A kinder way to say “looking forward to hearing from you”
Why it can fall flat
“looking forward to hearing from you”
People tack “looking forward to hearing from you” onto the end of an email when they want an answer, but it has been used so often it reads like autopilot. Ask directly for the reply, decision or confirmation you need.
Say this instead
- 01
Could you let me know by Thursday whether the revised quote works for you? Once I have your answer, I can confirm the start date.
Client · Email
Gives a deadline and a reason to reply, so it suits moments when you need a client's decision.
- 02
Whenever you get a moment, I'd value your view on the draft. A quick yes or no on the approach is enough for now.
Boss · Chat
Keeps the ask small, which respects a busy manager's time while still inviting an answer.
- 03
Let me know what you think once you've had a look. I'll hold off on the final version until I hear back.
Coworker · Chat
Explains that your work depends on their feedback, so a coworker sees why replying matters.
- 04
Thank you for the update. I'm still very interested in the role, and I'd be glad to hear what the next step looks like.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Shows interest in the role and asks about next steps in a way that stays calm and unpushy.
- 05
Hi Mr. Cooper, your order is ready for collection. Please reply with a time that suits you and we'll set it aside.
Customer · SMS
Fits a short notification where you need one specific detail back from the customer.
- 06
Please send me your thoughts on the new rota by Friday noon. Even a short reply helps me plan the week.
Someone you manage · Chat
Sets a clear deadline for someone you manage and gives the reason, so it doesn't feel like a demand.
- 07
Hi Amina, it's Finley. Could you confirm tomorrow's 10am meeting by reply? Thanks.
Client · SMS
Handles a quick same-day confirmation when a text is the easiest way to reach the person.
- 08
I've attached the weekly update. If anything needs changing, tell me and I'll fix it before it goes out on Monday.
Boss · Email
Invites corrections only, so your boss can reply briefly or not at all if everything is fine.
Examples
Hi Renee, I've attached the updated schedule for the website launch. Could you confirm by Wednesday whether the 14th still works on your side? If it doesn't, I'll look at the following week and send you new dates. Thanks, Amit
Hi Jo, I've shared the draft agenda in the team folder. Can you reply with any changes by 3pm today? I'd like to send it out this afternoon.
What to avoid
- Using it as the default sign-off on every message makes it stop meaning anything.
- Hiding the actual request behind it leaves the reader guessing, so say what you need and by when.
- Adding “as soon as possible” with no reason or date can come across as pressure.
- Following it with “Thanks in advance” can read as if you assume the answer is yes.
- Sending repeated reminders with the same line gets ignored, so change the wording and name what is still outstanding.