Im Looking Forward To Hear From You

Looking Forward to Hearing From You: A Comprehensive Guide to Professional Communication

The phrase "I look forward to hearing from you" is a common closing in professional correspondence, emails, and letters. While seemingly simple, its effective use hinges on understanding its nuances and appropriate context. This article will explore the meaning, usage, and etiquette surrounding this common yet crucial phrase, providing guidance on how to use it correctly and professionally.

Understanding the Meaning and Intent

"I look forward to hearing from you" signifies anticipation and expectation of a response. It conveys politeness, professionalism, and a desire for further communication. It subtly implies that the sender expects a reply and that the recipient's response is important to the continuation of the conversation or transaction. The phrase politely urges a response without being demanding or overly assertive. Its primary function is to close a communication gracefully while indicating the sender’s interest in continued engagement.

Appropriate Contexts and Usage

The phrase finds its most frequent use in professional settings. It is commonly included in:

Business emails: This is perhaps the most common context. Following a job application, a proposal, a request for information, or a business inquiry, "I look forward to hearing from you" neatly concludes the email, leaving a positive and professional impression.

Formal letters: Similar to emails, formal letters often end with this phrase, maintaining a tone of respectful anticipation for a response. This is particularly relevant for official communications such as complaint letters, application letters, or requests for services.

Cover letters: In job applications, adding "I look forward to hearing from you" reinforces the candidate's keen interest in the position and their anticipation of further communication from the potential employer.

Follow-up emails: When sending a follow-up email, this phrase can be used to politely remind the recipient of the previous correspondence and express continued interest. However, it's crucial to avoid overuse; too many follow-up emails with this closing can appear demanding.

Inappropriate Contexts: While generally suitable for professional communication, it might sound overly formal or unnecessary in very informal settings, such as personal emails between close friends or family. In those cases, simpler closings like "Talk soon!" or "Catch you later!" would be more appropriate.

Alternatives and Variations

While "I look forward to hearing from you" is widely accepted, variations exist, each subtly changing the tone:

"I look forward to your reply": This is a slightly more direct and formal alternative.

"I look forward to your response": Similar to "reply," but perhaps slightly more encompassing.

"I look forward to hearing from you soon": Adding "soon" adds a sense of urgency, implying a more timely response is expected. However, use caution; overuse can sound demanding.

"I look forward to speaking with you soon": This implies a preference for a phone call or meeting, rather than a written response.

The choice of phrasing should depend on the context and your relationship with the recipient. Maintaining consistency in your communication style is also crucial for professional impression.

Crafting the Perfect Closing

The placement of "I look forward to hearing from you" is typically just above your closing salutation (e.g., "Sincerely," "Regards," "Best regards"). It should be placed after a concluding paragraph that neatly summarizes your main points. Avoid placing it immediately after your opening paragraph, as this interrupts the flow of your communication.

The Importance of Following Up

While using the phrase expresses anticipation, it doesn't guarantee a response. If you don't hear back within a reasonable timeframe, a polite follow-up email is acceptable. However, remember to be professional and avoid being pushy. A simple reminder of your previous communication and a restatement of your request is usually sufficient.

Summary

"I look forward to hearing from you" is a valuable phrase in professional communication. It conveys politeness, professionalism, and expectation of a response. Understanding its appropriate contexts, alternatives, and the importance of following up enhances its effectiveness. By using this phrase judiciously, you can cultivate positive and productive relationships with your colleagues, clients, and contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it okay to use "I look forward to hearing from you" in an informal email? Generally, it's better to avoid this phrase in informal emails to friends and family. More casual closings are more suitable in these situations.

2. How long should I wait before following up after using this phrase? The appropriate timeframe depends on the context. A week is usually a reasonable time to wait for a response to a business email or job application.

3. What should I do if I don't receive a response after following up? If you haven't received a response after a second follow-up, it might be time to consider alternative methods of contact or accept that the recipient may not be able to respond.

4. Can I use this phrase in a text message? This phrase is generally too formal for a text message. A shorter, more casual phrase is more appropriate.

5. Is it grammatically correct to say "I'm looking forward to hear from you"? No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "I'm looking forward to hearing from you." "Hearing" is a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) and requires the gerund form.

Search Results:

Looking forward to knowing about you vs. looking forward to … 29 Jun 2021 · "Knowing" doesn't work here because "knowing" describes a state rather than an action. You could correct this by saying, for example, "I'm looking forward to getting to know …

I'm looking forward to hear/hearing from you? - WordReference … 9 Nov 2006 · Y la frase es el objeto de la preposición "to." No soy profesor, pero creo que está explicación es correcto. Ejemplos: I look forward to hearing from you, I look forward to seeing …

I'm looking forward to meeting you. | WordReference Forums 15 Dec 2006 · 'I'm looking forward to meeting you at the beginning of the next year.' I traslated the above example into German as follows. 'Ich erwarte, dass ich dich am Beginn naechstes …

Looking forward to hearing from you for an interview?? 31 Mar 2008 · Hello, You must say I am looking forward to hear/meet you for a formal letter, and hearing/meeting for an informal one.

I look forward to hearing good news from you soon. 13 Sep 2014 · Why Don't use I wait forward to hear from you instead of to hearing from you. .. what's the.. reason

"I look forward to hearing from you" vs "I'm looking forward to … 26 Feb 2008 · Hello, The following is about "I look forward to hearing from you." and "I'm looking forward to hearing from you." and its differences. How would you opine on that? Do you agree …

Looking froward to hear..., I wish / I am wishing.... 9 Mar 2017 · Hello, In the end of a professional email, can we write: "Looking froward to hear from you, I wish you an excellent day, J.Smith" or should I say "I am looking forward to hear from …

I look forward to hearing from you soon | WordReference Forums 29 Oct 2006 · J'ai une question sur la phrase I look forward to hearing from you dans le contexte d'une lettre de motivation. Mon essai : J'attends avec impatience entendre de vous …

I am looking forward to hearing from you... - WordReference Forums 21 Apr 2008 · Hi, Is it correct to say 'I am looking forward to hearing from you' as well as 'I look forward to hearing from you?' Regards, Diana.

look forward to ...'hear' vs 'hearing' [gerund, infinitive] 26 Jan 2009 · I would like to know if below 2 is definitely incorrect or not. If both sentences are correct, what will be the difference in meaning. 1. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. …