The responses from questionnaires (N=182) given to 201 individuals who were provided an opportunity to join the faculty of two research universities (one rural, one urban) were analyzed to determine the factors influencing their decisions to join or not join. Interviews with 60% of the respondents were conducted to gather further information. Particular attention was paid to the relative weight and importance placed on the tangible, intangible, and non-work related benefits in the decision making process. Comparisons were drawn from previous faculty recruitment studies and to the complementary retention study, as well as between the urban and rural subject universities. In all, of the ten most influential factors found in the decision making process, eight were intangible benefits of employment and present in all analyses: institutional, department and associates reputations; research opportunities; teaching assignments/opportunities; career advancement opportunities, congeniality of associates; and rapport with departmental leaders. The ninth common factor was the tangible benefit "teaching/research load," and the uncommon factor found in the top ten of one of the universities was the tangible benefit of "library facilities"; in the other university it was "research funding." (19 references) (GLR)