There is a kind of line in job documents that is technically blameless, but is so generic, so very much "stating the obvious" that it also completely pointless. This kind of line fills space while doing nothing to distinguish you in any way. The … [Read more...] about Don’t State the Obvious
Negotiating Offers
More on Negotiating–Thoughts from an R1 Department Head
Discussion of negotiating the tenure track offer continues apace. Last week I was included in an email exchange between Rebecca Schuman and Mike Tarr, Department Head of the Psychology department at Carnegie Mellon University. Mike got in touch … [Read more...] about More on Negotiating–Thoughts from an R1 Department Head
The Rescinded Offer: Who Is In the Wrong?
I keep getting asked about the recent rescinded offer in Philosophy at Nazareth College, which originally popped up on Philosophy Smoker, (with a response from the rescindee, "W," here), went to Jezebel, then Forbes, and shows no signs of … [Read more...] about The Rescinded Offer: Who Is In the Wrong?
Stop Negotiating Like a Girl
A re-post, most recently updated in May 2026. It goes without saying that I *know* this title is a sexist formulation on its surface. I've often considered changing it, for obvious reasons. However, each time, I've decided to keep it. This is because … [Read more...] about Stop Negotiating Like a Girl
Why Have I No Power? Thoughts on Negotiating the Tenure Track Offer
I was working with a Negotiating Assistance client last week, and about halfway through our work, as I said for the fourth time or so, “you can't really ask for ALL of that; you'll have to pick and choose,” he cried out over email, “But why? Why have … [Read more...] about Why Have I No Power? Thoughts on Negotiating the Tenure Track Offer
A Letter From a Reader (With Thoughts on What Professors Make)
I am interrupting regularly scheduled programming to share this email I received from a reader this week. I share it for several reasons. The first is as a follow-up to last week's post, "What's It Like to Work with the Professor?" In that post I … [Read more...] about A Letter From a Reader (With Thoughts on What Professors Make)
Job Market Horror Stories, Part I: The Rescinded Offer
This is another guest post by a reader who shall remain anonymous. This reader kindly wrote in response to my request for stories about "rescinded offers." The stories here are alarming, although in this reader's case, they have a happy … [Read more...] about Job Market Horror Stories, Part I: The Rescinded Offer
The Unknown and Unknowable of the Job Market
Today's post is a guest post from a reader who shall remain anonymous. She shares her experiences with what she calls the "Unknown and Unknowable" aspects of the job search. Her message is invaluable: stay loose, flexible, and open to sudden … [Read more...] about The Unknown and Unknowable of the Job Market
Negotiating the Spousal Hire
[This post is based on parts of last week's post "How To Negotiate Your Tenure Track Offer." Since some readers focused on the spousal issue may have missed that post, I am publishing this under this new title here. I welcome comments on any aspect … [Read more...] about Negotiating the Spousal Hire
Job Market PTSD
(Thursday Post Category: Here's How You Get Tenure) Today's post is another Special Request post, this time coming from Kate, who wrote an eloquent email asking for advice on how to cope with what I will call “Job Market PTSD.” By Job Market PTSD … [Read more...] about Job Market PTSD