Email Asking for Earlier Interview

Email Asking for Earlier Interview

Anony (guest) 09 Dec 2010 02:41

I have an offer (currently in negotiations that are likely going to take awhile). I have several interviews scheduled, but one of them wants to schedule for late Jan/early Feb. This is likely going to be too late, but it is a school I am VERY VERY interested in. When speaking with the search chair (before the offer came in) she told me to contact her right away if I am on the clock and they might be able to move things up (but maybe not).

I'm a little worried that if I do then they'll drop me and move on to the next person.

So what would you do? How would you word things?

I think the offer is going to stretch into mid-January (due to impending holidays) and I might have to have decision made by end of January. I'm guessing if I interviewed at this last school they would be able to let me know right away if I will make the cut (although they might not have interviewed the other person yet).

Ellie (guest) 09 Dec 2010 03:20

OK. Let's rewind here. The search chair SAID to contact her right away and they might be able to move things up. What a great thing to hear from a search chair!

Just let her know!

Email her and say, "You mentioned when we spoke [whenever that was] that I should give you a heads-up if things were progressing with any other schools. At this point, I have an offer from another school. I am still extremely interested in [school's name]. Given the circumstances, would it be possible to interview with you by the end of the second week of January? I realize that this may be somewhat of an imposition, but I think that this may be to the benefit to all involved."

Hope this helps! And what a terrific position to be in for you! :-)

anon (guest) 09 Dec 2010 04:06

So are you thinking the late Jan/early Feb school would extend an offer to you before they bring out their other candidates? I've never heard of such a situation. Is this something that actually happens much?

Anony (guest) 09 Dec 2010 12:45

Thank you Ellie!

Anon: No, I don't think they would, but they might be able to move things up with the other candidate (I got the impression that only 2 of us are being brought out)…and knowing I have an offer might force them to speed things up.

Having an offer is a great thing, and I LOVE the place where I got the offer….but I have a couple interviews lined up at some good schools too….so it's a tough decision.

Another anon (guest) 09 Dec 2010 14:37

Congrats Anony. Good problem to have, I think. Whats your area? I agree with others, email the dept chair and be honest about your offer AND your ongoing interest in their program to see if you can move things along at the other place.

Anony (guest) 10 Dec 2010 00:10

Another Anon: I am in developmental.

It's odd….one of my advisors is saying to definitely email. The other is saying that since I am just in early negotiations that I shouldn't say a thing.

I opted to email…..of course I haven't heard anything back and that makes me stress.

It's so awful that I over analyze every single little thing!!!

bitter (guest) 10 Dec 2010 08:03

I hate everyone who has an offer, especially multiple offers to choose from, especially from places you love. All the places I love passed me over without a peep. There, I said it.

Really, I am happy for you, but ugh. :/

ANON (guest) 10 Dec 2010 13:44

Appreciate the honesty, Bitter. I'm sure you're not alone in missing out on your dream jobs. It is an incredibly tough market out there.

Focus on the things that are most important to you. When you're 80 years old and look back on your life you're likely to care very little about which job your did or didn't get in 2010.

anon- social (guest) 10 Dec 2010 13:49

I am so there with you. Trying to be optimistic but it's an uphill fight. I've had some peeps but nothing has panned out into an interview.

bitter2 (guest) 22 Dec 2010 19:33

I can't help it, I feel exactly like you, bitter. This is my 3rd year on the market. I'm totally freaking out. Two phone interviews and one request for info, and then nothing. Nada. Would it be worse to get the interview then not get the job? Hmmmmmmm.

Dora (guest) 10 Dec 2010 17:57

What if the search chair didn't say anything about contacting him/her with updates? I think I will be getting an offer from one school very soon (I've heard informally and should get the formal offer next week — VERY EXCITED!). But I have another interview scheduled for late Jan. at what was one of my top choices. Should I email the Jan. school to see if I can push up the date? Would it even be worth it if their other candidates are coming in for visits in late Jan. and early Feb.? Thanks!

another anon (guest) 10 Dec 2010 18:49

Dora, if you're otherwise going to turn down the late Jan school and accept the offer coming next week, what do you stand to lose? Worst case they say "no way you selfish jerk" and withdraw the interview offer that you were otherwise going to withdraw from. If you would decline the offer and wait for the interview - don't know what to say.

Anony (guest) 10 Dec 2010 21:01

Well, I heard back and they weren't able to move it. They said I could withdraw if I wanted. I decided to go forth with the interview, especially since my current offer isn't moving anywhere. I mean I heard I would be getting the offer, and was asked to send my start-up spreadsheet, but nada since then. A new Dean is doing things VERY differently at this school….so I haven't even had a salary offer yet. I mean, it kind of works out for me because I want to prolong things until I can get to this late school.

Anony (guest) 16 Dec 2010 21:41

I am shocked. They just emailed and said they are withdrawing their invite because I have an offer somewhere else. Seems VERY rude in my opinion. I mean, they told me to tell them if I had an offer and then they do this. They don't even know if I'm going to take my offer and negotiations are stalled over the holiday.

dev.anon (guest) 16 Dec 2010 21:47

That is the first time I have heard of that happening! Like you said, they don't know if you're going to take the other offer. You'd think if they wanted you, they'd still invite you out and try to woo you into going there. Very bizarre.

Anon (guest) 16 Dec 2010 22:08

Yea me too (and my mentors as well). I responded very politely, saying how disappointed I was and how stalled the other offer was.

But I'll spin it positively and just think of what might happen during the tenure process then.

anonydevl (guest) 17 Dec 2010 17:42

horrible.