VR Job Interview Using a Gender-Swapped Avatar

TL;DR

The paper investigates whether gender-swapped avatars in VR job interviews can reduce applicant anxiety and bias in evaluation. Using a mixed-method, between-subject design with eight participants, the study finds that gender-swapped avatars lower self-reported anxiety but do not significantly alter perceived confidence, competence, or recruiters' judgments. Qualitative data reveal advantages of VR interviews—anonymity, immersion, and skill-focused assessment—alongside limitations like motion sickness and limited nonverbal cues. The work suggests VR-based recruitment can support diversity and inclusion, but broader, more diverse studies are needed to validate generalizability and optimize avatar embodiment.

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a potential solution for mitigating bias in a job interview by hiding the applicants' demographic features. The current study examines the use of a gender-swapped avatar in a virtual job interview that affects the applicants' perceptions and their performance evaluated by recruiters. With a mixed-method approach, we first conducted a lab experiment (N=8) exploring how using a gender-swapped avatar in a virtual job interview impacts perceived anxiety, confidence, competence, and ability to perform. Then, a semi-structured interview investigated the participants' VR interview experiences using an avatar. Our findings suggest that using gender-swapped avatars may reduce the anxiety that job applicants will experience during the interview. Also, the affinity diagram produced seven key themes highlighting the advantages and limitations of VR as an interview platform. These findings contribute to the emerging field of VR-based recruitment and have practical implications for promoting diversity and inclusion in the hiring process.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Examples of VR avatars
• Figure 2: Study procedure
• Figure A.1: Affinity Diagram