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[minira]

I need help with job search etiquette!

I have an offer for a one-semester VAP job, starting very soon, that will in the words of the SC "almost certainly" be a renewable contract. I was very happy with the dept. and the workload when I interviewed, and intend to take it.

I also have a lot of applications out for jobs that start in 9 mos. time (so after the end of the initial contract for the VAP job), and am starting to get interviews for them. Do I say anything about the VAP job? And, if I am lucky enough to get an offer from one of them, at what point do I tell the VAP job people?

[inthelab]

Do I say anything about the VAP job?

It's listed as your current position on your CV.  Answer a question that you are asked directly, as in, "What's the name of the course? How do you like teaching it?"

And, if I am lucky enough to get an offer from one of them, at what point do I tell the VAP job people?

When you have an offer for permanent employment in writing.

[minira]

Do I say anything about the VAP job?

It's listed as your current position on your CV.  Answer a question that you are asked directly, as in, "What's the name of the course? How do you like teaching it?"

And, if I am lucky enough to get an offer from one of them, at what point do I tell the VAP job people?

When you have an offer for permanent employment in writing.

The part of my situation that is tricky is that the VAP job had not yet been offered when I applied for the job starting 9mos from now. And I haven't yet started the VAP job. So it's not on the CV that the 9mos-job SC have for me. So do I say anything about it, or take care to scrub my answers in the interview of hints that I'll be working elsewhere quite soon?

[inthelab]

When you interview, if you have started as VAP, you answer when asked.  And by then, you'll have it on your CV, and you'll send out or hand out an updated CV (ask before you go on your interviews if they would like an updated CV; in my experience, they would).  Hope I've been clear.  Good luck to you, sounds like things are going well for you.

[apollo]

I'm in a similar situation minira.  If the TT job does not start until 9 months from now, you can tell them that you have been hired as a VAP for this coming spring semester.  Even if you interview now before you start the VAP job, someone at some point will ask what you'll be doing for the next semester, summer, etc.  Right?  Tell them you've gotten hired as a VAP, and that it is a short-term contract (which is the definition of VAP if I understand it).  If someone else was willing to roll the dice on hiring you, then you are more of a catch for the TT job.  That's the way I'm looking at my situation. 

[abdbcb]

Once you have signed the contract (for the VAP) you have the job, you don't have to wait until you actually start teaching to put it on your cv. And definitely let the SCs that have shown interest know about it, my understanding is that it means a lot to an SC to see someone else has taken you on, as Apollo indicates. This is definitely a plus, and not something to be shy about. You don't have to say anything about how it 'might continue'. Good luck!

[minira]

Thanks, everybody! I feel a lot less nervous about the whole thing now. :)

[songsofexperience]

I have the same deal going. I interviewed about 6 weeks ago for a one semester VAP and was offered the position on Thanksgiving Day. I accepted it. I also have several apps out for TT positions and a phone interview this Saturday. I see it as a positive thing and will definitely mention it - it shows other people think I am good enough to teach for them and it gives me even more experience than they originally expected. I will update my CV now so any new apps I send out will reflect the new position but I won't bother updating those I've already sent. If I get more interviews that's when I'll being it up. Having a VAP for Spring is not going to put anyone off. If anything, it will make me more attractive. I also agree with abdbcb - no need to say anything about the possibility of continuation. If you feel you must, say it is a one semester VAP with the possibility of renewal. Again, this will not turn a search committee against you. In the end, getting a TT offer is almost always better than a renewing VAP.

Congrats on the VAP and good luck with TT jobs!

[der_gadfly]

Chime to keeping the mouth shut until there is an offer in writing.

Last August, I had one offer in writing, and another one (WAY more money) pending. Kept my mouth shut about it. Higher paying offer fell through....  actually quite glad it did.

I am facing a similar situation now: to keep a few adjunct gigs (in the bag) and WHEN the other FT offer comes through, THEN worry about negotiating flex-time scheduling. Until it is all in writing, I remember to look at the back of my hand - it has a tattoo that says STFU