next »

[foreign_national]

Just out of curiosity. How common is it that the candidate who is the SC’s first choice rejects the offer?

[abdbiz]

Very common in econ.

[prytania3]

I think it depends on the field. If it's English or history and I think, also, science, the rejection rate is fairly low because there are so few positions and so many applicants. If it's something in business or finance, there is more demand than supply and rejection is much more frequent.

[trabb]

Even in English, it does happen.  I interviewed with a school at MLA and was offered a campus visit.  I declined because I'd already accepted elsewhere.  I know of another individual who had a campus visit scheduled with them.  Recently, people have posted to the wiki that they've had telephone interviews scheduled for this position.  Apparently, out of all their MLA interviews, they couldn't find a suitable candidate who would accept the job.  This is an RI in what isn't usually considered a highly desirable location; the salary and the teaching load both were very reasonable. 

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the first person to decline an offer, but I wouldn't consider yourself out of the running until one of two things happens:  1) You get a rejection letter/call.  2) The fall semester/quarter begins. 

[cackalacker]

I think it depends on the field. If it's English or history and I think, also, science, the rejection rate is fairly low because there are so few positions and so many applicants.

Forumites keep saying this, but I'm not convinced. Many folks come out of history programs with options and have to choose one option while rejecting others. Same with English.

That said, what I think it happens fairly often that job opportunities cluster around a few candidates.  A handful of candidates get multiple offers while everyone else gets fewer, or none.  Not because other candidates are less qualified, but just because the market is given to fads.  Certain people are in vogue each year.