Following Up Without Sounding Desperate
We’ve all been there. You send out your resume, have a promising interview, or meet a great contact at a networking event… and then silence.
Your instinct says to follow up, but the last thing you want is to come across as pushy, needy, or desperate.
Here’s the truth: following up is a great way to stand out. The key is how you do it.
1. Shift Your Mindset
Think of following up as showing professionalism, not pestering. You’re not “chasing.” You’re reminding someone of the value you bring. This small reframe changes the tone of your message completely.
Instead of:
"Hi, just checking in to see if you’ve had a chance to review my application yet?"
Try:
"Hi […Name…], I really enjoyed our conversation on […date…] and left feeling even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to […company/role…]. I wanted to follow up to see if there are any updates on next steps I can prepare for. Thank you again for your time and insights."
2. Keep It Brief & Specific
Instead of vague check-ins (“just following up…”), be clear and intentional. For example:
“I enjoyed our conversation last week about […topic…]. I’d love to continue exploring how I could add value to […team/project…].”
“I wanted to touch base on next steps for the […role name…] position, please let me know if there’s any additional information I can share.”
👉 Specificity = confidence.
3. Add Value in Your Message
Whenever possible, include something useful: a quick article, an idea that ties into your conversation, or a reflection that shows you’re still engaged. This makes your message feel like a contribution, not just a nudge.
For example:
"Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed our discussion about the company’s shift toward digital transformation. I came across this recent Gartner report on emerging AI trends in financial services and thought it might resonate with the direction you mentioned. It’s a short, insightful read. Looking forward to hearing how things progress on your end."
👉 Notice how this does three things:
It references the prior conversation (shows you were paying attention).
It shares something useful (adds value, not just noise).
It keeps the tone light and forward-looking, not pushy.
4. Engage Beyond Emails
Don’t limit your follow-up to the inbox. While waiting for a response, engage on LinkedIn:
Comment thoughtfully on company posts
Like and/comment to engage with their personal posts
👉 But here’s the golden rule: don’t engage with every post. The intention is to be seen and remembered in a positive, authentic way, not to come across as overbearing (or worse, stalker-like!).
Think of it as sprinkling in reminders that you’re interested, engaged, and tuned into their world, without overdoing it.
This keeps you visible in a professional way, showing genuine interest without being intrusive.
5. Know the Right Timing
There are two key windows to keep in mind:
Within 24-48 hours: Send a gracious thank-you note after your interview or networking conversation. Keep it warm and specific. Highlight something you enjoyed discussing and reaffirm your interest.
5-7 business days later: If you haven’t heard back, send a brief, professional follow-up.
Timing shows respect for the other person’s process while keeping you on their radar.
6. Stay Warm, Not Needy
Language matters. Use phrases like:
“I’d be glad to…” instead of “I need to…”
“I’d welcome the chance…” instead of “I hope desperately…”
“I look forward to…” instead of “Please please reply…”
It’s a confident invitation, not a plea.
👉 Bottom Line: Following up is part of the process. When done with clarity, value, and professionalism, it positions you as thoughtful and committed, never desperate.
💡 Your Action Step:
Think of one person you’ve been meaning to follow up with - a recruiter, hiring manager, or even someone in your network. Draft a short, value-added message today, and take one step to engage with them on LinkedIn this week.
Catherine Harris
Career Expert & Strategist | Founder, Project Roar
Highly Commended Winner, CDAA National Award 2024
www.projectroar.com.au