It can be infuriating, but letting your frustration take over probably wonвЂ™t be very productive. (Isn't it frustrating when someone asks you a question theyвЂ™d surely know the answer to-if only theyвЂ™d actually read your previous note?) Unfortunately, regardless of how obvious you think your request is or how comprehensive the information you share, you may need to follow up to get what you need or repeat yourself until everyoneвЂ™s on the same page.

Lead with the most important information include a call to action create accountability by adding a due date and, if thereвЂ™s a lot of relevant background information, include it below and alert the reader it exists. Of course, the best way to avoid having to go down that road is to set your expectations clearly and concisely in your initial message. Then, sign up for our newsletter and weвЂ™ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.

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(If weвЂ™re being totally honest, thatвЂ™s probably one of the reasons youвЂ™re considering whipping it out in the first place!) It can leave your co-worker feeling called out, and in general just rub people the wrong way. You pull up the thread, click вЂњReply,вЂќ and have the urge to start typing, вЂњDo you have those answers for me? Per my last email, the deadline was this morning.вЂќД«ut hereвЂ™s the thing: You know that phrase, вЂњPer my last email,вЂќ can come off as passive aggressive. You need something from a colleague, but havenвЂ™t received a response yet.

Another way to say just checking in