Virtual reality (VR) has become an innovative multi-functional tool that continues to benefit a variety of industries. Whether it’s assisting heath care patients to overcome phobias through sensory stimuli and cognitive training or allowing children to learn about the world through interactive classes and immersive field trips – it virtually pushes boundaries in whichever industry chooses to harness it.

Virtual reality has now made its way into recruiting and is being utilized as a talent acquisition tool, benefitting both employers and job seekers.

VR is a computer-generated stimulation that allows interaction with a 3D environment as it’s perceived through users' senses. Users receive audio, video, and sometimes haptic feedback through a device, most commonly goggles, bodysuits or headsets. The feedback builds an experience, allowing the brain to perceive a new reality. VR differs from an augmented reality, for it is completely artificial while augmented uses the real world as the basics and is usually less expensive.

In the current job market, attracting quality candidates has become more challenging, sparking employers and HR teams to implement creative, modern hiring tactics. Virtual reality has become the latest immersive tool, allowing prospective candidates to experience the culture and what it would be like to work at a certain company. Organizations already using VR to their advantage include General Mills, Jaguar, Deutsche Bahn, several military institutes and more. Virtual reality gives candidates the opportunity to engage with the workspace by walking around, interacting with the environment and in some cases, virtually picking up and moving objects.

For employers, virtual reality can save time and money by not having to fly out each potential candidate, but instead, bring the “office” to them. Business owners can showcase their impressive workspace and attract more quality talent—¬ones who already experienced the sights and sounds of the environment and determined it was a good fit. Most importantly, employers can intuitively assess candidates using VR to determine if they’re qualified for a position, instead of relying on structured, one-dimensional resumes.

Once employees are officially hired, employers can continue to utilize VR for job trainings. According to a PwC study, VR can drastically increase professional self-confidence in a learning environment. The study showed that “learners trained with VR were up to 275% more confident to act on what they learned.” This was a 40% improvement over in-person classroom training.

The adaptation of VR is becoming an economic imperative across all industries as more businesses shift their focus to becoming tech based. Successful businesses are the ones incorporating a digital-first mindset and striving for innovation and new ways to incorporate technology. The implementation of VR recruiting can be a great way to boost talent sourcing and streamline the hiring process, taking employer brands and productivity to a new era.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, CSI Companies partners with leading organizations to provide full-spectrum workforce solutions. As a boutique division of RGF staffing, one of the world’s largest providers of HR services, CSI has the tools, tactics, and strategies to fuel the success of businesses nationwide.