By definition, Virtual Reality (VR) means an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory or stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer. One in which the person’s actions partially determine what happens next in the environment. VR can also be used to describe the technology used to create or access a virtual reality.

So, what does this mean for hiring? Particularly Veteran Hiring, where the need to transition viewpoints from active duty to the civilian workforce (while preserving that amazing military work ethic) is much more critical?

As a performance-driven technology company who has designed an end to end automated discovery solution for the Veteran’s career path throughout their first 12 months of transition, the BrandDisco© Technologies research team continues to explore how VR might eventually play a role in what is offered.

However, there are looming questions which must first be answered, such as…

Will Veteran candidates be required to apply VR gear (i.e. Oculus Rift, Samsung’s VR Headset, etc.) at their next job interview to demonstrate their handling of situational scenarios which test things like problem solving, project work style, critical thinking, customer experience, internal team conflict, etc., in a civilianized workforce? And, what will this all mean for the company and the Veteran candidate? How will their responses be measured? Will the Veteran candidates get a second chance if needed? How far will these scenarios go, and can this VR experience trigger an emotional reaction that might not have been alternatively discovered through any other means? These are all questions that Global HR is still sorting out when it comes to Virtual Reality’s impact on hiring.

While the concept of simulating an experience that isn’t “actually” happening in a physical sense, to incite results produced from the user’s responses may seem farfetched, this notion is already in practice within multiple industries.

See the 9 industries below who are actively using Virtual Reality:

1.      Healthcare

The University of Louisville uses VR in cognitive behavior therapy to treat patients with social anxieties or phobias of things like flying, public speaking, or heights. The controlled environment allows doctors to expose their patients to simulations and direct them on how to cope with how they're feeling.

2.      Entertainment

Although the gaming industry is one of the most obvious uses, there are other apps, though, like Oculus Cinema, that allows users to watch a movie with a deserted movie theater all to themselves. The movie theater industry is, undoubtedly, stoked.

3.      Automotive

Ford Motor Company currently uses virtual reality in its Immersion Lab to help get a sense of how customers experience their cars. They use Oculus Rift headsets, to look at high def renderings of the interiors and exteriors of cars. Similarly, Audi announced this year that they'd be using VR later in the year to give potential car buyers an in-depth look at their cars, as well as the ability to customize not just colors, but electronics

4.      Advertising

Branded VR experiences are taking on many shapes. DODOcase, which makes Google Cardboard pop-up viewers, will customize viewers with logos and the like for companies. Digital marketing agencies are also exploring how they might couple VR and brands.

5.      Education

Training will be a major use for VR — there's potential for everyone from mechanics to surgeons. For younger students though, virtual reality in the classroom could mean virtual field trips, immersive games, and even uses for children with special needs.

6.      Tourism

There's a reason supermarket hand out samples. In December, Destination British Columbia launched a VR experience called The Wild Within which features two options: a boat ride and a hike in the mountains. The app was created to promote tourism to BC. Similarly, Marriott Hotels created a "teleporter" which lets users step into a booth, wear an Oculus Rift headset and visit downtown London or a beach in Hawaii. The teleporter also caters to other senses, so users can feel the wind in their hair and sun on their faces.

7.      Space

NASA's been using VR for years, especially in training situations. One recent use has more to do with improving the quality of life and mental health of astronauts on longer-term missions.

8.      Skilled trades

Welding is an old trade, but now training can be supplemented with virtual reality. One immediate benefit is that using virtual reality training means money doesn't have to be spent on materials to practice on, and the trainees can repeat the task as many times as they need to.

9.      Military and law enforcement

Recently, the British government made the announcement that it would incorporate Oculus Rift into its training of trauma medics for battle. Other military uses are simulations that can help train how to deal with IEDs — and simulations like those can be repeated and mistakes learned from.

While advancements in technology continue to propel us further, specifically as it relates to VR and its impact on Hiring, like anything, there are some disadvantages to mention.

-Lack of camaraderie. Nothing replaces the real thing. Social interaction does help to encourage a more effective and authentic experience. Real people with real emotions who can provide an impromptu conversation, an unprogrammed smile and natural relatability that can often enhance collaboration.

-Risk to reputation. If someone gets hurt during the VR experience (i.e. Blood pressure intensifies, heart racing panic ensues, uncontrollable breathing, etc.) your company runs the risk of adverse reputational damage.

-Security and compliance issues. In some industries, it’s extremely risky to have confidential information stored remotely. For example, the accidental loss or release of data in specific industries, such as financial services and healthcare, can carry serious repercussions. This can also become a matter of discrimination based on one’s tech savviness, emotional state and willingness to embrace a simulated experience. The bar must be set on an equal level playing field.

It is for the above reasons and its looming unanswered questions, that Global HR has quite a few things to figure out before VR will become a widely accepted means for everyday Veteran hiring.

For this and more from BrandDisco© Technologies, including how our technology is being used to help companies hire Top Veteran Talent Faster, visit us on the web @ www.getbranddisco.com or call 704-709-0329 ext. 101 #getbranddisco.com