  9. I appreciate your time and respectfully await your response.
  10. Respectfully, we need to address this matter urgently.

Emails to job recruiters

Using "Thank you"

  1. Thank you for considering my application for the role.
  2. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
  3. Thank you for your assistance and guidance throughout the recruitment process.
  4. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  5. Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position.
  6. Thank you again for your time and effort in reviewing my application.
  7. Thank you for your support and encouragement in my job search.
  8. Thank you for your consideration of my qualifications and experience.
  9. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for the role.
  10. Thank you for your help and support in this process.

Using "Best"

  1. Best regards, [Your Name]
  2. Best wishes for your continued success, [Your Name]
  3. All the best, [Your Name]
  4. Best, [Your Name]
  5. Best regards and many thanks, [Your Name]
  6. Best of luck with the hiring process, [Your Name]
  7. Best wishes for a successful recruitment campaign, [Your Name]
  8. Best of luck, and I look forward to hearing from you soon, [Your Name]
  9. My best to you and the team, [Your Name]
  10. Best regards, and thank you for your consideration.

Using "Looking forward to hearing from you."

  1. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  2. I eagerly await your response.
  3. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
  4. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you.
  5. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.
  6. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.
  7. Thank you for arranging the interview, and I am looking forward to hearing your feedback.
  8. I am confident I would be an excellent fit for this role, and I look forward to hearing from you.
  9. Thank you for your attention, and I await your response.
  10. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.

Emails to potential employers

Using "Thank you"

  1. Thank you for taking the time to review my application, and I appreciate your consideration.
  2. Thank you for your time and attention, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.
  3. Thank you for considering my application for the position.
  4. Thank you for your time, and please let me know if you need additional information or if there is anything else I can do to assist you.
  5. I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the position, and thank you for considering my qualifications.
  6. Thank you for your consideration, and I am available to answer any additional questions you may have.
  7. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the position, and I look forward to hearing from you.
  8. Thank you for considering me for the job, and I am excited about the possibility of working with your company.
  9. Thank you for your time and attention, and I hope to have the opportunity to interview with you soon.
  10. Thank you for the opportunity to submit my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Using "Best"

  1. Best regards,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  2. Sincerely,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  3. Best wishes,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  4. Kind regards,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  5. Respectfully,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  6. Best,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  7. All the best,
    ⁠[Your Name]

Using "Looking forward to hearing from you."

  1. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  2. Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to support my application. I eagerly await your response.
  3. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for the position. I am excited to hear back from you soon.
  4. I am confident I would be an excellent fit for the role and eagerly anticipate your feedback.
  5. Thank you for your attention to my application. I look forward to further discussing my qualifications at your convenience.
  6. I am excited about joining your team and hope to hear from you regarding the next steps.
  7. I appreciate your time reviewing my application and would love to discuss my experience in more detail. I anxiously await your response.

Emails to colleagues in different departments or teams

Using "Thanks"

  1. Thanks again for all of your hard work on this project. I am looking forward to seeing the results!
  2. I appreciate your prompt response to this matter. Thanks for your help.
  3. Thanks for informing me about [project/task]. It helps me plan my workload effectively.
  4. Thanks for your support during the recent team meeting. Your input was invaluable.
  5. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me about [topic]. I found our conversation helpful.
  6. I wanted to express my thanks for the excellent presentation you gave during yesterday's meeting. It was clear, engaging, and well-researched.
  7. Thanks for collaborating with my team on the [project/task]. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Using "Best"

  1. Best regards,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  2. Best wishes,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  3. All the best,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  4. Best,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  5. Best regards and thank you,
    ⁠[Your Name]

Using "Take care"

  1. Take care and have a great weekend,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  2. Thanks for your help; take care,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  3. Looking forward to our next meeting. Take care,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  4. Thanks again for your support. Take care,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  5. Take care and stay safe,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  6. I appreciate your hard work on this. Take care,
    ⁠[Your Name]
  7. Take care, and let me know if you need anything else,
    ⁠[Your Name]

7 tips for continuing the conversation through email

Need to send a follow-up email? Sending a follow-up email is crucial for maintaining communication, ensuring important matters aren't forgotten, and displaying professionalism and commitment. It provides an opportunity to provide additional information, clarify misunderstandings, or address outstanding questions. Whether it's following up on a meeting or a job application, mastering the art of sending a well-crafted follow-up email is essential for effective communication.

