Are you wondering how to craft an effective and professional email asking for an update from a colleague or client? You’re not alone. In today’s increasingly digital business world, email communication is a key component of successful collaborations, both internal and external. Writing an email asking for an update is a relatively common practice, but it can be tricky to get it right. In this blog post, we’ll provide a detailed look at how to craft a compelling, professional email asking for an update. We’ll cover what you should include in the email, how to structure the message, and even provide a sample email to help get you started. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be covering: Why emails asking for updates are important, what to include in your email, and how to structure the message. Plus, we’ll provide a sample email so you can see how it all fits together. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have the tools and confidence you need to write an
How to send an email asking for an update
The steps to sending an email requesting an update are as follows:
1. Decide when to send the email
Think about how long it’s been since your last email, when you need a response, and the original message’s goal. If you require a response right away, you can send an email. Once the deadline has passed, you can send an email if the recipient promised to respond within a certain amount of time. If you have not heard back from an interview after three to five days, it is customary to wait before contacting the company.
2. Determine the objective
Establish the email’s goal and specify the details of the information you expect to receive. It’s crucial to decide what kind of response you want the email recipient to give you and to use language that might accomplish that goal. If the situation is urgent, you might think about speaking in a more formal and serious manner.
3. Add an engaging subject line
The recipient sees the subject line as soon as they open the email. This could persuade them to open and possibly respond to your email. A good subject line should be clear, concise and interesting. To make your email stand out in their inbox, think about including specifics like your name and the email’s goal.
4. Review the email
After sending the email, you can review it to ensure that the tone and pertinent information are as you intended. Reviewing also helps you eliminate spelling and grammatical errors. You could also use a spellchecker or ask someone else to look over your draft.
5. Send it
Once you’re certain your email contains all the required information, send it immediately or schedule it. You can add the recipient to the “CC” field if you’re exchanging emails between departments or writing a follow-up email on someone else’s behalf so they can see your correspondence. If you want to keep their email addresses secret, you can also add their addresses to the BCC section.
Why would you write a follow-up email?
Here are some reasons you may write a follow-up email:
Tips on writing a follow-up email
Here are some ideas to bear in mind as you draft your email requesting an update:
Follow up within a short time
Try to follow up quickly to keep the conversation active. The recipients’ attention can be maintained if you send them a timely follow-up. Try to email the recipient five days after the previous message.
Encourage a response
By posing queries or requesting that they carry out a particular action, you can compel the recipient of the email to respond. If you decide to ask a question, think about being respectful when requesting the information you require. If you’re working on a project with another team member, for instance, you might ask them if they could send you email updates and specify the time you’d like a response.
Add value
Indicate in your follow-up email why you require or would like an update. This can help them feel appreciated for taking the time to respond to you and that their response is worthwhile. You might also think about how they might benefit from giving you the details you need.
Make it brief
Even if the recipient scans your email quickly, they should be able to understand its purpose. Try to limit your email to just one or two brief paragraphs and only include the information that is necessary. If you need to add more information, state your purpose first and then any additional information after that.
Include a call to action
After they have read your email, let the recipient know what you would like them to do. There are many different calls to action, such as making a follow-up call, making a website visit, completing a form, attaching files or documents, or scheduling a virtual or in-person meeting. Join, read, start, shop, and review are examples of effective call-to-action words.
Sample emails asking for updates
If you have a few examples or templates prepared to fit various situations, writing follow-up emails can be made simpler. You can use the following follow-up email samples:
Sample 1
Subject: John Blue lease transfer
Hi Jason,
Last week, I called you to discuss leaving the Sunnyvale Hill apartments in May. From June 1 through December 6, I hope to transfer my lease to Julia Miller, who is also a copy of this email.
I would also like to know the status of Julia’s rental application, so please let us know what paperwork we need to complete to transfer the lease. I hope to have this settled before I leave town early on Saturday morning so there are no issues when Julia moves into the apartment this weekend. Could you please let me know the latest information by 5:30 p m. tonight?.
Thank you,
John Blue
Sample 2
Subject: Greta Stratham research assistant opportunity
Hi Caleb,
We first met last week at the campus science competition. My name is Greta, and I attend Queen Creek University where I study microbiology and cell science. Just wanted to say thanks for telling me about your experience working at Invenis Genetics International and for telling me about the available research assistant position.
I mentioned in my previous email how encouraged I was to explore opportunities with the Invenis research and development team after learning about your success with cellular identifications. I really appreciate your time and advice.
I’ve emailed you a few examples of my innovative projects and my work history, and I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to review them. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me as I’d love an update on the next steps involved. I look forward to meeting you soon!.
Best regards,
Greta Stratham
Sample 3
Subject: Jillian Smith team manager role
Hi Harry,
I discussed the new team manager position with you last week. When you made that statement, you said you were looking for a manager who could empower the entire team to achieve predetermined goals.
I wanted to email you to inquire about the status of the position and whether it had already been filled. I still have a strong desire to join your sales team, so I’m hoping to get in touch with you again to schedule an interview and talk about how I can bring my leadership abilities to Crider and Warner.
I look forward to hearing from you if the position is no longer open and if so, please let me know about any comparable openings or how I can do better going forward.
Kind regards,
Jillian Smith
Email | How to ask for something POLITELY | 2021
FAQ
What is the best way to politely request an update?
…
Something like below:
- Could you please give me an update on the XYZ situation as soon as possible?
- Please update me about the matter.
- Kindly update me about the order I placed.
How do you write an update email sample?
A good update request is formal and courteous. For instance, if you’re speaking with a team member you’ve known for a long time, you can say something like this: “Please send over a status update for project X.” Thanks. ”.
