Following up is awkward. You don't want to seem desperate, but you also don't want to let opportunities slip away. The good news? There's a science to following up effectively.
Research shows that 80% of sales require 5 follow-ups, but 44% of salespeople give up after one. The same applies to networking, job hunting, and even dating. Here's how to follow up without the cringe.
The Psychology of Following Up
People don't respond for many reasons that have nothing to do with you:
- They got busy and forgot
- Your message got buried
- They meant to reply but got distracted
- They're waiting for information before responding
A good follow-up helps them — it's not bothering them.
Follow-Up Templates by Situation
After a Job Interview
Subject: Following up — [Position] interview
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on our conversation last [day]. I'm still very excited about the [Position] role and the opportunity to contribute to [specific project/initiative discussed].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Looking forward to hearing about next steps!
Best,
[Your name]
After a Networking Meeting
Subject: Great meeting you at [Event]
Hi [Name],
It was great chatting at [event] about [topic]. Your insight about [specific thing] really stuck with me.
I'd love to continue the conversation — coffee sometime? No agenda, just curious to learn more about your work at [Company].
Best,
[Your name]
After No Response to a Cold Email
Subject: Re: [Original subject]
Hi [Name],
Just floating this back to the top of your inbox. I know you're busy!
To recap: [One-sentence summary of your ask]. Happy to work around your schedule.
If now isn't a good time, no worries at all — just let me know.
Best,
[Your name]
After a Sales Call
Subject: Following up + [something valuable]
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for your time on [day]. I've been thinking about the [challenge] you mentioned.
I put together [resource/case study/article] that might help. No strings attached — thought you'd find it useful regardless of whether we work together.
Let me know if you'd like to continue our conversation!
Best,
[Your name]
After a Date (That Went Well)
"Hey! I had a really good time last night. That story about [specific thing] had me laughing on my way home. Want to do it again sometime? I know a great [type of place] if you're up for it."
Generate Perfect Follow-Up Messages
FlirtCopilot helps you craft follow-ups that feel natural, not needy. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to your situation.
Get the Free Chrome ExtensionFollow-Up Timing
| Situation | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Job interview | 24-48 hours |
| Cold email | 5-7 days |
| Sales outreach | 3-5 days |
| Networking | 1-3 days |
| After a date | Same night or next day |
What NOT to Do
- Don't guilt trip — "I guess you're too busy for me" is not it
- Don't send multiple in a row — One follow-up, wait, then one more max
- Don't be passive-aggressive — "Per my last email..." kills rapport
- Don't make it about you — Focus on value to them
- Don't lie — "Checking if you got my email" when you have read receipts
Key Takeaways
- Following up is expected and professional
- Add value with each follow-up
- Keep it short and make responding easy
- Two follow-ups max, then move on
- Time it appropriately for the situation