Meaning of I look forward to Hearing From You- How to use?

Meaning of I look forward to Hearing From You

Being competent in your working field is great. But there is another skill that you have to master. Acquiring it makes you the right candidate for a professional journey. No matter what your area of expertise is, you have to be equally qualified in emailing etiquette. It makes all the difference between a good employee that does their job, and an exceptional member of an organization who apart from their work, can also communicate effectively. Soft skills play a major role in current times to add dimension to an employee’s personality. Especially, if you are an active part of the corporate world. Here, let’s know the Meaning of I look forward to Hearing From You.

In this sector, e-mail is used as the mode of communication. We all know how words can make or mar a situation. Thus, in an environment where your career is at stake, it’s better to be cautious and avoid all risks involved. Crafting the format that suits the situation the best, is a decision that you have to make. Being able to do that will emit confidence through your mail and build a reputation in your workplace. Writing effectively also ensures the development of a good professional rapport with your colleagues. The exhibition of minimized and comprehensive mail creates a greater impact. 

Email writing skill is a key component in the coursework of Business communication. Formulating the most appropriate format is important. Nowadays, it becomes difficult to spare time in trying to understand a disorganized writeup because of the speed at which the decisions are taken. Time is like money in the business, and minimalism is here to stay. So, curating an organized mail that delivers your message yet prompts a quicker response from the recipient is like painting a masterpiece that gets sold in an auction. It also acts as the medium for first impressions in a lot of cases. Someone who hasn’t met you will instinctively form an opinion about you after reading your mail. And, who needs a disadvantage of a wrong image about themselves, in the minds of their possible colleagues or collaborators. Constructing a proper template that delivers; without irking the recipients even when sending a follow-up mail is like handling a diplomatic world affair. Motivating the actions of others in your favor by using words is a difficult tactic, but not an impossible one. 

Reading an email can be compared to the experience of watching a movie. It requires a subject that acts as a trailer. The introductory paragraph would be your grappling start. Then the main body of the mail that addresses the concern is equivalent to your climax. A fitting end to both of the situations would be something that causes an immediate response. In the case of seeing a phenomenal movie, it is opening your group chat and recommending it to your friends. While a well-oriented mail would inspire an anticipating reply from the recipient. You don’t want the person receiving your mail feeling dissatisfied by how it ended. It would be similar to feeling frustrated because a film ended ambiguously. We will now dive deep into understanding a significant part of writing an accomplished mail, i.e., its end. Bowing down before the curtains close on the stage leaves a great impression. The most widely used phrase for ending an email is “I look forward to hearing from you”. But before going around using it you have to answer the following questions: 

Do you really know the meaning that you are implying by using it? Why did this particular statement gain such popularity? Are there other options that could be used instead of this? Would they play an equally effective role in bearing the responsibility of the ‘END’?

What is the meaning of “I look forward to hearing from you”?

According to dictionary.cambridge.org, the word  ‘Look forward to’ suggests being pleased about something that is about to happen. The ‘to’ which is used is an example of a preposition. It acts as a connecting word that defines the relationship between two nouns, pronouns, or phrases. Thus, it is imperative to follow it with a -ing form of a noun or a verb. In this instance, the to is followed by ‘hearing’ and the statement implies that the person sending the mail is expecting some response concerning a definitive subject. 

Advantages of using “I look forward to hearing from you”

This statement complies with the polite yet direct norms of professional interaction. Adding it in the end, makes the reader think that future communication is required. You have to be careful about not coming across too powerfully, as it may sound demanding. Nobody likes to be ordered. It becomes like dealing with fire, especially if they are your subordinates. A well-qualified leader is a person that knows how to express their expectation and get their work done without having to blur the line of respect and humility. It also demonstrates your positive approach. This simple phrase operates as a potent tool from the weaponry of business communication in psychologically persuading the recipient to feel a liability of responding as soon as possible. 

To adorn the role of a salutation is a considerable responsibility. Therefore, we must decide on a phrase that has the correct aptitude of being formal as well as has a civil approach. The person receiving it should not feel as if on guard, neither should they be offended by even a hint of informality. The statement ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ perfectly fits the grid. It is receptive and optimistic. It also hints that the person sending it is looking for a discussion about the topic at hand. 

Doesn’t this sound easy? You must be thinking, “Well, this solves it all. Next time, I am writing an email, I’ll just paste this statement at the end, and get the work done.” But wait a minute. Here’s the twist for you. Like every true path to success is incomplete without obstacles. Similarly, this task wouldn’t be a skill to learn, if there weren’t more to it. Using this phrase has two sides to it. Till here, we have only focused on the advantages of putting it to the test. Now, let’s weigh down its cons as well. 

Disadvantages of using “I look forward to hearing from you”

The most common problem has been arising due to its redundant use. It has started losing its essence. Every other mail in your inbox will address departure using this phrase. That is because of its versatility to complement a large number of layouts. Hence, it has almost become instinctive to conclude an email with this phrase. Also depending on situations, it can come off as challenging. Reply positively or face my wrath. We want to avoid putting someone in a one-sided dilemma like this. In a limited formal conversation, there’s a lot of speaking by the cues like which words you selected to send your message. So there is a possibility that using this phrase will lead to an assumption that the person sending the mail is lazy. 

The questions we must face here are – What do we do differently to still make the recipient respond? How do we sound enthusiastic but still formal at the same time? How do we make the recipient feel the urgency to reply? What should we do to stand out from the horde of incoming emails? 

You don’t have to worry. As we have the solution ready for you. We can use various alternatives to this phrase. Framing our words a little differently, yet carrying a similar intention. Same meaning but in a unique way. Making the person receiving it feel a bit special. Your effort at being creative and selective about a particular email will shine through it. 

