  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.
