That's how my sibling usually did it. His resume, talent and creds are astounding; but he doesn't mention to the interviewer that he's running the competition, not them.

He does use the proper language "I'm sorry to inform you that you haven't been selected in this round of competition, but I wish you every success," etc. It's been different in this era of mass lay-offs and the upended power dynamic, even for the elite candidates, but typically he'd start with an opportunity pool of about 50, and bring it to about 20 after an initial interview; 5 after the second interview.