appointment

This word carries a sense of obligation and structured time. It differs from a casual meeting or a date because it implies a professional or official agreement where both parties are expected to adhere to a strict schedule. It is the standard term for medical, legal, or business interactions. In the context of a job, it suggests a top-down selection process rather than a competitive application process. While a hire might be based on a series of interviews, an appointment often implies a formal designation by an authority figure, carrying a weight of prestige and official mandate.