We’ve all been there: you’re conducting an interview, aiming to cover essential topics, and before you know it, the 30 or 60 minutes are up. With just a few minutes left, the candidate gets their turn to ask questions, and – just like that – the session ends. It’s not a great approach.
Some companies are flipping the script to make every minute count. Here is one way to make the interview process more efficient and effective – and a better overall candidate experience.
A New Interview Approach: Empowering Candidates to Lead
Starting with a panel session allows candidates to introduce themselves directly to everyone present. This session lasts less than an hour and doesn’t involve a series of interview questions. Instead, the floor is open for the candidate to lead by sharing their story and perspectives. Then, once the candidate goes for the 1:1s, the basics have been covered and both sides can have meatier conversations on the role, the company and fit.
Here’s the structure:
- Preparation: Candidates receive interview prompts in advance, allowing them to prepare effectively.
- Presentation: Rather than a lengthy slideshow, candidates prepare a short presentation—a few slides at most—covering:
- A brief personal introduction, including anything they’d like the panel to know.
- A high-level career overview, including key roles and achievements.
- Their reasons for being interested in the company and role.
- Discussion Topics: The company provides a list of topics and candidates select one or two to discuss with the group, showcasing their expertise and thought process.
- Company Interaction Insight: This session allows candidates to observe team dynamics, offering insight into company culture.
This process sets the stage for focused, meaningful follow-up sessions. By the time candidates sit down for individual interviews, they’ve covered the basics, leaving more time for deeper, role-specific discussions.
Benefits for Companies and Interviewers
- Consistency in Evaluation: Group interviews provide a unified view of the candidate, minimizing perception discrepancies.
- Enhanced Candidate Preparation: Providing prompts ensures candidates come prepared, leading to insightful, relevant discussions.
- Streamlined Information Sharing: Candidates introduce themselves to all interviewers at once, giving each team member the same foundational information.
- Improved Assessment of Presentation Skills: Observing candidates communicate to a group offers insight into their presentation and interpersonal skills.
Scott White is an EVP and Principal Recruiter at HireMinds. He has over two decades of professional executive recruiting experience.
He specializes in placing communications, marketing, investor relations, and patient advocacy professionals in many industries. Most of his work is in the pharma, biotech, and medical device sectors. He works with clients and candidates across the country.
Scott is a frequent lecturer at universities and professional associates where he shares tips on how to write cover letters, resumes and LinkedIn profiles, how to leverage your network and how to prepare for interviews.