It's done. It's there—all the effort, expectations, and questions. Finally, you got the job. It is time to celebrate. But your work has not finished. Your role will not be limited to teaching, and your salary will not be a synonym of benefits. This phase is the last leg of a long race that will still require some preparation to run it smoothly.

How negotiable will your first salary be?

   In general, educational institutions have a salary scale that will give you a grasp of what to expect and, consequently, how to negotiate your starting salary. 

   During the interview process, you probably got some signals, so it is essential to keep on with your eyes wide open since these first arrangements will shape your coming academic years. The percentage of your future salary increases will be based on your prior salary.

   Something not to overlook is whether the contract is for nine, ten, eleven, or twelve months. If you get a nine or ten-month contract, you need to secure the rest of the year. Some colleges might concede a start-up summer package until you procure your own support. You may want to ask about other options like summer teaching or grants.

   It would help if you did not leave aside your area of expertise. Some professional fields are better paid than others. Other faculty members and your professional association can help you learn about salary ranges.

   You will possibly be moving to another city, so living cost is not a matter to underestimate, for instance, housing, rental, insurance costs, child care, etc.

Setting your priorities

   Imagine how your faculty life will be and what you need to be more productive. 

   Do not feel afraid of asking the chair and other department members any information you need to have a clear mind to handle a well-built negotiation. For example, on the one hand, your teaching load, and how many new and regular courses you will need to prepare.  On the other hand, how your out-of-class time will be in terms of faculty meetings, how many students you will be advising, and whether your position will require doctoral student advising. Out-of-class time also includes campus service that you need to be acquainted with, your involvement with undergraduate student life, and out-campus reach, such as consulting and public speaking.

   Also, consider that there might be some constraints to give you what you want. More than once, there are fixed scales the college needs to respect, or it is also possible that they do not have enough financial resources. In these cases, you may want to compensate with other benefits, such as but not limited to health care, the appointment of spouses/partners, other family-related benefits, etc. 

The college has spent human and financial resources for months to get the right person for the job, and they offered you the position. So, they will not be surprised if you feel you are in a position to negotiate.  

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