Throw the meeting open for discussion and debate and make sure everyone is heard. Do not hire someone, no matter how well he or she teaches, does research or performs, who will be unable to meet all criteria for contract renewal or tenure. Leave the meeting with a decision. Either you will offer someone the position, invite another finalist for a campus visit, reopen the search during this academic year or next, or close the search. When making an offer congratulations should be offered, your sincere interest conveyed, candidates informed of the exact nature of the position and general terms of employment, and how long they have to decide.
Candidates often have important questions to resolve before they commit themselves.
Be prepared for these questions. The letter of offer constitutes a binding commitment and must be carefully written. Your department, college, and university will have established rules and protocols for who sends these letters and their content. Never pressure candidates into premature decisions. If candidates try to hold you up unreasonably you must assertively define the conditions of the offer and let them decide.