Alternative Solution
This problem and several modifications can be solved (including the proof of optimality) in a straightforward manner by the Odds algorithm (2000) which also allows for other applications. Modifications for the secretary problem which can be solved by this algorithm include random availabilities of applicants, more general hypotheses for applicants to be of interest to the decision maker, group interviews for applicants, as well as certain models for a random number of applicants. None of these modifications are treated in this article.
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