Follow-up email after no response: the second nudge, done politely.
You sent a good follow-up and heard nothing. Silence is common and often has nothing to do with you: budgets freeze, interviewers travel, roles get paused. The goal now is one clear, easy-to-answer message.
If your first follow-up got no response, wait about a week, then reply in the same email thread with two or three sentences: restate your interest, acknowledge they are busy and ask one yes-or-no question about the timeline. If that also gets no reply, send a short close-the-loop note and put your energy into other applications.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Reply in the same thread
When to use: One week after an unanswered follow-up. Keeping the thread gives the reader context.
Hi [Name], I know things get busy, so I'm bringing this back to the top of your inbox. Is the [Role] position still open, and is my application still being considered? Thanks, [Your name]
Try a different contact
When to use: When the recruiter has gone quiet but you also met the hiring manager. Keep it neutral.
Subject: [Role] process Hi [Hiring manager], Thank you again for our interview on [date]. I've tried to reach [Recruiter] for an update and know they may be stretched. If it's easy for you to share, I'd appreciate knowing where the process stands. Best regards, [Your name]
One-line nudge
When to use: When your earlier emails were long. Short messages are easier to answer from a phone.
Hi [Name], is there any update on the [Role] position? A quick yes or no on the timeline would help me plan. Thanks, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
No reply? Decision guide
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| First follow-up unanswered for 5-7 working days | Send the same-thread nudge. |
| Second message unanswered | Send a close-the-loop note; stop there. |
| You know another contact at the company | One neutral note to them is fine; never complain about the recruiter. |
| You were told 'no decision yet' | Ask for the next date, then wait for it. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | I've emailed you twice already and haven't heard anything. Can you please respond? |
| Strong | I know things get busy, so I'm bringing this back to the top of your inbox. Is the role still open, and is my application still being considered? |
Why it matters: Both say the same thing. The weak one sounds like an accusation; the strong one gives the reader an easy, face-saving way to reply.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting a new thread every time so the reader loses context.
- Adding a read receipt or 'urgent' flag.
- Messaging the CEO or posting about the company publicly.
- Assuming silence means rejection and sending an angry reply.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
How long should I wait before following up again?
Should I reply in the same thread or start a new email?
When should I stop following up?
Is it unprofessional to email the hiring manager if the recruiter doesn't reply?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.