When is appropriate to contact SCs?

[anon]

I suspect not every search update makes it to the forum, especially for those that aren't as high profile. If a deadline is long passed, is it inappropriate to contact someone (head of SC, for example) to ask for an update, or is that just annoying or unprofessional?

[anon]

I've always been told to contact SCs about that sort of thing only when you have an offer elsewhere and are still genuinely interested in the position. An exception would be if you have a major change to your application (e.g. paper accepted and you are sole or lead author). If they are interested in you, they will absolutely get in touch.

[do it]

Everybody says the same: don't do it!

And yet, I did it, and that's how I found out that the search had been cancelled. The SC sent me a nice email.

The question is: what do you lose by doing it?
Do people really think that if you are a good candidate you will be disqualified because you sent an email asking for an update?

So as I see it:
Worst case scenario: you don't get an email back
Best case scenario: you get the update (and you sleep better as a result)

[styles]

“Do people really think that if you are a good candidate you will be disqualified because you sent an email asking for an update?”

No, but it’s important to consider the time and workload of the faculty on these committees. Currently serving as a faculty member on a SC (actually for multiple positions), I appreciate how getting emails even from a handful of applicants can be rather burdensome, especially depts. getting 100-300 apps.

“anon’s” conditions are appropriate, otherwise just be patient. Deadlines for apps don’t always mean that faculty will get to these immediately and the process getting to the finalists can take some time – Often: (1) going through the search committee (this usually involves going through all apps for a first cut, then a second and third cut to decide on a short-list); (2) short list (often 10-20) going to the full faculty for review, and (3) full faculty meeting to decide who to bring in.

I understand your pain and desire to “want to know” but you will be contacted if you are selected and when that time comes….what good does it do you to ask about the status of the apps, outside “anon’s” conditions….it’s not going to speed up the process.

Best wishes to you all