CEO Tests Candidates With Brutal Live Feedback

In an unconventional hiring approach, some CEOs are now providing candidates with direct feedback during the interview itself, sometimes in a public panel setting. This real-time critique serves as a crucial assessment tool, with a candidate's immediate reaction – whether positive engagement or visible discomfort – often dictating their suitability for the role and company culture.

This tactic, championed by figures like Gagan Biyani, CEO of Maven, is designed to reveal coachability and resilience under pressure. While proponents argue it offers valuable insights into a candidate's ability to adapt, critics express concerns that it may induce undue stress and humiliation, potentially filtering out candidates based on biological responses rather than professional merit.

While not yet mainstream, this trend of testing candidates' performance under pressure is reportedly growing, particularly within tech sectors. Experts advise candidates to practice responding thoughtfully to criticism, while also reminding them that an overly harsh interview process can signal a problematic company culture.