What is the 80/20 rule in interviewing?

The 80/20 Rule of Interviewing: Letting the Candidate Shine

Effective interviewing isn’t about grilling candidates with a barrage of questions; it’s about uncovering their true potential. That’s where the 80/20 rule comes into play, a powerful guideline that prioritizes candidate-driven conversation to maximize the interview’s value. This principle suggests that the interviewer should speak only 20% of the time, allowing the candidate to dominate the conversation for the remaining 80%.

This isn’t about passively observing; it requires active, skillful listening. The interviewer’s role shifts from interrogator to facilitator, guiding the narrative while gleaning crucial information. Instead of a rigid Q&A session, the interview becomes a collaborative exploration of the candidate’s experience and suitability for the role.

The 20% the interviewer dedicates to speaking should be strategically utilized. A concise and welcoming introduction, outlining the interview’s structure and purpose, is crucial. This sets a comfortable tone and allows the candidate to feel at ease, fostering open communication. Furthermore, this initial segment can include a brief overview of the role and company culture, providing context for the candidate’s responses. Subsequently, carefully placed follow-up questions, designed to delve deeper into specific points raised by the candidate, ensure a productive exchange. These questions shouldn’t interrupt the candidate’s flow but rather build upon their contributions, prompting further elaboration and revealing a richer understanding of their capabilities.

The remaining 80% should be dedicated to attentive listening and thoughtful prompting. This active listening involves more than simply hearing words; it entails understanding the underlying context, motivations, and skills the candidate is conveying. It’s about recognizing subtle cues in their body language and tone, allowing for a deeper comprehension of their strengths and weaknesses. The interviewer should be prepared to adapt their approach based on the candidate’s responses, exploring unexpected avenues that may reveal hidden talents or unforeseen challenges.

By adhering to the 80/20 rule, interviewers gain several significant advantages:

• Deeper Insights: Allowing the candidate to lead unveils a more comprehensive picture of their abilities, motivations, and experiences than a strictly question-and-answer format. It reveals how they think, problem-solve, and communicate, offering valuable insights beyond what a resume can provide.

• Authenticity: A candidate-driven conversation fosters a more genuine and relaxed atmosphere, allowing their personality and true capabilities to shine through. This allows for a more accurate assessment of their cultural fit within the organization.

• Improved Candidate Experience: Feeling heard and valued creates a positive experience for the candidate, enhancing their perception of the company and potentially increasing their enthusiasm for the role.

The 80/20 rule isn’t a rigid formula, but a valuable framework. It emphasizes the importance of skillful listening and facilitating a conversation rather than controlling it. By focusing on the candidate’s narrative, interviewers can conduct significantly more effective and insightful interviews, leading to better hiring decisions and a more positive candidate experience.