The New Dictionary of Hiring

Choice Problem

/CHOYS PROB-LUHM/

NOUN

A Choice Problem is a hiring problem in which qualified people can be found but don't see enough reason to choose your company.

MEANING

Companies often respond to a Choice Problem by sourcing harder. The result is a larger pipeline of people who eventually take someone else's offer.

‍

If the capable people exist, you can reach them and they still don't want the job, supply isn't the issue. More outreach may produce more rejections, but it won't change what those people think of the opportunity. Figure out what they're choosing instead and why.

Defined by:
James Ellis,
Employer Brand Labs

Category:

Choice

Related Terms:

MAKE THE CHANGE

Instead of:

Treating every hiring problem as a sourcing problem.

Ask:

Are we struggling to find these people, or struggling to make them choose us?

EXAMPLE

The company reaches plenty of qualified people. They take the call, ask sensible questions and then choose to stay put or join somebody else. Recruiting responds by sending more messages.

HOW TO USE IT

Look at where capable candidates decline, disengage or reject offers. Find out which alternatives win and why before increasing the volume of sourcing.

SAY IT TO LEADERSHIP

We can find the talent. We're losing them at the decision. More outreach won't fix what they think of the opportunity, so I'd like to work on the reasons they say no.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH

Talent Scarcity: a Choice Problem means enough people have the capability but aren't choosing you; Talent Scarcity means too few people have it. A Proof Problem is one common cause of a Choice Problem.