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[keynesian]

In tt position nearing time for submitting tenure packet (next fall).  All looks good but I wondered if there was advice to seeking outside offers to work on a pay bump.  I am happy where I am but think my pay is a bit below market.  Is it normal to try and game the process with outside offers?  What is best timing? Thoughts?

[mleok]

If it comes across during interviews that you have no real intention of moving, and that you're only seeking an external offer to raise your salary at your current institution, then you're unlikely to end up receiving any offers.

If you're extremely confident that you'll receive tenure, then concentrate your search on better ranked schools which you would conceivably move to, and if you're less confident about tenure, you should also apply to comparably and lower ranked schools as a hedge against the possibility of tenure denial.

[janewales]

Many people do go on the market in the tenure year, either as insurance or as an attempt to, as you put it, "game the process." As a result, many search committees are sceptical about applications from people who are clearly in the tenure year, thinking either "S/he doesn't really want to come here," or "S/he isn't going to get tenure." If either of these thoughts crosses the mind of a search committee, then you are unlikely to advance in the job search.