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What’s The 37% Rule?

Happy Holiday Week! 🦃
Even though we switched to monthly, we are doing two newsletters this month because I missed you all. 💙
In today’s issue:
🎧 The 5 Best Podcasts
🌎 Deel
💙 The 37% Rule
🙊 Meme Of The Day
5 best podcasts I’ve heard recently 🎧
Deel 🌎
I turn down 95% of sponsorship requests, but when Deel reached out, my heart skipped a beat—I knew I had to say yes. Why? For the past two years, I’ve worked closely with our Deel rep and had a great experience. I’ve also researched and demoed their competitors extensively, and in my opinion, Deel is the best when it comes to Employer of Record (EOR) and Agency of Record (AOR) solutions. Of course, it’s always worth exploring your options to see what fits your needs best.
Lastly, I want Deel to feel like the belle of the ball. Want to make someone’s day? Go check them out! 👇🏼
Get your hands on our international compliance handbook
Attracting global talent
Labor laws to consider when hiring
Processing international payroll on time
Staying compliant with employment & tax laws abroad
The 37% Rule 💙
I recently stumbled upon the 37% rule, and before I knew it, I was diving headfirst into a maze of fascinating research.
The 37% rule, also known as the optimal stopping rule, is a mathematical principle used for decision-making. It strikes a balance between exploration and decisiveness when faced with multiple choices.
The rule is based on two simple steps:
Review the first 37% of your options without committing.
After reaching the 37% mark, select the next option that surpasses all the previous ones.
Simply put, the 37% rule helps you make confident decisions while minimizing FOMO. That said, given human nature, can we ever truly eliminate FOMO?
What we can do, though, is use the 37% rule to make more intentional choices. Whether you're picking a restaurant, evaluating a job offer, or even choosing a life partner, it’s a game-changer.
And yes—it’s just as effective in hiring!
Why the 37% Rule Works:
Minimizes Decision Regret: The rule acts like a compass, guiding you to spot exceptional talent without wandering aimlessly or second-guessing past choices.
Saves Time: By streamlining the interview process, we can make quicker hiring decisions while maintaining our high standards.
Budget-Friendly: With fewer interviews, you’re saving not just time but also valuable resources, keeping the hiring process efficient and cost-effective.
Applying the 37% Rule:
Set a Decision Deadline:
Decide how much time you want to dedicate to the decision. For example, aim to hire within the next month.
Explore the First 37%:
From a pool of 20 strong candidates, interview the first 7. Use this time to get a sense of the talent available and establish a benchmark for what “the best” looks like.
Keep Searching, But Be Ready to Act:
Continue the process, but as soon as you find a candidate who surpasses the first 7, commit to them.
Make the Offer:
If the 8th candidate exceeds your benchmark, extend the offer—no need to keep interviewing others.
While the 37% rule can be a game-changer, some roles—like executive positions—may demand casting a wider net and interviewing more candidates. Trust your instincts to guide you in making the right call.
As for me, I’m putting the 37% rule to the test in both hiring and dating. Who knows? It might just lead to the perfect hire—or the love of my life! ♥️
I’d love to hear how the rule works for you—reply to this email and share your results!
Meme Of The Day 🙊

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Happy hiring!
Mia Smithson
CEO & Founder
AI Hiring Newsletter ✨

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