15+ Professional Ways to Reply to We’ll Get Back to You (+ Alternatives)

You know that feeling when you’ve poured your heart into a job application or business pitch, only to get hit with the dreaded “We’ll get back to you”? Yeah, it sucks. It’s like being stuck in limbo, wondering if they actually mean it or if it’s just a polite way of brushing you off.

Well, my friend, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and it’s okay to feel frustrated. But here’s the thing: how you respond to that vague promise can make all the difference. You don’t have to sit back and wait for them to make the next move. There are ways to take control of the situation and increase your chances of getting a real answer.

Why “We’ll Get Back to You” Is So Frustrating?

First, let’s talk about why that phrase is so damn annoying. When someone says they’ll get back to you, it’s often a cop-out. They’re avoiding giving you a straight answer, leaving you hanging without any real timeline or commitment. It’s like they’re saying, “We’ll let you know… eventually. Maybe. If we feel like it.”

That uncertainty can be maddening, especially if you’re excited about the opportunity or really need an answer. You start second-guessing yourself, wondering if you said something wrong or if they just didn’t like you. It’s a confidence-killer, and it can leave you feeling powerless.

The Problem with Waiting Around

So what do most people do when they get hit with the “we’ll get back to you” line? They wait. And wait. And wait some more. They sit on the phone or refresh their email obsessively, hoping for a response that may never come.

But here’s the problem with that approach: it puts all the power in the other person’s hands. You’re basically saying, “Okay, I’ll just be over here twiddling my thumbs until you decide to grace me with an answer.” That’s not a great position to be in, and it definitely won’t make you stand out from the crowd.

Taking a Proactive Approach

So what’s the alternative? Being proactive. Instead of just accepting their vague promise and hoping for the best, you can take steps to follow up and get the answers you need. It’s about shifting the dynamic and showing that you’re not just going to sit around waiting for them to make a move.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t I seem pushy or desperate if I keep bugging them?” And sure, there’s a fine line between being proactive and being a pest. But trust me, there are ways to follow up that are professional, respectful, and actually increase your chances of getting a response.

Formal Responses to “We’ll Get Back to You”

So let’s dive into some specific ways you can respond when someone hits you with the “we’ll get back to you” line. These are all formal, professional responses that you can use in business settings or job applications

1. “Thank you for considering my application. Would you be able to provide an estimated timeline for when I should expect a definitive answer?”
2. “I appreciate you taking the time to review my credentials. When might I expect to hear back regarding next steps in the process?”
3. “Thank you for the update. I remain very interested in the role. Could you let me know the approximate date you anticipate having a final decision?”
4. “I am excited to hear your team will be discussing my application. Would you be open to scheduling a tentative follow-up conversation after your meeting to go over any questions you may have?”
5. “I understand these decisions take time. Would a follow-up email in a week or two to check on the status of my candidacy be appropriate? I want to strike the right balance between expressing my enthusiasm and respecting your team’s time.”
6. “Thank you for letting me know where things stand. I am happy to provide additional materials that might aid your decision-making process, such as professional references or a portfolio of relevant work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if any of that would be useful to you.”
7. “I appreciate you keeping me informed on the process. When would you recommend I check back in if I have not heard from you in the meantime?”
8. “I am pleased to know my application is under consideration. Do you have a sense of when the interview phase of your process will begin for selected candidates?”
9. “It’s great to hear you are discussing my qualifications. Would you be willing to share some insight into what factors are most important to your team as you evaluate potential hires for this role?”
10. “Thank you for the thorough review of my background. I want to reiterate my strong interest in contributing to your organization’s goals. Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to aid in your decision.”
11. “Your update is much appreciated. I recognize there are likely many qualified candidates, so I understand the process takes time. Would it be helpful if I provided a brief summary of how my experience aligns with your core needs for this role?”
12. “I am grateful for your message and look forward to hearing about next steps. In the meantime, is there any additional information I could share to demonstrate my capability and fit for the position?”
13. “I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration. While I eagerly await your decision, are there any areas of my background you would like me to elaborate on further?”
14. “Thank you for the status report on my candidacy. I admire your company’s thoughtful approach to hiring. Can you share what key qualities your ideal candidate would possess for this position?”
15. “I am excited about the prospect of joining your team. Is there a tentative date set for when candidates will be informed of your hiring decision?”

