The best examples of follow-up email examples after no response (that actually get replies)

Real examples of follow-up email examples after no response

Let’s skip the theory and start with what you actually need: words you can send. Below are real‑world examples of follow-up email examples after no response, organized by situation. You can copy them, then customize the details.

Example of a polite sales follow-up after no response

You sent a sales or outreach email last week. Silence. Here’s a light, low‑pressure follow-up that respects their time.

Subject: Quick follow-up on [topic]
Body:
Hi [Name],

Hope your week’s going well. I wanted to quickly follow up on my note about [one‑line problem you solve], in case it slipped down your inbox.

Many teams we work with at [similar company or industry] use [your product/service] to [one specific outcome, e.g., “cut reporting time by 20%”]. If it’s helpful, I can share a 10‑minute overview tailored to [their company].

Would it be worth a short call next week, or should I circle back another time in the year?

Best,
[Your name]

Why this works:

• It’s short and skimmable.
• It gives a concrete benefit instead of vague promises.
• It offers an easy out ("circle back another time"), which actually makes replies more likely.

This is one of the best examples of follow-up email examples after no response in a sales context because it’s respectful, specific, and easy to answer.

Example of a job application follow-up email after no response

You applied for a job two weeks ago and haven’t heard back. Here’s a professional, non‑pushy follow-up.

Subject: Following up on [Job Title] application
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in the role and in contributing to [specific team, project, or mission you mentioned].

I know hiring timelines can shift, so I’d appreciate any update you can share on next steps or timing. I’m happy to provide additional information or references if that would be helpful.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is a clean example of a follow-up email after no response that keeps the tone professional and calm. You’re not demanding a decision; you’re asking for an update.

For broader job search guidance and etiquette, the U.S. Department of Labor offers helpful resources on professional communication: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep

Example of a networking follow-up email after no response

You reached out on LinkedIn or via email for an informational chat. They didn’t reply. You want to nudge without sounding entitled.

Subject: Quick nudge – would love your advice on [topic]
Body:
Hi [Name],

Just a quick nudge in case my earlier message got buried. I’m exploring [field/role] and really admire your work at [company or on specific project].

If you have 15–20 minutes in the next few weeks, I’d be grateful for a brief conversation about how you got started and any advice you’d share with someone early in their career.

If now’s not a good time, no worries at all—I know your schedule is busy.

Thank you,
[Your name]

This is one of those examples of follow-up email examples after no response that balances persistence with respect. You signal that “no” is perfectly okay, which makes it easier for busy people to reply honestly.

Example of a client project follow-up email after no response

You sent a proposal or draft to a client. The deadline is creeping up, and you need feedback.

Subject: Checking in on [project name] draft
Body:
Hi [Name],

I hope your week is going smoothly. I wanted to check in on the [project name] draft I sent on [date] to see if you had any feedback or changes.

To keep us on track for the [deadline date] launch, I’ll need your approval or edits by [specific date]. If that timing no longer works on your end, I’m happy to adjust the schedule—just let me know what fits best.

Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts.

Best,
[Your name]

This is a strong example of a follow-up email after no response because it:

• Anchors the conversation to clear dates.
• Signals flexibility while still protecting your timeline.
• Keeps the tone calm instead of panicked.

Example of an internal follow-up email to a coworker after no response

You emailed a colleague for information you need to finish your work. They haven’t replied, and you don’t want to sound like you’re nagging.

Subject: Quick check-in on [task or document name]
Body:
Hi [Name],

Just checking in on the [document/info] I requested on [date]. I’m working toward the [project or deadline], and I’ll need your input to wrap up my part.

If you’re swamped, I can adjust my timeline or find another way to get the information—just let me know what works for you.

Thanks for your help on this,
[Your name]

This is one of the best examples of follow-up email examples after no response inside a company because it shows you’re collaborative, not demanding.

For general workplace communication tips, Harvard University’s resources on professional skills are worth bookmarking: https://extension.harvard.edu/professional-development/

Example of a “last attempt” follow-up email after multiple no responses

Sometimes you’ve followed up two or three times and still heard nothing. This is your graceful exit.

Subject: Should I close the loop on this?
Body:
Hi [Name],

I know your inbox is busy, so I’ll keep this brief. I’ve reached out a few times about [topic/offering/project], and I haven’t heard back—so I’ll assume now isn’t the right time.

I’ll close the loop on my end, but if your priorities change later this year and you’d like to revisit [specific benefit or outcome], I’d be happy to reconnect.

Wishing you a smooth [week/quarter],
[Your name]

This example of a follow-up email after no response does two smart things:

• It gives them a clear “off-ramp,” which people appreciate.
• It leaves the door open without hovering.

