Yes, you should sign a cover letter, but the form of that signature depends on how you send it. For an emailed or online-submitted cover letter, a typed full name is sufficient; for a printed and mailed copy, add a handwritten signature above your typed name.
Why Signing Matters
A signature is more than a formality—it signals that you take the application seriously and that you stand behind the words in the letter. In a digital hiring process, the absence of any closing name can make a letter feel abrupt or even copied. A clear signature also makes it easy for a recruiter to match the letter to your resume and other documents, especially if your email address or file name is not your full name.
That said, the signature is not where hiring decisions are made. Recruiters spend an average of only a few seconds scanning a cover letter, so the content of the body matters far more than the closing. Still, a polished, correctly formatted signature is part of the overall professional impression you leave.
How to Sign a Digital Cover Letter
When you send your cover letter as an email body, an attachment, or through an online portal, a handwritten signature is not expected. Instead, use a professional email signature block. Here is what to include:
- Your full name (first and last)
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Optional: your LinkedIn profile URL or personal website
If you are attaching a PDF or Word document, you can also add a scanned image of your handwritten signature at the bottom, but it is not required. Many applicants simply type their name in a clean font. The key is consistency—use the same name and contact details on your resume and cover letter.
How to Sign a Printed Cover Letter
If you are mailing a physical cover letter, the traditional format applies:
- Leave a blank space (about four lines) between the closing salutation (e.g., “Sincerely,”) and your typed name.
- Sign your name in ink in that blank space.
- Type your full name below the signature.
- Add your contact information below your typed name if it is not already in the letterhead.
Use a black or blue pen. Blue ink is often preferred because it distinguishes the original from a photocopy, but black is also acceptable. Sign exactly as you do on legal documents—usually your full legal name, but if you go by a middle name or a shortened version, use that consistently.
When You Should Skip a Handwritten Signature
There are a few situations where a handwritten signature is not only unnecessary but could be a drawback:
- When the job description explicitly asks for a typed application or says “no attachments.”
- When you are submitting through an applicant tracking system (ATS) that parses text—a signature image may interfere with text extraction.
- When you are sending a cover letter as a plain-text email and cannot attach files.
In these cases, a typed name in the closing is the standard and expected choice. Do not force a signature image into a text-only field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-written cover letter can be undermined by a sloppy signature. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Forgetting to sign the printed letter entirely—this is a frequent oversight.
- Using a nickname that does not match your resume or application profile.
- Adding a signature image that is pixelated or has a white background that clashes with the document.
- Including too much contact info in the signature block, making it look cluttered.
- Using a casual sign-off like “Cheers” or “Thanks!” when the company culture is formal.
Template for a Cover Letter Closing
Below is a generic template for the closing section of a cover letter. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your own information.
| Field | Example | Your Information |
|---|---|---|
| Closing salutation | Sincerely, | _________________________ |
| Signature (if printed) | _________________________ | _________________________ |
| Typed name | Jordan Smith | _________________________ |
| Phone | (555) 123-4567 | _________________________ |
| jordan.smith@email.com | _________________________ | |
| LinkedIn (optional) | linkedin.com/in/jordansmith | _________________________ |
Sample (fictional):
Sincerely,
[Handwritten signature]
Jordan Smith
(555) 123-4567
jordan.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jordansmith
Digital Signature Tools and Etiquette
If you want a handwritten look without printing, you can create a digital signature using a scanner or a photo of your signature on white paper. Save it as a transparent PNG and insert it into your document. Many word processors also allow you to draw a signature with a mouse or stylus. However, be cautious: some ATS software cannot read images, so if the job is posted on a large job board, a typed name is safer.
Another option is to use a secure digital signature service that provides a cryptographic signature. This is more common for contracts than for cover letters, but it is acceptable if you are applying to a tech company or a role that values digital literacy. Never use a digital signature service that requires the recipient to create an account to view the document—that will frustrate the recruiter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign a cover letter if I upload it online?
No, a handwritten signature is not required for online submissions. A typed name in the closing is standard. If you want to add a scanned signature, it is fine as long as the file remains readable and the ATS can still parse the text.
Should I use my middle name or initial in the signature?
Use the name you use professionally. If your resume shows “Jordan A. Smith,” use that. If you go by “Jordan Smith,” leave the middle initial out. Consistency is more important than formality.
Can I sign a cover letter with just my first name?
Only if you are emailing a very informal startup and the job description uses first names throughout. For any formal application, use your full name. A first-name-only signature can look too casual for most hiring contexts.
What if I make a mistake in the printed signature?
If you sign in the wrong place or with the wrong pen, print a new copy and sign again. Do not use correction fluid on a cover letter—it looks unprofessional. Always keep a few extra copies of your letter on hand.
Is it okay to sign with a digital signature that looks handwritten?
Yes, as long as the image is clear and professional. Test it by printing the document to see if the signature looks natural. Avoid overly ornate fonts or signatures that are hard to read.
Should I sign a cover letter that I send as a PDF?
You can, but it is not necessary. If you do add a signature image, place it in the closing area and ensure it does not overlap with text. A typed name is equally acceptable for PDF submissions.