One of my economist friends who finished his PhD about 2 years ago said that he applied to 260 jobs or postdocs. So far, I've applied to 3. Surely I'm under and he's over, but what's a reasonable number? How many applications did you submit? I'd especially love to hear from newly minted PhDs.
This friend's advisor told him he should only be spending about 15 minutes per application customizing the cover letter. I just can't believe that's enough time. I suppose once you've applied to about 20 different jobs then you've got a cv/resume and research statement for almost anything, but still.
I don't want to spend a lot of time on an application for a job I would never take or one that I don't think I'm qualified for, but I feel like submitting a hasty application isn't worthwhile at all. What do you think?
5 comments:
I finished in August (Ecology) & started my job (government) in September. I applied to 13 jobs or postdocs, talked to a few other contacts, passed resumes out at conferences, and ended up with two offers to choose from. I think that was reasonable, and certainly more than stressful enough while trying to finish the degree. Good luck!
Thanks Chrissy! I'm glad to hear your hunt was successful with <20 applications. Well done!
I've applied for one job, and 4 (soon to be 5) fellowship/grants for the same postdoc opportunity (I really want this more than a job, and I think we'll be able to get money somewhere and pull it off). Each application is not much more work when it is the same project- this is how I'm managing my time. I'm going to apply for visiting/annual hire positions this spring (I just don't think my record is strong enough to get a real job without a postdoc in this climate, so I don't think it is worth applying unless I think I have a chance).
I've heard on average, you need to apply to 60 jobs for every job offer... not sure where that number came from! Since last March, I have applied to 14 jobs, and 3 more in the next month... they've been a mix of zoo research positions, adjunct/visiting professor positions, and tenure-track jobs. I finished in December, and have an adjunct position this semester. Thus far... it's been rejections or crickets on everything else. I also am working on developing a couple postdoc ideas... we'll see how that goes.
Thanks African Fieldworker and michelle. 60 is a lot of jobs! Did your adjunct position for this spring count in your 14 job applications?
Post a Comment