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human
Verbal offer but still waiting

*UPDATE*

Hello AskAcademia, 

3 weeks ago I was verbally offered my first assistant professor position. They said the process of getting me my contract should take about 2-4 weeks. My concern is that after 3ish weeks I have not heard a peep. Given the state of the US and World, should I be more worried about not having a job next fall? I have reached out one time a couple days ago but heard nothing in response. 

I have heard horror stories of people with signed contracts being rescinded so I am becoming quite nervous. Any prior experience with these contract situations would be beneficial. I understand the magnitude of our current affairs is the underlying issue but if anyone else is in this same boat I’d love to hear from you. 

Thank you.

4/16 Update/Edit: Thank you all so much for the advice and kind words! I should give a little more background that may help paint a clearer picture/answer some questions. 

1. The university already created my email and submitted my initial paperwork (tax stuff etc.) - so that makes me feel hopeful. 

2. I do have an email correspondence with the department chair accepting the offer (just no formal contract). 

3. To add a layer to this, another school has essentially given me a backup offer but I have been unable to visit due to the university being in a Covid “hotspot” which makes me feel rushed to sign a contract as I do not want to be jobless come the fall. 

4. The last issue — this job will move me across country so the process of selling a home/finding one, especially during these times makes this extra difficult with the status being up in the air. BUT, I will wait til the 4 weeks are up to reach out and ask for an update. 


I appreciate this community immensely and will be sure to update this as I go :)
gpt
They did say 2-4 weeks and it's only been three. Most admin people are working from home, which means productivity is \~0.5x right now.

I'd wait until the first day of week five to check in. But, given the current circumstances, I'd also be OK as a chair/dean having a slightly nervous verbal contract hire contacting me for an update.

It's not like they'd rescind the offer just because you inquired, right?