Research reveals the profound impact of eye contact and gender bias on virtual job interviews. The study’s findings could lead to innovative changes in how companies assess applicants remotely.
Virtual job interviews have become the norm in a post-pandemic world, but a new breakthrough in artificial intelligence might change how hiring managers evaluate candidates in these digital meetings. A recent study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, underscores the importance of maintaining eye contact during online interviews, revealing it can significantly affect interpersonal evaluations and, consequently, the likelihood of landing a job.
The study’s findings could lead to innovative changes in how companies assess applicants remotely.
During the pandemic, digital communication became essential, yet typical devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops hinder mutual eye contact due to the placement of cameras and screens. While eye contact’s positive effects in traditional communication are well-documented, its role in virtual settings is less understood.
In the study, 12 university students participated as interviewees, delivering the same prepared speech in two sessions: one facing the camera (CAM) and one looking at the screen (SKW). Additionally, a voice-only (VO) stimulus was created from the recordings. Thirty-eight full-time workers evaluated these stimuli.
The results showed that the SKW condition received significantly less favorable evaluations compared to CAM and VO conditions. A secondary analysis suggested a potential gender bias: female evaluators were harsher on the SKW condition than male evaluators, and the difference in evaluations between CAM and SKW conditions was more pronounced for female interviewees than male interviewees.
As remote work continues to gain traction, organizations are increasingly relying on virtual platforms for hiring. Ensuring candidates can present themselves effectively in these settings becomes paramount. The research suggests that enhancing AI tools to simulate natural eye contact could level the playing field for job seekers, providing a more accurate representation of their interpersonal skills.
Gender Bias in Online Interviews
A secondary analysis revealed a potential gender bias in evaluations. Female evaluators were harsher on interviewees who looked at the screen compared to male evaluators. The difference in evaluations between looking at the camera and looking at the screen was more pronounced for female interviewees than for male interviewees.
These findings highlight the importance of gaze direction and also suggest that gender biases can affect online interactions.
Advice for College Students Preparing for Online Interviews
When preparing for online interviews, it’s crucial to be mindful of the limitations posed by camera placement on devices. To enhance communication and boost your chances of success, make a conscious effort to look directly at the camera while nodding or smiling.
Advice for Companies Conducting Online Interviews
For companies conducting the interviews, it’s important to recognize that despite focusing on verbal content, unintentional biases can arise due to these camera constraints. To ensure fair evaluations, they should combine online interviews with written assessments or in-person interviews.
“The ultimate goal is to develop guidelines and tools that enhance understanding and management of visual attention in video conferencing, thereby improving interaction quality and evaluation fairness in remote settings,” Noriko Yamane, a researcher at Hiroshima University and co-first author of the study, said in a statement.
The Future
Looking forward, advancements in technology that facilitate direct eye contact in video calls and virtual environments will help make online communication feel more natural and effective.
By incorporating AI technology suggested by the study, interview platforms could better mimic the nuances of in-person interactions. This advancement promises a fairer assessment process, potentially reducing biases based on physical presence and instead focusing on the genuine expression of interest and engagement.
This research not only paves the way for technological advancements in human resources but also offers hopeful prospects for job seekers aiming to make a lasting impression virtually. In a competitive job market, every detail counts, and eye contact might just be the edge needed to secure that dream job.