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Contacting profs before applying to postdocs?

In our most recent "how can we help you?" thread, sahpa writes:

After washing out on the job market twice now, I'm contemplating a strategy for being a bit more proactive and selective in what I apply for, going forward.

I'm thinking about reaching out to professors (for European postdocs, where the norm is to be attached to a specific professor) in advance and just telling them a little about myself, and then asking them whether they think I might fit for the position they're looking to fill. This would be primarily to ascertain whether I should even bother applying. This could benefit both parties: me, because I could hopefully figure out quite cheaply whether to invest substantial time into the application itself; and them, because it would help them preemptively manage the pile of applications they'll receive. In this respect, it's a win-win.

However, I'm worried that, if this is just not really done, it might come off the wrong way. On the other hand, if a lot of these postdocs get filled through networks anyway (and I have some evidence, here and there, that that might be rather common), is this really problematic?

Can readers who have relevant experience in the European postdoc market weigh in?

Two readers submitted replies:

I work in Europe and I am familiar with the post-doc culture. I would NOT contact someone unless they have a post doc position advertised. I get contacted by two types of people about post doc positions: (i) those in foreign countries who want to get into a program with financial support (which I do not have, if there is no advertisement); and (ii) those in certain countries who may have funding from their home government and want to consider coming to work at my institution. Wait for an ad to be posted. Then contact the people. That is the normal way. - Submitted by Euro

It's a good idea, but the wrong method, I think. Conferences, seminars, and workshops are much better ways of finding out if more senior people are interested working with you. - Submitted by William Peden

I'm curious what other readers think. Euro seems to think it's fine to do after a job ad has been submitted. But I share the OP's and William Peden's concern that it could come off poorly. Then again, given how much time and effort it does take to apply to jobs, it also seems to me like a legitimate thing to do. It might be good to hear from people who have served on search committees (particularly for European postdocs), as well as from people who have either tried what the OP describes or who have been contacted by people in the OP's situation. What do you all think?

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5 responses to “Contacting profs before applying to postdocs?”

  1. Evan

    I don’t have any positive advice per se but rather a cautionary advice because this is very tricky situation and the above comments are reasonable. There is one unintended consequence that may arise from the preemptive method: more people might preemptively contact many professors. Getting so many emails or calls from potential post-docs could be stressful. They might get really mad or at least annoyed thereby ruining your chance of working with them. As well, the preemptive move might make them feel and think you are unnecessarily entitled.
    If you’re in a very small subfield, just be extremely cautious. You don’t want to disappoint somebody who you may rely on in the future. I’m just thinking of the worst-case scenario that could happen. Trust me, I also fear disappointing people or at least coming across as a nuisance to them many times.

    Reply
  2. EuroAmerican

    I was a postdoc in Europe and I was involved in searches of postdocs for projects in Europe. It depends a little on what the OP expects from getting in contact with professors who search for postdocs. It seems that the OP believes that a professor will clarify whether it is sensible to apply. I do not believe that this a reasonable expectation. And here is why:
    1. Ads for postdoc position are usually quite specific about the AOS that are expected. You should be able to find out from the ad (or the AOS of the prof) whether you are qualified to apply.
    2. If the call is indeed an open call, a lot depends on who will apply. Nobody knows this beforehand and it is sometimes surprising how many or how few applicants apply. In case of an open call, the professor cannot really tell you your chances. And you should be able to figure out yourself whether you are fit (see 1).
    3. If the professor already has a favorite, she could not tell you. This would be admitting to an illegal practice and jeopardize the search as well as her position. It can also happen that the potential favorite does not apply, since she got another position etc. Hence, see 2.
    I got the following advice, when I had my postdoc in Europe. Since you never know who applies and whether there is favorite, apply for everything you are a fit for. Yet there might be other reasons to contact a professor who searches for a postdoc: I am more conflicted about contacting a professor to introduce oneself. This could be helpful (you are really interested!), but it could also backfire (you are applying anyway and everybody is swamped with work). I think William Peden makes a good point about this situation.

    Reply
  3. elisa freschi

    In my European experience, this is very much acceptable. As the OP writes, it saves time for both parties involved. As @EuroAmerican says, no one will be able to tell you “I want you to apply, you’ll get the position”, but they can tell you “I am really looking for someone having these specific skills, and you lack them” or “You could be a good fit”. @EuroAmerican says in his point 1. that the ad should be enough to understand whether you are a good fit for it, but this is not necessarily the case. A trivial example: An AOS in “German Idealism” might or might not involve as a necessary component fluency in German.

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  4. Prof L

    I’m not in Europe but I get annoyed when potential applicants contact me. It strikes me as clueless and (whether it’s fair or not) I think of the person as desperate or a toady. The norm is to apply in the regular way, and this person asking for special treatment, for no particular reason. Like why should I work to give this person special privileges, when there is an ordinary application procedure, which indeed, is meant to determine if you are a good fit. I would avoid it. The potential risks are worse than the potential benefits, more likely to harm than help, in the American context at least.

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  5. euro/canadian

    well in Germany you are supposed to have a host for a Humboldt postdoc so yes you have to reach to a prof.

    Reply

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