A Polite Follow-Up Email Sample to Get Results: Tips and Examples

Have you ever sent an email and waited eagerly for a response only to be left in the lurch? It can be frustrating, especially when there’s an urgent matter at hand. But fear not, for there’s a way to politely follow up without being too pushy or annoying. In this article, we’ll provide you with a sample of a polite follow-up email that you can use as a template in various situations. Whether you’re following up on a job application, a business proposal, or a simple inquiry, these email samples will come in handy. Plus, you can easily tweak them to suit your specific needs and style. So, sit tight and get ready to learn how to follow up like a pro – with a little bit of politeness and finesse.

The Best Structure for a Polite Follow-up Email Sample

When it comes to following up on an email, it can be a tricky balance between being assertive and being polite. After all, you don’t want to come off as pushy or desperate, but you also don’t want to be forgotten or ignored. In this article, we will explore the best structure for a polite follow-up email sample that will help you get the response you need.

The first step in crafting a great follow-up email is to make sure you’re emailing the right person. This may sound obvious, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re contacting someone who has the authority or capacity to take action on your request. If you’re not sure who to contact, go back to the original email or reach out to the company’s customer service department for guidance.

Once you’ve confirmed that you’re emailing the right person, it’s important to start your email with a friendly and polite greeting. Address them by name and thank them for taking the time to read your email. This will set a positive tone for the rest of the message and make it more likely that they will respond favorably.

The body of your email should be brief and to the point. You don’t want to overwhelm the recipient with too much information, but you also want to make sure your message is clear. Start by reminding them of the original message and your reason for contacting them. Be specific and include any details or deadlines that are relevant. Next, ask if there are any updates or if they need any additional information from you. Finally, close your message by thanking them again and expressing your appreciation for their help.

It’s also a good idea to include a call to action in your follow-up email. This could be something as simple as asking them to let you know if they need anything else from you, or it could be a more specific request for an update or a timeline. By including a call to action, you’re making it clear what you’re looking for and giving the recipient a clear path forward.

Finally, it’s important to remember that timing is everything when it comes to follow-up emails. You don’t want to be too pushy or aggressive, but you also don’t want to wait too long to follow up. A good rule of thumb is to send a follow-up email about one week after your initial message, unless there is a specific deadline or timeline that requires a quicker response.

In conclusion, following up on an email can be a tricky situation, but by following these guidelines you can craft a polite, effective message that will increase your chances of getting a response. Remember to be specific, polite, and clear, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful follow-up email.

7 Polite Follow-Up Email Samples

Follow-up on a job application

Dear Hiring Manager,

I wanted to follow up on my recent job application for the Marketing Coordinator position at ABC Corp. I am very interested in the position and would appreciate any updates you can provide me regarding the status of my application.

If there is any additional information you need from me, please let me know and I will be happy to provide it. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a sales meeting

Dear [Client name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me last week to discuss your company’s marketing needs. I really enjoyed our conversation and would like to follow up to see if you have any further questions or concerns.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to support your company’s marketing efforts. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a job interview

Dear [Interviewer name],

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me last week about the Customer Service Manager position at XYZ Corp. I really enjoyed our conversation and gained valuable insight into the company’s goals and culture.

If there are any further steps I need to take in the hiring process, please let me know. I remain very interested in the job opportunity and would be thrilled to work with such a dynamic team.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a proposal

Dear [Client name],

Thank you for considering my proposal to redesign your company’s website. I would like to follow up to see if you have any additional questions or concerns that I can address.

If you are ready to move forward with the project, please let me know so we can start planning the next steps. I am confident that we can create a website that will exceed your expectations.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a networking event

Dear [Connection name],

It was great to meet you at the recent industry conference. I really enjoyed our conversation about the challenges facing our industry and am interested in continuing the discussion.

If you have any suggestions for networking events or conferences coming up, please let me know. I would be interested in attending and expanding my professional network.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a product inquiry

Dear [Client name],

Thank you for your interest in our products. I wanted to follow up to see if you have any additional questions or concerns that I can address.

If you are ready to place an order, please let me know. We have a variety of products that can meet your needs and I would be happy to provide additional information or price quotes.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on a payment

Dear [Client name],

I wanted to follow up on the invoice I emailed you last Monday. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the invoice or if you need any additional documentation.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know when to expect payment so I can keep our records up to date. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing Polite Follow-up Emails

Follow-up emails are an important part of any business or personal communication. However, it is important to be aware of the proper etiquette and tone while writing follow-up emails. Here are a few tips to help you craft polite follow-up emails:

  • Be brief and concise: Your follow-up emails should be short and to the point. Avoid using long paragraphs or rambling sentences. Instead, use bullet points or numbered lists to convey information clearly.
  • Show gratitude: Begin your email by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. This shows that you respect their efforts and are not just pestering them for a response.
  • Use a professional tone: Follow-up emails should be polite and professional in nature. Avoid using slang or informal language. It is important to maintain a positive and respectful tone throughout the email.
  • Reiterate your request: Clearly state your purpose for sending the follow-up email. This helps the recipient to understand the urgency and importance of the message.
  • Include a call-to-action: End your email with a clear and concise call-to-action. This could be a request for a meeting, a response to your question or a simple confirmation that the recipient received your email.
  • Be patient: While it is important to follow-up on emails, don’t be too pushy or aggressive. Give the recipient time to respond and be patient in waiting for a reply.

Following these tips will help you to write effective and polite follow-up emails that can enhance your communication and build better relationships in both personal and business contexts. Remember to always be professional, concise and respectful in your interactions, and your emails are sure to receive the desired response.

Polite Follow-Up Email Sample FAQs


What is a polite follow-up email?

A polite follow-up email is a professional email sent to remind the recipient of a previous email or request. It is written in a courteous and friendly tone and aims to gently prompt the recipient to take action.

Why is it important to send a polite follow-up email?

Sending a polite follow-up email ensures that your previous email or request is not overlooked or forgotten. It also demonstrates your professionalism, persistence, and attention to detail.

When is the best time to send a polite follow-up email?

The best time to send a polite follow-up email depends on the context and urgency of your previous email or request. In general, it is recommended to wait at least a week before sending a follow-up email. However, if the matter is urgent, you may need to follow up sooner.

How should I phrase a polite follow-up email?

A polite follow-up email should be written in a friendly and professional tone. It should start with a greeting and reference your previous email or request. You should then politely ask for an update or reiterate your request. End your email with a polite closing and your contact information.

Should I send multiple follow-up emails?

It is generally not recommended to send too many follow-up emails as it can come across as pushy or annoying. However, if it has been a while since your previous email or request and you still have not received a response, you may want to send one more follow-up email.

What should I do if I still do not receive a response after sending a polite follow-up email?

If you still do not receive a response after sending a polite follow-up email, it may be time to consider other options such as calling the recipient or reaching out to someone else who may be able to help. It is also important to remember that sometimes emails can get lost or overlooked, so be patient, courteous, and persistent.

Can you provide a sample of a polite follow-up email?

Sure, here is an example of a polite follow-up email:

Dear [Recipient’s name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email sent on [date], regarding [subject]. I understand that you may be busy, but I was wondering if there has been any progress on this matter.

Please do let me know if there is any further information you require from me, or if you require any assistance to move this forward. I appreciate your time and attention in this matter.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Wrapping things up!

That’s all for now, folks! I hope our polite follow-up email sample has been helpful in keeping your correspondence courteous, effective, and professional. Remember, following up is an art form that can have a huge impact on your business relationships. So, keep practicing, learning, and refining your follow-up emails. Thanks for reading and best of luck with your future follow-ups! Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks. See you again soon!