Questions to not miss when negotiating an academic job offer (or advice I gave my student who just landed a job).
Academic job offers are a bit strange.
You have gone through a multi year training process. You have applied to 50+ schools. You have done at least one campus visit - maybe more.
You have worried endlessly.
All building up to receiving a call from a complete stranger - that last five minutes - who will say:
‘Everyone here really likes you, we would like you to join xyz family. Here is the offer … take a day to think about it and let me know’
You are elated.
So what you should do?
First, when the call comes - have a notepad with you.
Write down the details.
Most places won’t put the offer in writing until you say yes.
Second, don’t say yes.
It’s ok to ask for a night to think.
Third, call your mentor or advisor.
Ask if it looks about right & their opinion of the place.
They should express joy & give a frank assessment - it’s a sweet & savory moment.
Fourth, then compose a list of questions for the school.
Ask
(1) confirm the teaching load & number of preps
(2) base salary
(3) summer support and terms for it to continue
(4) tenure requirements
These are the easy ones, easy to forget questions, in the excitement of an offer.
(1) moving support (how much and when it must be spent)
(2) research budget (most schools won’t give you a number bc of the economy, they will say it usually looks like …)
(3) travel support (clarify if you need a paper at a conference and how many conferences are funded)
(4) computer & tech budget (do you have to spend it immediately)
(5) rules for sabbaticals (some places offer them pre-tenure)
(6) house hunting (is it a separate budget from moving)
(7) copy of benefits package
These are questions that are hard to ask but necessary
(1) opportunities for exec ed or extra comp teaching
(2) spousal hiring policies
(3) what happens if you don’t finish on time
Finally, if you have something you need to take the offer, ask for it.
Most people will ask for extra base salary, more start up for a lab, a doc student line, or extra summer support.
Rarely, will you get much movement on these - note I say much - but you have to ask.
So don’t be offended if the offer doesn’t change much.
Note. If they have already made an offer to someone at your level, the odds are good the offer won’t change at all.
Fifth, email your questions & wait.
Some, people will indicate what changes, if made, will result in immediately accepting the offer.
Only do this if you will take the offer.
An aside, it is important is that you provide a timely response to the school with the offer - you need to show respect.
Your new colleagues will remember how you behaved during the negotiation.
Finally, if the answers are not adequate, it is ok to turn down the offer.
Don’t be pressured into saying yes!
You have to be happy! Asking the right questions can increase your confidence that you will be!
Best of luck!
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