Really helpful. The only thing missing is the context of the other person.

If you have sent me a cold email, then by definition I haven’t asked for it and I’m under no obligation to respond.

Ever.

The most likely reaction to a nudge is to be blocked.

On the other hand, failing to respond to a job candidate is just rude.

I know a great company described by friends as a great place to work, but they treat applicants poorly, leaving them dangling for months over a single role.

Their reputation for recruitment is becoming so poor that soon they will struggle to attract any decent candidates at all.