Negotiating for a Faculty Position

Negotiating is advocating for what you need. These resources will help you negotiate a faculty position offer effectively. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the basics even before you receive an offer. 

The Negotiation Process

Different ways you might receive an offer

The "Rushed" Offer

An offer is ready for you and the hiring committee needs you to accept it right now.

  • These frequently come from institutions with lower resources (and there is usually little room to negotiate)
  • This may be a way to pressure candidates before they get a better offer

You may be able to delay by a few days, but get ready to make a quick decision.

The "Negotiable" Offer

An offer is being prepared and the hiring committee needs more information from you.

  • The hiring committee is going to send you an offer, describe it on the call, and ask if it works for you
  • It is likely that the Chair is expecting you to ask to make changes to the offer
  • This is usually how negotiations start

You are probably not expected to accept right now.

The "Elongated" Offer

You (but no other candidate) are invited for a second interview.

  • Unless other candidates are also invited for the second interview, it is very likely that this second interview is a chance for you to find out if the place is right for you
  • You will probably get an offer later

Get ready to be patient; you may not start the negotiation process for another month.

Timeline to prepare for negotiating

During the interview:

  • Assess the institution, department, and faculty to find out if they meet your requirements for considering the position further or if there are any dealbreakers.

After the campus visit:

  • Prepare a budget, even if you haven't been asked for it yet. This forms the basis for you to make arguments for what you need when you start negotiating.
  • In order to prepare for negotiation, imagine you say "yes" to an offer with what you know right now and think about what that means for yourself (and those affected by your decision). This can help inform what you should ask about later in the negotiation.
    • How well do you sleep imagining you accepted this offer?

Before getting an offer:

  • Be ready to express enthusiasm, but not make any decisions on the call.
  • Prepare some language to ask for the offer in an email, and a few days to study the offer before you talk again.

Before you have a negotiation conversation:

  • Prepare a list of questions you still have (e.g. the facilities, expectations, salary calculations, tenure requirements, staff support) that will help you make sure you have everything you need when you start your new position.

What You Can Negotiate

Visit this page to learn about the things people commonly negotiate for and how to figure out what to prioritize for yourself.

How to Negotiate an Offer

Visit this page to see strategies for having a negotiation conversation, navigating multiple offers, and turning down an offer. 

Sample Offer Letters and Startup Budgets

Sample offer letters
Sample startup budgets

Already have an offer? Make a 1:1 appointment to discuss your strategy with a CPD career consultant! If you need to meet with us sooner than our next available appointment, please email [email protected] and let us know about your deadline.