CEO Uses Real-Time Interview Feedback to Screen Candidates

Gagan Biyani, CEO of education platform Maven and cofounder of Udemy, is pioneering an unconventional hiring method that challenges traditional interview practices. His approach involves providing candidates with direct, constructive feedback during the interview itself—sometimes publicly during panel interviews or privately in one-on-one settings. Rather than waiting until after the interview concludes, Biyani evaluates how candidates respond to real-time critique as their primary indicator of fit.

The Feedback Test: Measuring Candidate Resilience

Biyani describes this feedback moment as “the most telling part of a candidate’s interview.” His theory is straightforward: a candidate’s immediate reaction reveals whether they can handle constructive criticism and adapt under pressure. Those who freeze, become defensive, or appear offended signal poor cultural alignment, while candidates who lean into the feedback and express enthusiasm demonstrate the resilience and openness Biyani values. This response determines whether candidates advance or receive rejection.

Industry Questions and Practical Application

The controversial tactic has sparked debate within hiring circles, with Biyani openly questioning his own strategy on social media: “Anyone else do this? I’m wondering if I’m insane or brilliant.” The method challenges conventional wisdom that suggests saving feedback for post-interview conversations. By incorporating real-time feedback, Biyani aims to reduce hiring mistakes and identify candidates genuinely interested in growth and improvement rather than merely seeking validation.

While unconventional, this approach reflects a broader shift toward assessing soft skills and cultural fit alongside technical qualifications in modern recruitment practices.