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[achilles]

I have a two-body problem that I hoping you Forumites can help with. I'm an assistant professor in a very desirable MLA field (i.e. very few applicants) at a top R1 and my SO is finishing their PhD in a different MLA field. We're both on the market and are committed to living together.

My current R1 has offered my SO teaching for next year but there's no prospect of a TT position for the time being. I'm leaving soon for a campus interview at another top R1 and am wondering if I should tell them about my SO if the opportunity arises. I've read the forums about this and know the two sides of the argument (admin says yes, applicants say no). One problem is that I'm in a small field and I don't want to risk angering the stars at the department I'm interviewing with by waiting until receiving an offer before mentioning my SO. If I get the chance, could saying something like the following hurt me?

"My SO and I are a tandem couple and we're both on the market. Nothing is settled for us yet but I just want to let you know about their research and teaching interests..."

The fact is, I'm very interested in this position and not giving my SO a TT line isn't a deal-breaker. But I couldn't accept the position if they offered absolutely nothing to my SO.

[castafiore]

It's not a deal breaker, and it's a top R1 so they could make a position if they were forced to. I wouldn't say a word about your spouse (if it were me)!

[crazybatlady]

Wait until you get an offer.

cbl

[prof_tournesol]

Wait

[sibyl]

I am inclined to agree that you should wait.  I would not want my interview of *you* to be taken over by a 'virtual' interview of your SO.  There is little chance that you would make it easier to get another position by voluntary disclosure.

On the other hand, if you are asked "what will it take to get you here?" then you shouldn't hide your SO.