Pointers to be mindful of when curating alternatives for “I look forward to hearing from you”

There are certain points that we must keep in our mind. These will ensure that we curate the most appropriate response for a particular situation, most importantly, for the one that deals with workplace interactions. 

Mentioned below are three central motives around which the alternatives for “I look forward to hearing from you” must be oriented:

  • A tool to highlight that the concerned business is a priority

Using another form of closure to an email will make it stand out in a reader’s mind. It will indicate that the concerned topic is of priority. This bias will channel in a cycle of response from the recipient. To be remarkable, sometimes you have to be an odd man out. Ensure to make the alternative stand out in a positive light. The message sent across is often mirrored by the response. Be attentive when sending the mail. Edit it properly. Your objective should be to gain trust to establish further communication. 

  • Promoting the recipient to a position of importance

Your actions will fall in line with your beliefs. Such is the case even here. If you believe that the person who will be receiving the correspondence is of importance, then your words will also reflect it. A closure that seems inconsiderate will imply that the subject holds a slight value for you. The recipient might feel insulted because of a lack of attentiveness to create a distinction between them and the rest. 

  • A professional look to seal the deal 

What better way to indicate dedication towards your job than by expressing it through cues hidden in the official form of communication. Regarding everyone with respect places you on a higher professional pedestal. It opens up your venues for interacting with guaranteed productivity and a prospect for future collaborations.

How to use Alternatives for “I look forward to hearing from you”

We have been through all the guidelines that must be considered when framing an alternative. Depending on the situation, the use of one alternative will deem more sensible than another. So to make things simpler, we have provided different options for distinct scenarios. This will avoid any confusion concerning their usage. 

Here are some common situations and the alternatives to be used instead of  “I look forward to hearing from you”:

  1. When sending an email for the first time to a recipient

As this is your first correspondence, you have to focus on making it right. One of the primary instances that involve this situational interaction is a job application or an interview. Remember to do two things correctly if you are mailing the organization directly. Firstly, don’t forget to attach your resume, and secondly, end it with a phrase that reminds them to respond. 

Another situation involved could be that of a job interview. Once you are done with the process of undergoing an interview and have been sent home saying that you’ll receive the result later. Then don’t forget to write a thankful mail addressed to the firm, as it reflects good character. It is seen as the basic etiquette of a prospective employee. It could do wonders for a hiring manager if delivered appropriately. You can also prompt them for a reply regarding the decision made.

As this usually works as an introductory mail it is necessary to explain the concerned subject in the main body briefly. Try to keep your first mail short with all the necessary details provided. Then sign it off by using either of the alternatives given below. 

  • Thank you for your time. I would appreciate hearing from you soon. 

Works effectively for job applications and interviews.

  • Your timely response would be highly appreciated. 

It should be used majorly while addressing seniors at the workplace.

  • Hoping to hear from you soon. 

This option can give someone a guilt complex if they don’t reply even after reading the word ‘hope’.

  1. When few mails have already been exchanged

In this kind of situation, there is already some history of communication over emails. The groundwork for familiarity has already been laid. When there is pre-established interaction in professional space, then depending on the nature of closeness and the topic addressed, the alternative will vary. Categories that fall under this type are mainly business friends or familiar business. The first category is closer than the latter and thus allows for a sign-off with a hint of casualness. Still, it is better to keep personal and professional conversations separate.

  • Eager to receive your feedback

When there is no stringent deadline associated with the expected response. In such instances, using this as a salutation will work. This option perfectly lies on the border between professional and personal settings. It also indicates that you value the opinion of your familiar recipient. 

  • Always looking forward to your response/ Always happy to hear from you

This highlights the fact that your door is always open for their welcome; in this case, your inbox. It requires that there is an ongoing dialogue that is nearing its end. When you send this as a sign-off in your email, it indicates that you are willing to entertain further exchange. But if there isn’t, even then you’re fine.

  • Please keep me updated

This statement expresses a passive tone. It conveys that there is no fixed timeline as such. It can be used when you are working with a team on a project and you have done your part. But you are still there if they need any input or help. Even though the response is not time-dependent, the recipient can take the liberty of reaching out whenever they feel the need to.

  1. For Call To Action

This subclass of alternatives includes the most active ones. Any hint of passiveness is eliminated. Urgency governs the direct nature of the options included. Here you (the sender) direct the time limit for response. It is used when there is a fixed deadline to complete a proposal or get records compiled for the audit session. When a load of decision-making depends on the response received, that’s when one must opt for the alternatives mentioned below.

  • Would appreciate your prompt response

This option must be used when you can’t spare time waiting for them. This has a directness to it aimed for the execution of response urgently. It is civil and professional. You have to be thoughtful about when to use it. A deadline that cannot be compromised upon, must motivate its use. 

  • Please respond at your earliest convenience 

This must be out to use when the recipient is not directly involved with your work, but it is still a professional relationship. When conveying urgency to an unknown person while still maintaining politeness. The formal sound of it indicates that an earlier response is required.

  • I request you to kindly respond by dd-mm-yy (date) 

If there is a level of uncertainty regarding receiving an expected reply within the date of the deadline, then this alternative will work. It implies to the recipient that you need to get a response from them by a particular date. Using it is helpful when the matter of urgency involves dealing with a person whose response time can’t be predicted.

Conclusion

A quintessential facet of communication is conveying the information accurately. Sometimes, just being a competent communicator can make all the difference between you excelling at your job. In a short format of communication like emailing, it becomes integral to keep the message intact. Don’t beat around the bush. Just address the concern. Also, remember to add the last bit of your magic in the sending-off statement. 

Meaning of I look forward to Hearing From You- How to use?

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