How to write your own examples of follow-up email examples after no response

Templates are helpful, but you’ll get better results when you understand the pattern behind them. Most of the best examples of follow-up email examples after no response follow a simple structure:

1. A clear subject line
Skip the drama. Use subjects like:

• “Following up on [topic]”
• “Quick check-in on [project name]”
• “Next steps for [role/project]”

Short, descriptive subjects tend to perform well, especially now that many people triage email on their phones.

2. A short reminder of context
Assume they don’t remember your earlier email. In one sentence, remind them:

“I reached out last week about [topic] and wanted to check in.”

3. A single, specific ask
One clear question is easier to answer than three vague ones. For example:

“Would you be open to a 15‑minute call next week?”
“Can you confirm if the attached draft is approved?”
“Is this role still under consideration?”

4. An easy out
Ironically, giving people permission to say no often increases replies. Phrases like these show you’re reasonable:

“If now isn’t a good time, no problem at all.”
“If this is no longer a priority, just let me know and I’ll close the loop.”

5. A warm, concise close
End with a simple “Thanks,” “Best,” or “Appreciate your time.” Overly formal closings can feel stiff; overly casual ones can feel off in professional settings.

For broader digital communication norms, the National Institutes of Health has useful guidance on clear, respectful messaging that also applies to email: https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/science-health-communication

Timing: when to send these examples of follow-up email examples after no response

Even the best examples of follow-up email examples after no response won’t work if you send them at the wrong time. A simple rule of thumb for 2024–2025:

• Sales/outreach: Follow up after 3–5 business days. Then again a week later. Then send a “last attempt” note.
• Job applications: Follow up about 7–10 days after applying, or 3–5 days after an interview if they gave you a timeline.
• Client projects: Follow up 2–3 days before any dependency deadline, then again the day before if needed.
• Internal work emails: Follow up after 1–3 business days, depending on urgency.

Email behavior has shifted with more remote and hybrid work. People juggle more tools—Slack, Teams, project boards—so inboxes are messier. That’s why short, focused follow-ups tend to work better than long, emotional ones.

If a situation is time‑sensitive or health‑related, email may not be the best channel. For personal health questions, for example, reliable guidance from sources like Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org) or WebMD (https://www.webmd.com) can help you decide when to call instead of email.

Tone tips: making these real examples sound like you

You’ve now seen several examples of follow-up email examples after no response. Before you copy‑paste, adjust three things so they feel authentic.

Match their formality.
If their first email was very formal (“Dear Ms. Johnson”), keep it that way. If they wrote, “Hey Alex,” you can relax your tone a bit.

Trim the fluff.
A good follow-up is respectful of time. Read your draft once and cut any sentence that doesn’t:

• Remind them of context
• Ask for something specific
• Offer an update or option

Avoid guilt trips.
People ignore emails for a hundred reasons—most of them innocent. Lines like “I’ve emailed you three times now” or “I really expected to hear back” rarely help. The best examples stay calm and professional, even if you’re frustrated.

FAQ about follow-up email examples after no response

How many times should I follow up after no response?
In most professional situations, two to three follow-ups are reasonable. For sales or outreach, many reps send an initial email plus 2–3 follow-ups over two to three weeks. For job applications, one follow-up on the application and one after an interview is usually enough. After that, it’s better to move on than to keep nudging.

What’s a good example of a very short follow-up email?
Here’s a minimalist option you can use after a week of silence:

Subject: Following up on [topic]
Hi [Name],
Just circling back on the note I sent about [topic] on [date].
Is this still on your radar?
Thanks,
[Your name]

This tiny template belongs in any collection of examples of follow-up email examples after no response because it’s fast to send and easy to answer.

What if they never respond to any of my follow-up emails?
Assume one of three things: they’re not interested, they’re not the right contact, or the timing is off. After two or three follow-ups, it’s usually better to:

• Try a different contact or channel, or
• Mark it as a “no for now” and revisit in a few months, or
• Let it go and focus your energy elsewhere.

Should I call instead of sending another follow-up email?
It depends on the relationship and context. For internal teammates, a quick call or chat message can be more efficient. For sales or job applications, calling without permission can feel intrusive. When in doubt, add a line to your email like, “If it’s easier, I’m happy to jump on a quick call—just let me know what works for you.”

Do I need to apologize for following up?
A brief “Sorry to nudge” or “Hope you don’t mind the follow-up” is fine, but you don’t need to over‑apologize. You’re simply making it easier for them to respond. If your message is polite, specific, and not sent every 12 hours, you’re well within normal professional behavior.

Use these real‑world examples of follow-up email examples after no response as your base, then adjust the tone, timing, and details to fit your situation. With a handful of go‑to templates ready, you’ll spend less time overthinking and more time getting actual replies.