This is not a continuation of the epic film “Tron” – we actually live in this fantastic world, which has finally merged with the virtual and augmented reality. It all started with science fiction popsic films, and then became incredibly popular – first with the huge success of games like the Pokemon Go, and then with the chips of the film industry and even therapy.
Meanwhile, AR and VR have already penetrated into recruiting: many companies are using these technologies to improve their practice of interacting with candidates, create exciting gaming tests, and show job seekers that they are champions of innovation.
Of course, in order to impress candidates, you don’t have to put a stupid helmet on their heads. Still, AR and VR can turn your head and open up a new dimension in recruiting.
Meanwhile, eight companies have already challenged reality and applied new technologies in the hiring process.
Jaguar has teamed up with the Gorillaz virtual group to create a series of exciting recruiting games, where the result depends only on the skills of the participant (skill-based games).
It would seem – what connection with recruiting Gorillaz virtual music group (well, except for the corporation Feel Good Inc* may need new employees ;) ) (Feel Good Inc. is the lead hit of the Gorillaz music project, interested parties can watch the clip).
But in “Jaguar” we strongly disagree with that. The car company has teamed up with a mysterious music band to fill more than a thousand vacancies for electronics engineers and programmers.
To do this, a free mixed reality application has been developed, available on iTunes and Google Play. While playing the game, candidates have a detailed understanding of the design of electric cars, but they also need to fold puzzles by consistently cracking the codes.
According to a Jaguar press release, these games “test curiosity, perseverance, non-linear thinking and non-standard problem solving.
This unusual approach brings two huge immediate benefits at once. Candidates who like Jaguar’s games and innovative approach are likely to send a traditional resume to the company. However, those who are making progress in the game with cracking codes, instantly tracked by the recruiting service.
Some might say it’s not that new, but thanks to the application, Jaguar is able to test all of the skills that are in demand, not just the level of the candidate’s qualifications.
In addition, Noodle (Gorillaz virtual solo guitarist) is a representative of Jaguar, and this helps to reduce the gender gap in the high-tech industry, where there are very few women.
Demonstrates its unique office culture to candidates around the world.
Jet wants to outperform Amazon, but realizes that this is only possible if they have a star team on their side.
An online store owned by the world’s largest retailer Walmart tries to attract the best talents with its free and friendly corporate culture and VR helps them to realize the approach “it is better to see once than hear a hundred times”.
The Jet project, first introduced in 2015, is based on the concept of virtual reality developed by Helios Interactive design studio.
Potential candidates can be instantly transferred to the company and experience its culture from the inside.
The interactive video environment provides the effect of a complete immersion in the atmosphere of an office in Hoboken, New Jersey – from a personal meeting with CEO Mark Laurie to corporate parties and performances by Jet’s own rock band – without having to buy airline tickets.
Deutsche Bahn has overcome the problem of aging staff by applying VR technology at job fairs
Having found that the good half of the employees are approaching retirement age, the largest German railway operator Deutsche Bahn realized that it is necessary to attract young talents as soon as possible.
At the end of 2015, they decided to experiment with virtual reality and began to offer candidates at VR helmet job fairs to make them feel like an employee and thus expect to fill mass vacancies for conductors and electricians.
After that, they began to receive 5-10 times more applications from the fair, and most importantly – now the flow was dominated by better quality candidates.
From time to time, Deutsche Bahn encountered candidates who were intimidated by what they saw. But this was a hidden advantage – first, the recruitment team saved time and money on testing people who would only then realize that they did not want to do such a job at all.
And those who applied, firmly understood the requirements and features of the future position and were initially set on success.
The British Army offers recruits to try to drive a tank and other VR scenarios
After the British Army tested the VR capabilities at various events in the country, the number of those wishing to join the British Armed Forces increased by 66%.
Potential recruits were asked to wear a Samsung Gear VR helmet to test themselves in a variety of missions, including tank control, parachute jumps and military mountaineering. In addition, they were able to gain an insight into the combat training experience.
By the way, VR technology isn’t just used by the British Army. US Navy launched a similar VR project at the end of October last year and also noted an increase in the efficiency of recruiting contractors.
Intuit offered students 10 days in their corporate culture
Intuit has an amazing office in Mountain View, California, and a culture that should definitely be adopted by others. In anticipation of an exhibition of design at the University of Washington, D.C., the teams came together and created the effect of being in the company in just 10 working days.
The students were delighted with the opportunity to visit the Intuit office. In addition, the company’s consumer loyalty index (NPS) jumped during the event from -60 to +30.
By the way, Intuit gladly invites to its virtual reality all interested candidates (as well as recruiters who need new ideas).
General Mills uses virtual reality to highlight career events
Food giant General Mills is very interested in being noticed at job fairs. To do this, they invited the participants of the event at Minnesota University on a virtual tour of their offices – and received a huge response.General Mills used an Oculus Rift VR helmet. Leo Timmons, IT Director of Application Development, explains on the company’s website that the very opportunity to get into virtual reality captures job seekers and attracts their attention to the company even before they watch the video.
Equipping attracts crowds,” says Leo. – We had hoped for the effect of a powerful magnet from the beginning – and we were not mistaken. If you’re trying to stand out from the crowd in a crowded career exhibition hall, nothing attracts everyone’s attention.