The Right Way to End an Email: Professional Sign-offs and Closings to Use (and Avoid)

If you truly want to convey gratitude, this email closure is appropriate. "Thank you" is pleasant and professional, but it should be avoided in more formal correspondence. Remember that, like "Thank you in advance," this sign-off may convey an expectation. If you don't want to appear overly demanding, choose another email closure.

This is a strict no in business correspondence. Such a sign-off just displays your negligence and disdain. They may be appropriate for emails with friends or colleagues that you have a close relationship with. However, in a professional context, it is best to use more formal closing phrases such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Kind regards." These phrases convey professionalism and respect, leaving a positive impression on the recipient and aligning with the image of your company.

Using "Love" as a closing in a professional email can be seen as unprofessional and too personal, particularly when communicating with colleagues, clients, or supervisors. It can also be seen as inappropriate, as it may imply more than you intend to.

"XOXO" is commonly used as a closing in personal or informal emails or text messages, and is an abbreviation of "hugs and kisses." In a professional context, using this kind of closing is considered unprofessional and too casual. It can come across as unprofessional and too familiar and can imply a level of intimacy that is not appropriate in a professional setting.

“Yours faithfully" is a traditional and formal way to close an email, but it is usually used when the recipient's name is not known. It is considered outdated and overly formal in modern business communications.

Not signing off in an email can come across as rude or abrupt. It is considered standard practice to include a polite closing such as "Sincerely" or "Thank you" before your name, as it indicates that the message has come to a close and gives the recipient a sense of closure. Additionally, it can also help to establish a professional tone in communication.

Make your ending sentence one to two sentences lengthy, and thank the reader for their time. This is a respectful way of appreciating the reader for taking the time to read your entire email. Many professionals who read a courteous concluding note may feel compelled to reciprocate by writing a response or prioritizing the work you requested of them.

After expressing gratitude or appreciation to the reader, a clear and direct call to action can help move the conversation forward and achieve your desired outcome. In a business context, Including a call to action in your email closing can be an effective way to encourage the recipient to take action or respond to your request.

Including your full name below your closing statement is an essential step in ensuring that your recipient can easily identify who you are and how to respond to your message. This is especially important in a professional context, such as job applications, where it can be helpful for hiring managers to remember your name and how you fit into their recruitment process.

You may provide your current job title to help the recipient comprehend your professional standing. On certain occasions, you may wish to exclude your work title, but in most cases, providing a title is a useful approach to demonstrate what you do.