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[allye]

I've spent the last three grueling years adjuncting near where my husband has a t-t job.  Now there's a sabbatical replacement in spouse's university exactly in my area.  His university claims to support spousal hires, though in reality it seems to vary a lot based on departments and personalities involved.  We've gotten inside info about the position from acquaintances, but I don't know the SC members very well, and I'm not sure they'd know me by name.  The search committee chair and my husband are on friendly terms, but husband and I have different last names.

How do I bring up the fact that I'm a spouse in my cover letter?  I'm absolutely qualified for this job, and think there might be more opportunities there if I get my foot in the door.  Both my husband and I have been interviewing elsewhere but have no real desire to relocate at this point, as our two-body problems will follow us wherever we go.

[sheprof]

I think you can use the fact that you have a spouse there as a reason for why you are interested in the job. In the meantime, could your husband or your husband's chair talk with members of the department you're applying to feel out the situation and do some informal lobbying?

My partner was hired as a VAP in a department at my school and this came about as the result of a lot of behind the scenes work. I had to lean on friends and trusted colleagues, and a good friend in the department to which my partner applied burned through a lot of political capital to make this happen. I don't know if my partner would have been hired otherwise. In short, I'm saying that your husband might have to do a lot of work on this. He is the one already there so there are probably some crucial moves and conversations he can have to facilitate your hire.

[compdoc]

Yes, I would mention your husband's job in the department as part of your desire for the visiting position.

I would also have everyone who knows your work and wants you there to lobby. Husband's boss, too. FT tt came about at my new campus (not for us but another couple) because of strong lobbying by wife's new department head who wanted her desperately.

Spouse seems to be a good fit but at the time, he wouldn't have been the first choice, except for the other chair's support (and/or pestering).