Field Notes

People not only remember more accurately what happened recently, but in the face of competing information or when choosing between alternatives, those who judge have a distinct bias for the last performance. This is especially true if the last presentation or performance has distinct qualities. Comparison between competitors makes the favorable qualities of the last performance stand out. 

As a general rule, going last increases the chance of being selected or attaining the highest marks you deserve. 

Judges are reluctant to award the highest mark, grade, or score to contestants who perform early. They don’t want to restrain their options to award higher marks to a more rewarding performance later. From Olympic competitions to bake-offs, between competing proposals, judges consistently favor the last performance. 

The Recency Effect, as it is known in psychology circles, suggests people better recall the information learned most recently. But something else is in the works when recency is applied to evaluating performance. We examine what happened last more favorably when it stands out in any way. In other words, we place more emphasis on the positive attributes we’ve experienced most recently. 

When you are vying for a new job, the last interview slot is the one you want. When you are in a so-called beauty contest, trying to win a contract or the chance to compete, you want to go last if you can. When competing against others in almost any realm, if you have any choice in the order of presentation or performance, pick the last spot. 

Whatever happens that works in your favor will typically be given more weight by those judging the performance. The luck of selection favors those who go last. The order of performances matters for those who compete. 

Those charged with selecting between alternatives look to the future in anticipation of good things to come. Give them a reason to judge you favorably and you will learn a simple truth: Going last is the best way to finish first.