During an interview, what percentage of talking should the interviewee ideally perform?

In an interview setting, it is generally recommended that the interviewee should aim to do about 90% of the talking. This allows the candidate to express their thoughts, experiences, and expertise fully while providing the interviewer with ample information to assess their fit for the role. The interviewer's role is often to guide the conversation, ask probing questions, and clarify any uncertainties, but the primary focus should remain on the interviewee’s responses.

Encouraging a higher percentage of talking from the interviewee creates an opportunity for them to provide detailed narratives about their background, achievements, and how they would contribute to the organization. This can also help to build rapport, as it gives interviewees the chance to articulate their passions and motivations.

By having the interviewee dominate the conversation, it shifts the balance toward a more interactive and engaging discussion, rather than a simple Q&A format. This approach ultimately leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the interviewee’s qualifications, and it allows them to showcase their communication skills effectively.