After the campus visit, you will expect either to receive a job offer or notification of rejection. Occasionally the job offer is extended during a candidate’s visit, but most offers come afterward in the form of a phone call by the chair of the department or search committee, or by the dean.
During this conversation the chair or dean may read the formal offer letter to you. Be prepared to take notes and ask questions. Do not feel pressed to accept or decline right away. Ask that the offer letter be mailed or faxed to you (standard practice), and request time to consider the offer carefully. Two weeks is a typical length of time for decision-making; more time may be acceptable, depending on circumstances.
Keep in mind that verbal promises are not formal job offers. Funding sometimes falls through at the last minute, putting job seekers back on the market. Formal offers are always put in writing, defining the salary and terms of the position, including start date, benefits, and other relevant details (e.g. teaching load, resources, release time, etc.).
Following are basic guidelines on evaluating and negotiating academic job offers. GSAS Career Services holds a program annually on the topic. Check our Current Events for a schedule of upcoming programs.