Keep the dialogue flowing with these 7 tips to maintain meaningful and productive conversations via email:

A woman typing an email in the office

Show gratitude for their time

Always begin your follow-up message by thanking the recipient for their time, effort, and attention.

Refer to your previous email

Make sure the recipient has the context for your follow-up by referring to your earlier email. This also reminds them of any agreed actions from that initial email.

Summarise the previous conversation

Briefly summarise your prior discussion so the recipient can understand the topic at hand.

Request an update

Follow up with a request for the status of the previous discussion by asking a specific question. This shows that you value their input and want to move the conversation forward.

Offer solutions

If the recipient has any concerns or doubts, suggest a solution to address them. This assures them that you're taking the issue seriously.

Provide contact information

Always provide the relevant contact details in the follow-up email. Be sure to include your email address, phone number, and social media channels.

Close the email professionally

Use a professional closing to your email, such as "Best regards" or "Respectfully", to sign off the email.

Strategies for closing the loop

Recap the key points

Before closing the email thread, summarise the key points discussed in the email thread. Summarising all the key points will help you to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Confirm the next steps

Ensure all parties involved know the next steps. For example, confirm which tasks must be completed and by whom and when.

Set a deadline

Assign deadlines for the tasks in the email thread. This will help to ensure that everyone involved understands the urgency of the job.

Encourage feedback

By actively seeking feedback, you create a supportive environment where everyone involved has the opportunity to voice their concerns, opinions, or suggestions. This promotes open communication and ensures that all perspectives are considered and can lead to more comprehensive decision-making and problem-solving processes. It also helps to identify potential issues or areas for improvement that may have been overlooked.

You can either explicitly ask for input at the end of your email or even provide a dedicated platform or channel for sharing feedback.

Express gratitude

Thank your colleagues or team for their input or contribution to the email thread. Recognising their effort or time goes a long way in fostering good relationships.

End the thread

Once all tasks have been assigned and feedback is given, closing the email thread with a clear and concise message is essential. This message may include a summary of the next steps, confirmation of the deadline, or an indication that the matter has been resolved.

Follow-up

After closing the email thread, it's essential to follow up with any necessary stakeholders to ensure that tasks are being carried out and that there are no further issues. This will help ensure that everything runs smoothly and deadlines are met.

How to handle no response

Review your email

First, make sure you sent your email to the correct recipient and it is not in your spam folder or misfiled into a different folder.

Resend the email

If you have not received a response, it may be appropriate to resend the email. Please include a polite reminder in the subject line or body of the email.

Follow up with a phone call

If you've already sent a follow-up email and are still waiting for a response, consider making a phone call. A quick phone call could help you to understand why the recipient has yet to respond or confirm that they have received the email.

Explore other communication methods

If you are still waiting for a response through email, consider reaching out through other communication channels such as instant messaging, face-to-face communication, or via phone.

Have patience

Keep in mind that the recipient might be busy or need more time to respond. Therefore, wait for a reasonable period before following up.

Consider the urgency

If the email is urgent, you may need to escalate the matter to a supervisor, manager, or team leader for assistance.

Review your email

Ensure your email is clear and concise and that you have provided all the necessary information. Sometimes, recipients may not respond if they’re unsure of what’s being asked of them.

How to follow up on an email after no response and maintain professionalism

Wait for an appropriate amount of time before following up. This will give the recipient enough time to respond to your first email before sending a follow-up. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before following up.

Be polite

Maintain a friendly and professional tone in your follow-up email. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration, and remind them of the reason for your first initial email.

Keep it brief

Your follow-up email should be clear and concise. Reiterate the key points of your first email and ask if any further action is necessary.

Provide additional information

If the recipient requested more information in your first email, include it in your follow-up. This proves your attentiveness and willingness to provide what is needed to proceed.

Use a clear subject line

Use a clear and concise subject line that will catch the recipient's attention and communicate with intent.

