next »

[commprof57]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering, based on other people's experience, the average length for notice on a job search.  I interviewed at a job.  The job would be a step up for me (better pay, less teaching, and more research).  I am pretty sure I was the first candidate they brought it (semester started one week prior) and they are searching for four positions total.  However, I get the sinking feeling I didn't do well.  I thought I did, but I second guess myself with all of the answers I could have gave to seal the deal (they were impressed with my research productivity).  Any thoughts? Sorry about the whining, I know other people have it worse than I do.

[cat_p]

Depends. If you're the first candidate they brought to campus and they're bringing several others (as well as conducting other searches) it may be a few weeks before you hear anything.

[commprof57]

I should also add that the search chair said I should hear in a couple of weeks (it was a couple of weeks last week) and I sent a mass e-mail to the SC and the faculty I met a week after the interview.  Am I doomed? Please someone slap me and talk some sense into me.

[galactic_hedgehog]

<slap>

Calm down.  At this point, you just need to keep your cool and wait.  Things drag on for numerous reasons, not all of them bad.  If you have more interviews coming up, think about this past one wand what you might want to do differently (not that you necessarily did anything wrong).  Keep your eyes on the job ads; you never know when a new one will pop up.

[systeme_d_]

<another slap>

Sit on your hands.  Don't contact anyone.  Just distract yourself, remember to breathe, and wait.  I know, not easy.  But that's what you need to do right now.  Watch a movie.  Walk the dog.  Or start up a new article -- sometimes the thrill of beginning a new project can be just the thing.

[madhatter]

You may hear from them tomorrow, next week, three months from now, or never.

If they decide they want you, they'll contact you, as quickly as they can.

If they don't want you, they'll let you know whenever they get around to it. Or never.

Basically, there's nothing you can do now. Continuing to obsess about the job won't help you. Let it go, and focus on other things, until and if you hear from them again. I know this advice is easier to give than to follow, but it's still the best thing you can do for your peace of mind.

[sheprof]

I'm in the same boat as you. In fact, almost exactly--I was also the first to interview and told it would be about two weeks, though they had other searches under way, so it could take longer. I have no idea when I'll hear.  They wrapped up the interviews for my position last week, so since yesterday, I've been feeling pretty anxious, and getting a little more despondent with each day. It hasn't quite been two weeks since my interview, and I decided once that point passes, I'll try to move on and assume the worst. It's the only way I can stay sane and carry on with my life.

So hang in there. Hope you get some sort of news soon. Until then, just go about your life as best you can.

[jruiz]

For those of us who have been at it a while, there is the realization that universities vary immensely in regard to contacting candidates.  A few years ago I applied for a dept head position, was interviewed, and 4 months later had heard nothing.  I finally e-mailed the SCC and was told they had made a hire.  Last year, I applied for another dept head position, received an ack, and 6 months later was informed the search was "failed."  Of course it was failed, they blew it.  Anyway, just bear in mind no news is no news, and live with that.  Some schools will be couteous and professional.  Others will look at you as the hired help.  The latter aren't worth working for.

[galactic_hedgehog]

For those of us who have been at it a while, there is the realization that universities vary immensely in regard to contacting candidates.  A few years ago I applied for a dept head position, was interviewed, and 4 months later had heard nothing.  I finally e-mailed the SCC and was told they had made a hire.  Last year, I applied for another dept head position, received an ack, and 6 months later was informed the search was "failed."  Of course it was failed, they blew it.  Anyway, just bear in mind no news is no news, and live with that.  Some schools will be couteous and professional.  Others will look at you as the hired help.  The latter aren't worth working for.

I think I'm still waiting to hear officially from jobs from years back.

It would suck if they had wanted to hire me and got pissed they didn't hear from me.

[thechronicle]

it's been 9 days since the SC phoned me out of blue to chat and it was my understanding that the SC was interested in me BUT... then again there are 9 others who made the short list. It happens to be my dream school so it's hard to distract myself from waiting... and I am slowly losing hope.. and wiki doesn't update much and it seems like only 2 people are checking out the school. It is not a good idea to call the secretary of the dept to ask whether on campus invitations have been out or not right?

[galactic_hedgehog]

It is not a good idea to call the secretary of the dept to ask whether on campus invitations have been out or not right?

Yep.

Have a soak in the hot tub and sip some cocoa.

[thechronicle]

Thanks for reassuring me. I was too restless that I even entertained the idea of emailing the SC who called me but I  know I shouldn't and I won't.  Gotta repeat, "Patience is a virtue."

[glenwood]

If you'd really like to screw up the average waiting time calculations, then throw in this one: I just got a call about a job I applied for a year ago. I must have given them a lot to think about in that first interview!

[Ok, the real story is more complicated and involves a search that failed and then was re-configured this year, and then an SC that contacted me about coming to campus for this "new" search, but still, it's what I keep thinking.]

[thechronicle]

Well that is really unheard of. but at least it's a good news after all...(only if you were still interested in the job) I wish they let us know whether we are still being considered or not when they are only dealing with 10 candidates. Disappointments and heartache can be a lot more severe if I let it hang for a while but then, miracles do happen.

[the_honey_badger]

I did an on-campus at SUNY-Somewhere in 2001.  I am still waiting for both word on what they decided and for reimbursement of travel costs.  There seems to be someone in "that job" on the website so I guess it "worked out" for them---the reimbursement?  I stopped asking after one year in the interests of my mental health.

BTW, our own searches which generally run like clockwork have *both* been extended by more than a week during this season because of weather problems causing the second of three in both searches to have to turn around and come in a week or so later....sometimes the search gets delayed.