I am applying for postdoc positions this fall, and have three references.
My main two writers are doing everything as I expected.
The third agreed to write a letter for me--and he wrote a very good letter. It was very positive and I was even impressed by how personal it was, given that we do not know one another all that well. He is also very well-known/famous in the field. However, he simply gave me the letter to use as I wish, so it won't be customized for each position or anything.
I do not really have any good sense of what to do with this, when I apply for postdocs.
My PhD advisor said that he agreed it was strange, but "I would keep the letter and when requested send it and say he sent it to you." I am just not sure what the least awkward way to do this is.
(I want to add: both my advisor and I are quite certain this letter will help my case. My first two letters are going to be great, and are written by people who know me very well and will be tailoring, etc.)
Should I simply include, after the contact information for two references on my CV, "An additional letter of recommendation from ________ is available by request."?