Notice how these responses do a few key things:

• They express appreciation for the person’s time and consideration
• They politely ask for more specific information about the timeline and next steps
• They reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity
• They offer to provide additional information or follow up as needed

By using these types of responses, you’re not just passively waiting for an answer. You’re actively engaging with the decision-maker, demonstrating your professionalism and dedication, and increasing the chances that they’ll give you a real, substantive response.

Alternative Responses to “We’ll Get Back to You”

But what if you want to take a less formal approach? Maybe you’re in a more casual industry or you have a pre-existing relationship with the person you’re talking to. In those cases, you might want to try some alternative responses that are a little more playful or bold.

1. “No worries, I know you’re swamped. But just to make sure I’m not lost in the shuffle, can we pencil in a time for me to check back in? I don’t want to be that annoying kid poking you in the back of the head, but I also don’t want to miss my chance to dazzle you with my skills.”
2. “I get it, you’ve got a lot of balls in the air. But I’m not just another pretty resume, I’m the one you want to take to the hiring dance. So how about we skip the ‘maybe baby’ and go straight to the ‘let’s do this’? I’m ready to show you what I’ve got.”
3. “I know you’re busy, but I’m like a cocker spaniel with a bone when it comes to opportunities I’m excited about. So while I’m happy to give you some space to think it over, just know that I’ll be here wagging my tail and ready to jump in as soon as you give the word.”
4. “I totally understand the need to weigh your options. But I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty confident that I’m the best option out there. So how about we cut to the chase and schedule a time for me to come in and seal the deal? I promise I won’t disappoint.”
5. “No rush, but just know that I’m over here doing my happy dance at the thought of joining your team. So whenever you’re ready to make it official, give me a shout and I’ll bring the confetti.”

Obviously, these types of responses won’t be appropriate in every situation. But in the right context, a little humor and boldness can go a long way in making you stand out and showing your personality.

The Importance of Following Up

Regardless of which approach you choose, the key is to follow up. Don’t just fire off one of these responses and then sit back and wait forever. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe (say, a week or two), it’s okay to reach out again.

You can say something like:

“I wanted to check in and see if there have been any updates on my application. I’m still very interested in the position and would love to know where things stand. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help move the process forward or if you need any additional information from me.”

Following up shows that you’re truly invested in the opportunity and aren’t afraid to be proactive. It also helps keep you top-of-mind with the decision-maker, so you’re less likely to get lost in the shuffle.

When to Move On?

Of course, there may come a point when it’s clear that you’re not going to get a straight answer no matter how much you follow up. If you’ve reached out multiple times over a period of several weeks or even months and still haven’t gotten a real response, it might be time to move on.

It sucks, but sometimes people just won’t give you the courtesy of a definitive answer. They might be too busy, too disorganized, or just plain rude. Whatever the reason, there’s no point in wasting your time and energy chasing after someone who can’t be bothered to give you a straight answer.

In those cases, it’s okay to send a final message saying something like:

“I’m writing to formally withdraw my application for the [position]. While I was very excited about the opportunity, I haven’t received any updates on my application status despite multiple follow-ups. I wish your team all the best in finding the right candidate.”

Conclusion

At the end of the day, “we’ll get back to you” is a frustrating reality of the business world. But it doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless or stuck in limbo. By taking a proactive approach and using some of these formal and alternative responses, you can shift the dynamic and increase your chances of getting the answers you need.

Remember: you are a badass with a lot to offer. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re just another face in the crowd. Follow up, stay engaged, and keep putting yourself out there. The right opportunity will come along, and when it does, you’ll be ready to seize it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go refresh my email for the 87th time today. Just kidding (mostly). Stay proactive out there, my friends!