ABSTRACT
After the appointing authority has received a recommendation from the committee and selected the preferred candidate, it is time to make an offer of employment. Offer letters are legally binding documents that detail the terms and conditions of employment for a new position. As such, anyone extending an offer should use templates provided only by the HR department or the provost’s office. Legal counsel should preapprove these templates to avoid confusion and legal issues. Expert advice regarding offers is that the appointing authority and an HR professional should make the offer together. If the manager involved has not made a number of successful employment offers, he or she would be wise to seek the assistance of an HR professional who has made dozens of offers. Last, the HR representative is also more knowledgeable about total compensation and can explain, defend, or represent the salary and benefits in the best possible light.
