You’re Not “Bugging Them”: How to Follow Up Without the Fear
Follow-Up Isn’t Annoying—It’s a Signal
One of the most common questions I get in coaching:
➡️ “I want to follow up… but I don’t want to seem pushy.”
➡️ “How soon is too soon to check in?”
➡️ “What if I’m annoying them?”
If you’ve thought this—you’re not alone.
But here’s what I tell clients every week:
Thoughtful follow-up isn’t annoying. It’s leadership.
Why Most People Wait Too Long (or Don’t Follow Up at All)
In the CPG industry—like many others—hiring managers are busy.
Recruiters are juggling dozens of candidates.
They aren’t sitting around wondering why you haven’t checked in. They’re working through timelines, internal delays, and changing priorities.
If you follow up:
✅ You’re making their job easier
✅ You’re reminding them of your interest
✅ You’re showing you know how to drive next steps professionally
Follow-Up Is About Service, Not Desperation
Done well, follow-up says:
✅ “I care about this opportunity.”
✅ “I know how to move a process forward.”
✅ “I’m organized and proactive.”
It’s NOT:
❌ “I’m desperate.”
❌ “Please pick me.”
When Should You Follow Up?
- After submitting an application:
✅ If you know someone inside—reach out within a week to express interest. - After an interview:
✅ Send a thoughtful thank-you within 24–48 hours.
✅ If no update after 7–10 days, it’s perfectly appropriate to check in. Ask if they need anything else from you.
✅ Beyond that follow up, all other communications should be based in value. No status updates. - After a networking conversation:
✅ Follow up within a week to thank them and share progress or next steps.
✅ Stay in touch every few months with relevant updates or articles.
How to Follow Up Without the Fear
Here’s a simple formula:
1️⃣ Restate your interest
“I really enjoyed our conversation about X and continue to be very interested in contributing to your team.”
2️⃣ Ask a clear question or offer next step
“I’d love to know if there’s an update on timing—or anything I can clarify as you move forward.”
3️⃣ Keep it brief and professional
Your follow-up should be easy to read and easy to act on—not another interview in an email.
What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t follow up every few days.
❌ Don’t send long, anxious messages.
❌ Don’t ask, “Did you get my last email?”
Instead: Send one clear, confident message—and trust that’s enough.
Why It Matters
I can’t tell you how many clients have landed offers—or moved stalled processes forward—simply because they followed up when no one else did.
Hiring managers notice:
✅ Follow-through
✅ Interest
✅ Professionalism
And those are traits that get hired.
Your Action Step: Follow Up This Week
Ask yourself:
➡️ Where have I been waiting too long to follow up?
➡️ Where is a thoughtful value-add appropriate?
Pick one opportunity. Send the message this week.
You’ll feel better—and you may just unlock your next role.
Want Help Crafting Follow-Up That Works?
If you want help crafting follow-up messages that get results, or a strategy for keeping your search organized and active—let’s work together.
📩 Book a 1:1 coaching session
Or explore the CPG Connections Program—and learn how to build relationships that lead to offers.
