Recently, a senior scholar asked me for job search advice.
While my friend had coached Ph.D. students on a first job search, they asked, given I had moved, what should they expect on their own search?
A conversation followed about expectations, mindset, & negotiating.
Three takeaways: Discretion, positive thinking, & confidence.
Takeaway One: Show discretion.
First, your university will not be delighted about your search. Administrators have difficulty sharing information or planning projects with faculty who may leave.
Second, rumors of your departure will cause turmoil. Your search will become a talking point among your colleagues - for better or worse.
Third, staying could cause reprisals. Administrators & colleagues will remember your attempt to leave, leading to outcomes such as skepticism about your motives or reluctance to invest in you.
So, only tell your references about your search. The less you share, the less likely the news of your search will get out & the more likely you will have a pleasant stay (however long that lasts) at your current school.
Takeaway Two: Build a positive mindset.
First, find positives about your current job. Your search will take time. Focusing on positives will make it easier to navigate your current workplace.
Second, underscore reasons that draw you to a new position. Emphasize positives, like curriculum, research opportunities, or location. Future colleagues want to know you are attracted to their school.
Third, let go of the negatives. Your new school will not have the same problems. Letting go helps you make unclouded decisions and makes it easier to fit in at a new place.
Schools want to hire faculty that bring positive energy!
Takeaway Three: Negotiate with confidence.
First, you have a job. You don't have to take the offer. Ask yourself, does this job really afford the promised opportunities? At work? & in life? If the answer is no, don't go.
Second, you have power. Take your time deciding. Rookies usually are under pressure to decide quickly. Mid-career faculty can ask for more time. Don't be afraid of asking for time to think an opportunity through.
Third, you deserve a good offer. If you take a low offer, you will be unhappy. Take your time to learn what peer schools offer & demand a comparable one! Don't join a place that undervalues you.
A final thought, before you apply, ask yourself, will you take an offer? If your answer is no, don't look. There is no rush. Take your time. I am confident that you will find the right job!
Best of luck in the new year!
A postscript: I would be remiss if I did not mention that your negotiation should focus on the nine-month salary. With a new dean, summer support, teaching load, & more can change. Salary does not. Maximize it. You don't get to #negotiate twice.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_negotiate-mentoring-activity-6882795292991877120-ezLO?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
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