Two common methods used in interviews are:
The Traditional Method, based on open-ended or general questions.
The STAR Method, a structured behavioral interview technique used to assess past performance. But which works better—and why?
In today’s fast-paced recruitment landscape, conducting interviews isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about asking the right questions in the right way. For HR professionals, understanding the difference between structured and unstructured interviews can dramatically improve the quality of hires, reduce bias, and ensure long-term retention.
As the waiter brought their soup, the director leaned back to observe a subtle moment—something that had nothing to do with resumes, degrees, or years of experience.
In today’s evolving workplace, hiring the right person isn’t just about resumes or degrees. It’s about alignment, attitude, and real-world impact.
To help HR professionals refine their understanding of the “ideal candidate,” we introduced a powerful activity called Dream Hire in our Interview Skills Workshop.
Here’s how it works—and why you should try it with your HR or hiring teams.
Dream Hire is an interactive team-based game that encourages participants to think deeply about what truly makes a candidate ideal for a specific role—beyond technical qualifications.
The game gets participants thinking like talent architects: designing roles, defining must-haves, spotting red flags, and crafting impact profiles. It’s brainstorming with a purpose—and a lot of laughs.
✅ Deepen role clarity for critical positions
✅ Differentiate between skills, traits, and cultural fit
✅ Encourage collaborative hiring strategies
✅ Set the stage for structured interviews and fair evaluation
✅ Make HR training fun and memorable
You’ll need the following:
3–5 small teams of 3–5 people each
Printouts of the Dream Hire Worksheet (or digital forms)
Pen & paper, sticky notes, or laptops
A facilitator to guide the discussion
Optional: Timer, projector, and music for a high-energy vibe!
Divide & Assign Roles
Divide participants into teams.
Assign each team a role commonly hired in your industry. (Examples: Production Engineer, R&D Executive, Plant Manager, QA Officer)
Distribute Worksheets
Give each team the Dream Hire Worksheet which includes:
Key Responsibilities
Essential Skills
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal Personality Traits
Deal Breakers (Red Flags)
Expected Impact
Brainstorm & Collaborate (15 minutes)
Teams discuss and fill in the worksheet.
Encourage open brainstorming and critical thinking.
Present to the Group (2–3 minutes per team)
Each team presents their “Dream Hire” profile.
Encourage fun, creative presentations!
Facilitator Debrief (5–10 minutes)
Highlight common themes and interesting differences.
Discuss how these ideas translate into better interviews and JD clarity.
🎭 Encourage storytelling—ask, “What does this person do on Day 1?”
🎨 Use whiteboards, colors, and visuals for added energy
🗣 Give bonus points for creativity, collaboration, or practical insights
📸 Take photos—this activity makes for great social media or internal newsletter content!
Want to try this with your team?
👉 Download the full printable game pack here
It includes:
Game instructions
Blank worksheets
Debrief guide
Sample responses for reference
The Dream Hire Game reminds us that hiring isn't just a process—it's a craft. When HR professionals learn to visualize the ideal candidate collaboratively, it leads to stronger hiring decisions, richer conversations, and better culture fit.
Next time your HR team needs a spark, ditch the slides—and play Dream Hire instead.
🗨️ Have you tried any hiring-related games or simulations? Let us know in the comments!
📩 Want us to facilitate a session for your team? Reach out at training@compassclock.in / +917845050100
