Paragraph 4: The Closing That Opens a Door

Paragraph 4 is the last thing the reader sees. Most students waste it on "Thank you for your time and consideration" and then trail off. The closing is where you propose a next step, not where you sign off and disappear.

The Four Things a Closing Has to Do

Thank the reader. One line. Do not over-explain.
Propose a specific next step. The single most overlooked move. A 20-minute call. A meeting at a conference. A walk-through of a project. Make it easy to say yes.
Reference what is enclosed. Resume, portfolio, work samples. One line, not a paragraph.
Sign off cleanly. "Sincerely," "Best," or "Regards" with your name below. No flourishes.

Weak Closings to Avoid

"Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your firm. I look forward to hearing from you."

This is the default closing. It is everywhere. It does nothing. The reader notes that you finished writing and moves on. You have given them no reason to take action.

Strong Closings That Propose a Next Step

"Thank you for your time. I'd welcome a 20-minute conversation about how your team approaches public-health-driven landscape projects, and whether my studio work in community-driven park design might fit your current pipeline. I've enclosed my resume and portfolio."

This version names a specific topic, names a specific time commitment (20 minutes is low friction), and ties back to a paragraph 2 reference. The reader knows exactly what they would be saying yes to.

"Thank you for considering my application. I'll be in Chicago the week of March 17 and would love to stop by your studio if there is time. My portfolio (pages 12-18) walks through the Permeable Nexus project that I mentioned above."

This one offers a real meeting and a specific page reference. It treats the reader like a busy professional whose time you respect.

The Forbidden Phrases

"I look forward to hearing from you." Passive. You are waiting. Take initiative instead.
"Please do not hesitate to contact me." Of course they will not. You wrote them. Cut it.
"I am confident I would be a great fit for your team." Confidence-claims are a tell. Show fit through what you did; let them conclude the fit themselves.
"Enclosed please find my resume." Archaic. "I've enclosed my resume" is better.

Signoff Conventions

"Sincerely," — safe and professional. Default for first contact.
"Best," — slightly warmer. Works for second-touch emails after the application.
"Regards," — neutral, fine for any application.
"Warm regards," "Cheers," "Thanks," — too casual for a first cover letter to a firm you do not know.

Then your full name. If you printed and signed it, a signature above your typed name. If sending digitally, your typed name is enough.

PRO TIP: Read your last sentence out loud. If it is "I look forward to hearing from you," you have written a closing that thousands of other applicants have also written. Write something they would not. The closing is your last chance to sound like a real person.