Avoid being pushy

While following up is important, avoid coming off pushy or aggressive. Instead, demonstrate respect for the recipient's time and confirm that everything is on track.

Close with a friendly tone

End your follow-up email pleasantly and thank the recipient again for their time and consideration.

(Read more: How to Write an Interview Follow-Up Email )

Tips for creating effective email signatures

Email signatures play a critical role in professional communication. They offer a professional look and an easy way to share contact information, including your name, title, company name, phone number, and website URL. This information gives recipients all the information they need to reach you and learn about your business or organisation.

  • Branding elements:Brand elements such as logos, fonts, and colours in email signatures reinforce the brand's identity and make a memorable impression on recipients. It also elevates the level of professionalism and credibility to your emails, which can help build trust and establish your authority.
  • Contact details:Accurate and up-to-date contact information also helps recipients find and contact the sender quickly, which can improve communication and foster positive relationships. Other relevant details like a website, blog, or additional contact information, can also make it easier for recipients to connect with you in different ways. This is particularly useful for businesses looking to promote their products or services.
  • Social channels:Including social media links and other relevant details in your email signatures can boost interaction and connection between the sender and recipient.

Social media links also help recipients access and follow your online presence, strengthening relationships and promoting brand awareness.

Conclusion

Email communication is essential in the workplace.  Beyond that, creating a positive impression through email is also crucial for:

  • Giving closure:Email sign-offs matter because they provide a sense of closure to the communication, can help set the tone for the relationship between the sender and the recipient, add a personal touch, and reinforce the sender's brand or image.
  • Setting the tone for the relationship:Creating a positive impression through email communication is important. This is because it can establish trust, credibility and respect, avoid misunderstandings, enhance professional image and reputation, and improve productivity and efficiency.
  • Reinforcing your brand:Establishing credibility and professionalism through a professional email closing is essential in making a good impression on the recipient, building relationships, leaving a lasting impression, increasing response rates, and representing you and your brand.

Choosing an appropriate professional email sign-off is important as it can help convey the proper tone and message. Here are some tips for choosing the right sign-off for different situations:

  • For formal business communication, it is recommended to use sign-offs such as Sincerely, Respectfully, Best regards, or Kind regards. These sign-offs indicate respect, professionalism, and politeness.
  • For semi-formal business communication, use Thanks, Thank you, Regards, or Yours. These sign-offs express gratitude and courtesy while still maintaining a professional tone.
  • For informal sign-offs , use Best, Cheers, Take care, or Warmly. These sign-offs create a friendly and approachable impression suitable for non-business relationships.
  • For personal email communication, use Love, Yours, or Hugs. These sign-offs express affection and warmth, which are appropriate for friends, family or loved ones.
  • For job application emails, sign-offs such as Thank you for your consideration, Best regards, or Sincerely, can be used to show professionalism and respect for the employer's time.

Achieve your career goals faster and #SEEKBetter work now! Update your profile at JobStreet and find the job that aligns with your passion and purpose. Download the JobStreet app on Google Play or App Store. For more expert tips and advice on workplace culture, check out our Career Advice.

FAQs

  1. What is the best email closing for a formal email?
    The best email closing for a formal email is Sincerely or Kind regards, followed by your name and any relevant contact information
  2. Can I include emojis in my email closing?
    Generally, using emojis in a professional email closing is not recommended as it can be unprofessional. Instead, sticking with more traditional and formal closing options is best.
  3. How do I follow up after sending an email?
    ⁠To follow up after sending an email, wait an appropriate amount of time. Thereafter, send a polite and professional email reminder, reiterating the key points of your initial email and asking if further action is required.
  4. Should I always include an email signature?
    ⁠Yes. It is always recommended to include an email signature in a business email. An email signature provides essential information about you and what you do, adding professionalism to your message.
  5. Is it okay to use a creative email closing in a professional email?
    ⁠In most cases, a traditional and professional email closing is recommended. However, if the email is more informal or the recipient is someone you have a closer relationship with, a creative ending may be appropriate, as long as it aligns with the tone and expectations of the recipient.

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