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Job-Market Reporting Thread (2025-26)
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How often to ask for updated recommendation letters?

In our newest "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

Here's a question for other people who spend multiple years continuously on the job market. How often do you ask your references to update their letters? What do committees expect as far as how recent letters are? In addition, once you've done a postdoc or two you've probably accumulated more than 3 references. Do you keep a super up to date letter on file from all your references, even if you have 5-6? In particular, I have one reference whose letter I haven't been using for several reasons (e.g., they are less senior than my other references). I feel bad asking them to update their letter knowing I probably won't use it, but is there some reason I should do this anyway?

Good questions, and I'm not sure–but I guess if it's been a few years and/or you have some really substantial accomplishments since the letter was originally written, it could make sense to ask for updates.

What do readers think?

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4 responses to “How often to ask for updated recommendation letters?”

  1. letter writer

    You should keep letters up to date. If you are going to need or use the letter, and you want it updated, you have to give the letter writer two months warning (so I think). So, it is best to just keep them updated or stop using them altogether. As a letter writer, I do not mind be asked to update letters. I hate being asked for a letter with a one week deadline (HATE!)

    Reply
  2. Update those letters!

    I have been advised that you should update your letters on a yearly basis. Its a good way to keep in touch with your letter writers and isn’t a huge ask to update an existing letter with new information.

    Reply
  3. OP

    Any other thoughts about how frequently people ask for a letter update when applying for jobs year-round? For instance, @letter writer, my question is partly what counts as keeping a letter up to date. Is a letter considered out of date after 6 months or is it good for a couple years? If helpful, I am thinking primarily of the generic interfolio letters that get uploaded once and then (as far as I can tell) could be used indefinitely – in contrast with new or tailored letters that get written ad hoc.

    Reply
  4. letter writer

    OP
    I think the norm is to ask letter writers for updated letters every year (and only once a year), as long as you are on the market trying to get your first TT job. But DO NOT get letters from 10 people. (If everyone does that then blah blah blah). You really only need 3 letters (max. 4). In fact, when I am “actively” supporting someone on the market I ask them once a year: do you need a new letter? have you published anything new? (and if they answer yes, then I ask for an updated c.v. and a copy of the new pub, and where to send the letter)

    Reply

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