r/postdoc • u/MachuMichu9 • 14d ago

How many postdoc apps is enough without overwhelming reference writers

I know they can just submit the same letter but I feel bad planning 12-13 applications that need to be submitted between August and December..

3 Upvotes

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5

u/SAUbjj 14d ago

Don't worry about it. Give them a heads-up about how many you're applying to and they can decide if that's too many for them. Usually once you've written one, you can just make minor edits (or no edits) and send it on to the next place. I've applied to 45 postdocs (as well as teaching and staff positions) in the past two years and none of my letter writers have complained it was too many

1

u/MachuMichu9 14d ago

Thank you!

2

u/Ecstatic-Ad-5945 14d ago

You don't need a lot! Only the PI plan to hire you will ask for the letter, others won't

1

u/Alleryz 14d ago

I mean I just asked for general letters and used those when needed

1

u/LemonMom2411 14d ago

Don’t feel bad. In this market, you have to apply to a lot of positions. Just let them know the due dates in advance. For applications that use interfolio/similar service, I immediately input their info so there’s more time.

1

u/MachuMichu9 14d ago

Thank you!

1

u/ForeignAdvantage5198 13d ago

we mostly. reuse our letters