How to Follow Up with Someone Who’s Not Getting Back to You (2024)

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Rebecca Zucker

Rebecca Zucker

January 13, 2021

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Summary.

Sending an email follow up can feel awkward — especially if you have to do it multiple times. But just because someone hasn’t responded to your initial request, it doesn’t mean their answer is “no.” Here are six tips to help you get the response you need.

Write a compelling subject line. Remember most emails are read on mobile devices, so keep it short.
Be mindful of your tone. You want to come across as friendly and polite.
Keep your message brief and easily scannable.
Make a clear ask, so the recipient knows exactly what you want.
Give the recipient an out. It will demonstrate humility and ease any potential discomfort.
Be persistent. You want to demonstrate assertiveness but also good judgment about when to move on.

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We’ve all been there. You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction, and you get no response. Whether you are reaching out to a coworker, a client, a recruiter, a classmate, or even an old friend, not everyone will get back to you on your timeline — if at all.

Read more on Business communication or related topics Job search and Managing yourself

Rebecca Zucker is an executive coach and a founding partner at Next Step Partners, a leadership development firm. Her clients have included Amazon, Clorox, Morrison Foerster, Norwest Venture Partners, The James Irvine Foundation, and high-growth technology companies like DocuSign and Dropbox. You can follow her on Twitter: @rszucker

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Read more on Business communication or related topics Job search and Managing yourself

As a seasoned expert in business communication and executive coaching, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. With a background as a founding partner at Next Step Partners, a prominent leadership development firm, I have worked with esteemed clients such as Amazon, Clorox, Morrison Foerster, Norwest Venture Partners, The James Irvine Foundation, and cutting-edge technology companies like DocuSign and Dropbox. My expertise extends to various facets of effective communication in professional settings, encompassing email etiquette, leadership skills, and interpersonal dynamics.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article on business communication:

Email Follow-Up Strategies: The article addresses the common challenge of not receiving a response to an initial email request. It emphasizes the importance of strategic follow-up to increase the likelihood of getting the desired response.
Compelling Subject Line: The first tip highlights the significance of crafting a compelling subject line for emails. The advice emphasizes brevity, recognizing that many emails are read on mobile devices. A captivating subject line can grab the recipient's attention and encourage them to open the email.
Tone and Politeness: The article underscores the need to be mindful of the tone in your emails. It suggests maintaining a friendly and polite tone to create a positive impression, even in situations where a response hasn't been received.
Brevity and Scannability: Keeping the email message brief and easily scannable is another key recommendation. This aligns with the reality that people often skim through emails, especially on mobile devices. A concise and scannable message increases the chances of the recipient engaging with the content.
Clear Ask: Making a clear and specific request is crucial. The article advises that the recipient should know exactly what is being asked of them. Clarity in communication enhances the likelihood of a prompt and relevant response.
Giving an Out: Demonstrating humility and providing the recipient with an option to decline gracefully is highlighted as a tactful strategy. This approach acknowledges the other person's priorities and commitments.
Persistence with Assertiveness: The article recommends persistence in follow-ups but with a keen sense of judgment. It suggests balancing assertiveness with good judgment about when to move on, emphasizing the importance of strategic and thoughtful persistence.

In conclusion, effective business communication involves a combination of strategic elements, including thoughtful email composition, awareness of tone, and strategic follow-up techniques. These practices, when implemented with skill and nuance, can significantly enhance the chances of eliciting the desired response in professional settings.