![]() For instance, you could say something like, “I’m following up to see if you might have some time to talk in the next week or two about your experience working at Company X, as I just applied for the financial analyst position.” Make a clear ask.Īn unambiguous, direct question will make your request evident to the reader. Try keeping it simple and straightforward. This means that longer emails are more likely to be forgotten. Longer, more complex emails are often put to the side and revisited later when the reader has time to focus on your message. The same research also shows that using simple language (at a third-grade reading level) results in the highest response rate (53%). This means that if you’re forwarding your initial email, your follow-up message should be even shorter. ![]() Research shows that between 75 and 100 words is ideal, yielding the highest response rate at 51%. The most effective messages are short and easily scannable. No one likes to receive a long or dense email. Subtle flattery - without going overboard - helps. This would be a big win for my team and I, so we appreciate you sending any thoughts you have by EOD Thursday.” The former is neutral and could potentially be construed as demanding, whereas the latter is slightly more upbeat and appreciative while also being complimentary to the recipient. Think of your message as a gentle nudge. Imagine receiving an email that says, “Please send your feedback on my project by Thursday,” versus, “Given your experience with these types of projects, I’d love to get your feedback on the work I’ve done so far. Research shows emails that are slightly to moderately positive in tone have a 10-15% higher response rates than more neutral messages. Tone can easily be misinterpreted via email, so take care to craft a message that sounds friendly and polite. You might say, “Next steps on X project” or “Question on job application.” Be mindful of your tone. Instead, use the subject line to give the recipient a short preview of your request. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in.” Those are not only vague - they may also make the reader feel bad for being slow to respond (even further delaying a prompt reply). Though not every email will be urgent, like Paul’s, you still need to be thoughtful about your subject line. Paul emailed his coworker again, changing the subject line to “Time sensitive: communication plan,” and got an immediate reply. His first email, with the subject line “Team communication plan in advance of firm announcement” didn’t get a response. Research shows that shorter subject lines with only four words have the highest open rates, which makes sense since two-thirds of emails are read on mobile devices.įor example, Paul, a client of mine, needed his colleague to sign off on a communication plan around the announcement of his move to a new group. Have a compelling subject line.įorty-seven percent of emails are opened or discarded based on their subject line alone. Here are some key things to keep in mind when you reach out to someone for the second (or third, or fourth) time. That said, it can still feel awkward to follow up, especially if you need to do so more than once. Remembering this can help de-personalize their silence, and make you less hesitant to send a follow up message. Your email probably doesn’t make the top 10 on their priority list. #FOLLOW UP UNREPLIED EMAIL SERIES#People are often juggling a series of important work and personal responsibilities. 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.Īs frustrating and disappointing as it may be, a lack of response doesn’t mean they’re ghosting you. You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction, and you get no response. ![]() ![]() Originally published by Harvard Business Review. ![]()
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