Offer + Future Job Talks

[Quandry]

I just received an offer today and plan to take it. I also have two upcoming job talks. I do not plan to take either job and do not want to stand in the way of other candidates. In one case, no plane tickets have been purchased yet, so I can back out pretty easily and ask them to go to the next person on the list. But with another talk, the plane tickets have already been purchased (by them, not me). I do not want to go on this job talk. I'd rather see the space go to another candidate. But I'm concerned that if I back out, they'll try to charge me for the plane ticket. Thoughts? Should I just bite the bullet and go on the job talk, knowing I'm not taking the job? Is there a way to get out of this without being charged? I realize charging me would be poor form, but I've also heard that it happens -- and, frankly, I wouldn't put it past this institution. 

[Haha!]

Charge you? How they gonna do that? Send you a bill? And then what happens when you don't pay it? They bought it. Too bad for them. That should be the least of your concerns. They have nothing is better on you.

[don't worry]

This happens quite frequently. Cancelled tickets are occasional costs of doing business. Just let them know giving them (and the replacement candidate) as much time as possible to come up with a different schedule.

Going on a job talk when you've already accepted an offer somewhere else is actually a bigger ethical breach, in my opinion. You're not just wasting money, but everybody's time.

[Same]

I’m in a similar situation this season. I have an offer that I 99% plan on taking, but we’re still working out some of the finer details so I haven’t officially accepted. I have an interview coming up in the next few weeks (I purchased the plane ticket). I’m wondering how much time is enough time to back out? Is it poor form to let them know less than a week ahead? I’m okay eating the cost of the ticket I purchased if it means that another candidate will get to go on the interview, and to save myself from wasting the faculty’s time.

[cancel]

Jan 8, 2018 18:31:49 GMT -5 Same said:

I’m in a similar situation this season. I have an offer that I 99% plan on taking, but we’re still working out some of the finer details so I haven’t officially accepted. I have an interview coming up in the next few weeks (I purchased the plane ticket). I’m wondering how much time is enough time to back out? Is it poor form to let them know less than a week ahead? I’m okay eating the cost of the ticket I purchased if it means that another candidate will get to go on the interview, and to save myself from wasting the faculty’s time.

If you know you are probably going to take the offer in hand, then I think it is unethical to go on the second interview. In general, if you don't plan to take a job if offered, then you shouldn't go on the interview. Do the right thing. Eat the cost of the ticket, especially since you can afford it, and don't waste people's time.

[offer letter]

While I agree that it may be discourteous and unethical to go on the second interview knowing full well you intend to accept the offer from another institution, my advice would be to not cancel it until you have signed and submitted the offer letter from the first institution. Even if things feel like a done deal, the fact that you say you're working on the "finer details" means things aren't set in stone...sure, things look good, but you never know what might happen!

Once that offer letter is signed, though, then I would immediately contact the second department to withdraw your application. Given the fact that you bought the plane ticket and are willing to eat the cost, I don't think they'll really mind even if it's short notice.

[Plane ticket]

I don't think JMCs should ever have to eat the cost of a plane ticket.

If you're deep in negotiations with the first place, tell them that you're willing to sign their offer and cancel the other interview, but ask them to reimburse you for the cost of the plane ticket that you won't be using.

If they won't do that, accept the offer anyway, but still ask the other place to reimburse your ticket cost. They'll still be saving money by not having to put you in a hotel or pay for your meals, and they'll still be saving the faculty time that would have gone into your visit if you'd gone. If they're good and ethical people, they'll do it. If they won't, see if your department chair will get in touch with theirs on your behalf. Candidate plane tickets are part of the search process and they're not an expense that you should have to pay.

[same again]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I should've added that I do have a physical (well, pdf) contract from the first place with salary and start up, so the finer details are really very small. Even if they don't move on those, I'm going to take the offer. I'm hoping they also won't rescind the offer (I don't see why they would though, I've been very prompt with everyone and haven't strung them along). So aside from having the contract signed on my end (which will happen on Monday), everything is ready to go. I'm definitely going to think on what to do about the plane ticket cost, thanks for the suggestions!!

[Update]

Just to give an update on this situation so that others can beware: I emailed the university and thanked them for the opportunity while also letting them know that I accepted an offer elsewhere and didn’t think it fair to come on the interview. I also asked if it might be possible to receive some sort of reimbursement, since I purchased the ticket with every intention of coming. I have since heard back and was told that they could not reimburse me. So, for anyone who might end up in a similar situation, just be aware that while you may be doing the more ethical thing by not going, the university might not reimburse you.

[kudos]

Thanks for doing the right thing.

[abc]

Lesson of the day: It's never worth the extra sky miles to book the ticket yourself. Let the Uni book the flight for you.

[Update again]

If you can help it, definitely have them purchase the ticket. I unfortunately didn’t have that option—it was required that I book and purchase it. Lesson learned: pay extra for the refundable/changeable ticket if possible (though also be aware that the university might not refund you for the full price of that ticket if you do go on the interview).