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

FAQs

How do you deal with people not getting back to you? ›

Consider using a different communication method: If you have been communicating via email and have not received a response, try reaching out through a different channel, such as a phone call or text message. This can be especially effective if you think the person may be more likely to see your message this way.

In a follow-up email after no response, briefly recap your previous message, provide additional context or value, and include a clear call to action. A subject line like “Just Checking In – Any Updates?” can be effective. Maintain a friendly and professional tone, and express your eagerness to hear back.

They may reach out and genuinely keep the conversation going. Or, they may treat you as though they didn't see you. Again. So, to answer the question, it may be a bit unfair to say that no response is always a rejection – especially if you just shot someone a message on social media.

Do not text again. If you do not get a response in 48 hours, you're probably not going to get one. This is the point where many people run afoul: they text a second time while waiting to hear from the other person about the first text.

Even if the situation looks bleak, it's important to continue following up after no response. Research shows that if you add just one more follow-up email, you can increase your average reply rate by eleven percentage points.

When you're following up on a text message for which there was no response, reinstate the subject of the previous message, so the receiver immediately knows what the text was about. End the text message with a question that remained unanswered after the previous text.

If someone isn't responding to your texts, they might just be taking time to process your message and come up with a response. Text anxiety, ADHD, or digital burnout are also possible reasons that someone might feel too overwhelmed or anxious to reply to your text right away.

No response is a powerful response when it's filling the place of an I Told You So. You already said what you had to. Your silence and just looking at them shows, the person was warned but chose not to listen. Silence is also powerful when the situation is so good or so bad, words aren't needed.

A gentle follow-up email requires a focus on the future and what it means for the client rather than focusing on the past - even if they said they would get that information and they didn't.

It's important to send a follow-up text because it can help keep your message top-of-mind, show that you're invested, and increase your chances of a response. Life gets busy and chaotic at times, making it easy for things to get lost.

How do you politely ask for a follow up? ›

I'm following up on my previous email on [Date]. I requested [Item/Information] from you and was wondering if there is any update on this request. Please let me know if you need any further information from me. I appreciate your time and consideration.

As a rule of thumb, following up within a week is perfectly acceptable. If you don't hear back after an additional week, you can reach out again. However, if you don't hear anything after a second week, it's better to stay radio silent. Some companies have a long hiring process.

I wanted to gently remind you of my leave request for [Dates]. I understand you must be occupied with various responsibilities, and I appreciate your consideration of my request. If there is any additional information you require or any questions, please let me know, and I will be happy to provide them promptly.