How long should I wait before following up?

Two to three business days for most work requests. For a job application, about a week after the date they gave you. For something urgent, it is fine to follow up the next day and say why it is time-sensitive.

How many times should I follow up?

Up to three times, spaced out. After the third, send a short closing note so the door stays open without chasing.

Is it rude to follow up?

No. People miss emails all the time, and a polite follow up usually helps them. What reads as rude is guilt or sarcasm, not the follow up itself.

How to write a follow up email

A follow up email works when it is short, points back to your earlier message by subject or date, restates the one thing you need, and makes it easy to answer. For most work requests, wait two or three business days before following up. Below are examples for the common situations, plus subject lines that get opened.

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When you haven't had a reply

Hi [Name], Following up on my email from [day] about [topic]. Could you let me know [the decision or information you need] by [date]? If someone else is better placed to help, I'm happy to reach out to them. Thanks, [Name]
Hi [Name], Bumping this to the top of your inbox. All I need is a quick yes or no on [question]. Thanks! [Name]

After a meeting

Hi all, Thanks for your time today. A quick summary of what we agreed: 1. [Decision or action], owner: [Name], by [date] 2. [Decision or action], owner: [Name], by [date] Let me know if I've missed anything. Best, [Name]

After a job interview

Send a thank-you within 24 hours. If the date they gave you passes, follow up once a few days later.

Hi [Name], Thank you again for meeting with me on [day] about the [role] position. I enjoyed learning about [specific detail] and I'm still very interested. Is there any update on next steps? Best regards, [Name]

After sending a quote or proposal

Hi [Name], I wanted to check whether you had a chance to review the proposal I sent on [date]. Happy to walk through it on a quick call or adjust anything that doesn't fit. What works for you? Best, [Name]

Chasing an unpaid invoice

Hi [Name], A friendly reminder that invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. I've attached it again for convenience. Could you let me know when payment is scheduled? Thank you, [Name]

The final follow up

Hi [Name], I've reached out a few times about [topic] and don't want to keep filling your inbox. I'll assume the timing isn't right and close this out for now. If anything changes, I'm here. Best, [Name]

Subject lines that get opened

Following up: [topic]
Quick question on [topic]
Re: [original subject]
Next steps on [project]
Invoice [number]: payment reminder

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Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait before following up?: Two to three business days for most work requests. For a job application, about a week after the date they gave you. For something urgent, it is fine to follow up the next day and say why it is time-sensitive.
How many times should I follow up?: Up to three times, spaced out. After the third, send a short closing note so the door stays open without chasing.
Is it rude to follow up?: No. People miss emails all the time, and a polite follow up usually helps them. What reads as rude is guilt or sarcasm, not the follow up itself.