The Psychology of Choice

by Ben Hess, Managing Director, ThirdPool Recruiting

A few months ago, I had the privilege of hearing Sheena Iyengar deliver a keynote address at a recruiting conference.

Sheena is a professor at Columbia University’s Business School and is regarded as an expert on how humans make choices.

From a prospect’s perspective, recruiting is about considering options, making trade-offs, and finding the best career path.

From a recruiter or hiring manager’s perspective, recruiting is about discovering motivations, presenting options, and helping people make good choices.

It sounds simple.

But, the psychology of how people make choices muddies the water.

Shenna’s research has revealed:

The ability to choose well is arguably the most powerful tool for controlling our environments.

But, the desire to choose is so strong that it can interfere with the pursuit of the very benefits a person is pursuing.

Over the next few Insights, we’ll tap into some of Sheena’s insight to help you better understand the science of making choices.

With this knowledge, you’ll help more recruiting prospects choose you.

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