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[2lemmas]

I need some advice as to how to tell the SC about a new position without jeopardizing my chances for the potential job and/or courting disaster at the new one.  Basically, this happened:

1. I interviewed at Awesome U, I loved them, and (I think) they loved me.
2. I got a TT offer from Compromise U that I didn't really like.
3. Awesome U cancelled their search before making a decision.  Very disappointing!  The chair asked me if I would be interested in the future & I said yes but didn't hold my breath.
4. I reluctantly accepted Compromise U's offer.   I have not started yet but I will soon (mid-fall).
5. Awesome U rebooted the search and called me for an interview.

But-- Awesome U doesn't know about Compromise U yet.  I need to tell them, but I don't know what to say or how.  I would like them to know that even though I have a TT job at Compromise U, Awesome U is a much better fit and I would gladly leave Compromise U after the year to start at Awesome U.  At the same time, I don't want to blow things up at Compromise U.  Help???

[hegemony]

If Awesome U is interviewing only now, when do they think their new employee (e.g. you) would be starting?  Surely if they're interviewing in September they can't expect someone to start this fall?  If they're wanting you to start next fall, then all's hunky-dory.  In my view, you don't have to make a big announcement about how you have a job now; just put it on the CV and give them the updated copy at some point.  Presumably they know you wouldn't be interviewing if you weren't open to considering their job offer for next fall.

[2lemmas]

It would indeed be for the following fall. 

Wouldn't just providing an updated CV w/o saying anything raise questions?  Ie, since the new position at Compromise U. is a TT one, I wonder if I need to make it clear to Awesome U's SC why I would even be considering leaving, esp so soon -- wouldn't they assume that if I've taken a TT job, that's it?

[caesura]

Awesome U doesn't expect you to starve while waiting for them; of course, you would take another job (if possible) once the earlier search was cancelled.

It's in your favor that you got another job; nothing is so appealing as something someone else wants.  Yes, it will come up in your interview why you think Awesome U is a better fit for you.  You will answer enthusiastically with all your excellent reasons (without in any way disparaging Compromise U).  Since you will be telling them how awesome they are, they will believe that your reasons are indeed excellent.

In other words, don't worry!  Accepting a TT is no longer the "til death do us part" commitment it might once have been; in this market, people take what they can get (if anything!) and work their way toward a better position (if possible).  It's standard practice now, so you won't have to do any fancy explaining (other than the above). 

[litdawg]

Caesura is right on all points. Your record is stronger with Compromise U on your CV. An interview in September for the following year will allow you to give adequate notice to current uni if you are offered a job. You can spend much of the year at Compromise U making a good impression and enjoying a breather from performance demands. You might also consider a leave of absence from Compromise U in case Awesome U turns out to be less awesome from the inside and Compromise U less of a compromise now that you've experienced it.