It’s the time where Ph.D. students on the job market start recieving offers.
Some students have delusions of grandeur - expecting low teaching loads, high research budgets, and big bucks. They are often disappointed when their expectations are not met.
Some students don’t know what to expect - accepting offers with high teaching loads, multiple preps, scant research support, and below average salaries. They are often disappointed when they learn they could have done better.
Unfortunately, honest field-based conversations about what to expect in an offer & how to negotiate an offer - seem to be few and far between.
Having advised Ph.D. students who found academic jobs for a decade, I’ve developed a pretty good view of what job seekers should expect.
So 11 tips, based on my experience, on how to evaluate, negotiate, and accept an academic offer.
Tip 1. Don’t immediately say yes. When the phone rings, listen carefully to the offer, write down the details, & take time to think through questions.
Tip 2. Talk to your advisor. Whether their opinion sheds new light on what to expect or not, it shows respect to someone who has invested in you.
Tip 3. Look at the benefits. Ask for a call with HR to review health insurance, retirement contribution, & time to vest in the pensions.
Retirement packages vary widely - from 4 to 13 percent of base salary - as does the percentage match required from you.
Moving support also varies.
Tip 4. Consider the cost of living. Ask yourself can you live well on that income?
Tip 5. Consider the people. Money is one piece of the puzzle. Ask yourself do you like, really like, these people? Is there a stinker in the group?
Tip 6. Understand what is negotiable. Most schools have a limited ability to negotiate the salary. Expect no more than a few percentage points, even if you have another offer.
Focus on the extras. Course releases. Summer and/or research support. Perhaps a specific conference. Dept chairs control these things.
Tip 7. Decide what works for you & talk to your advisor. They will tell you if you are crazy.
Tip 8. If you want the job, then share what you want & simply say if you can do this - you’ll take it. If the school offers it, take the job.
Tip 9. If you are not certain, ask for time. If you don’t have an alternative, think carefully about Tips 7 & 8. You need a job! Right?
Tip 10: How you act while negotiating will shape how colleagues view you, be straightforward & honest.
Tip 11. Make yourself happy, not your advisor, you have to work the job. It’s ok to take a less prestigious job. Happiness is your first priority!
Best of luck! I hope you find the right job for you!
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