Deciding whether to send another follow-up email is a balancing act. You want to demonstrate persistence without becoming a nuisance. After sending one follow-up without a reply, you may question the next step. This guide offers advice on the timing, purpose, and content of a second follow-up to help you navigate this professional challenge.
The Purpose of a Second Follow-Up
A second follow-up email is a strategic tool meant to re-engage the recipient, bringing your conversation back to the top of their inbox. Since emails are easily missed, a polite reminder can be appreciated. This message also serves to reiterate your continued interest in the opportunity, whether it’s a job, a sale, or a new connection.
This communication should be framed to provide new value, which distinguishes it from pestering. Instead of repeating your initial request, offer a new piece of information or a helpful resource. This approach shows thoughtfulness and reinforces your professionalism, keeping the lines of communication open.
Determining the Right Timing
The effectiveness of a second follow-up often comes down to its timing, which varies depending on the professional context. Different situations have different expectations, and understanding these nuances is important for making a positive impression.
After a Job Application or Interview
When following up on a job application or after an interview, patience is a professional courtesy. After your first follow-up, wait 4-7 business days before sending a second message. This interval shows respect for the hiring manager’s schedule and acknowledges that internal decision-making can take time. Sending a message too soon can appear pushy.
For a Sales Prospect
In a sales context, the timing can be more condensed. Sales cycles often move at a faster pace, and maintaining momentum is important. After your first follow-up, a waiting period of 2-4 business days is recommended before sending a second one. This keeps your proposal fresh in the prospect’s mind and demonstrates your attentiveness. This cadence respects their time while keeping you on their radar.
Following a Networking Request
Following up on a networking request requires the most patience, as your request is likely a lower priority for the recipient. After your first follow-up, wait about a week before sending a second email. This demonstrates that you are considerate of their time and are not making unreasonable demands. A longer interval prevents you from seeming aggressive while building a professional relationship.
Crafting an Effective Second Follow-Up
To maintain context and make it easy for the recipient to recall your conversation, reply within the same email thread. This keeps all previous communication in one place, saving the recipient from searching their inbox.
Begin your message with a brief and polite opening. From there, concisely reference your previous message to jog their memory.
The core of your email should focus on adding new value. This is your opportunity to share a new idea, a relevant article, or a resource that might be helpful to them. For example, you could say, “I was thinking more about our conversation and had another thought on X,” or “This article made me think of what you said about Y.”
This approach demonstrates your continued engagement and thoughtfulness. It reframes the follow-up from a simple reminder to a valuable piece of communication. Avoid any language that could be interpreted as passive-aggressive, such as “per my last email.” Keep the entire message short and direct.
Finally, conclude with a clear, low-pressure call to action. Instead of a demanding question like, “When are you free to talk?” opt for something softer, such as, “Let me know if you have any questions.” This makes it easy for the recipient to respond without feeling cornered.
Knowing When to Stop
If your second follow-up email also goes unanswered, it is time to pause your outreach. The accepted rule is that three emails—the initial message and two follow-ups—is the maximum. Continuing to send messages beyond this point risks damaging your professional reputation.
Persisting after two follow-ups can be perceived as annoying and may burn the bridge for any future opportunities. The goal is to leave a final impression of professionalism. Respecting their lack of response is a professional courtesy.
After sending your second follow-up, the best course of action is to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities. If the recipient is interested, they have the information to get in touch. By stopping at the right time, you maintain your dignity and keep the door open for potential future interactions.