#26 How to follow up on your unanswered email or message?
I get this question a lot from my coaching clients. Let's discuss a few considerations.
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Not getting a reply to your work email, Slack message, or LinkedIn DM can be confusing or even frustrating.
Should you follow up? Should you let it go? How can you decide?
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, considering the following points can help you navigate this situation effectively.
#1 Have you waited a reasonable amount of time?
In the fast-paced tech industry, it's essential to consider the time frame for a response.
If you're working with a collaborator and know that you have a dependency on them, a quick answer is usually expected.
However, the definition of "quick" varies depending on your company culture, the recipient, and the message itself. It's crucial to wait a reasonable amount of time before following up, which could be anywhere from 1-2 days to 1 week or more.
#2 What’s the best way to follow up?
Before sending another message, think about the best way to reach out.
If you initially sent an email, consider whether a Slack message or in-person conversation might be more effective.
For instance, if you share a workspace, a quick hello in the office could be more productive than sending another email. If you're already scheduled to meet with the person, you can address the topic briefly during the call.
#3 What to say in your follow-up?
When crafting your follow-up message, focus on bringing value to the reader. Share something they'll find interesting or useful, and then casually mention your earlier message. To avoid confusion, summarize the original message and make your request clear. For example, you could ask for a yes or no answer or confirmation.
What are your thoughts? Reach out to me, I’m curious.
👋🏽 I’m Mel…
I’m here to empower tech professionals by:
🙇🏻♀️ Doing career coaching (DM me to book your free discovery call)
✍🏽 Writing on Medium and Substack
🩷 Hosting webinars, making warm intros, and building community